Control Alt Access

08/27/2026

The hardest thing about beta testing iOS27 is honoring the NDA that is attached. There are so many new accessibility features opening so many doors for me.

It's going to be an interesting September from the standpoint of an assistive technology instructor.

08/22/2026

Attention WhatsApp users! Now you can follow CAA on WhatsApp. Get quick access tips and tricks, CAA news and announcements, and so much more. View the channel and follow by visiting the following link.

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb8USvDHrDZb2lLPj42T

Follow Control Alt Access's WhatsApp Channel. Accessibility and assistive technology made practical. Follow Control Alt Access for quick tips, useful resources, Tech Club news, and CAA updates.

Learn more at controlaltaccess.com.. Join 10 followers for the latest updates.

08/21/2026

The August issue of Access Granted is out! This edition is our back to school edition, and we're taking a look at strategies for increasing accessibility through use of AI in learning environments. Check it out at

A newsletter from Control Alt Access

07/20/2026

VoiceOver users:
Are you ever in a position of wanting to copy what VoiceOver reads you so you can paste it in a message, email, or somewhere else?
You can!
When you hear the phrase you want to copy, quadruple tap the screen with 3 fingers to copy the phrase to the clipboard. You can then navigate to the edit field, turn the rotor to edit and use the paste option.

Have more than one thing you want to paste?
Just to the left of edit in the rotor is the copied speech option. You can then swipe up or down with 1 finger until you hear the phrase you want to paste and double-tap with 1 finger to insert it.

07/15/2026

🔐 Your iPhone protects some of your most personal information. Do you know how to get the most out of its built-in security features?

Join us for the August Control Alt Access Tech Club as we explore iPhone Passcodes & Biometric Security!

📅 Saturday, August 1
🕛 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Eastern
💻 Free to attend

We’ll discuss:
• Creating a strong passcode
• Using Face ID and Touch ID effectively
• When your iPhone requires a passcode instead of biometrics
• Security and privacy best practices
• Answers to your questions during a live Q&A

Whether you’re new to the iPhone or have been using one for years, you’ll come away with practical tips to help keep your information safe.

📌 RSVP: https://fantastical.app/i/SMo8r07qWOvFFny

If you enjoy Tech Club and would like to support future sessions and free accessibility resources, you can leave a tip here:
https://square.link/u/RbgMWhSb?src=sheet

Accessibility is a journey, not a destination.

07/13/2026

If you’ve ever used my Guide to Discord for Screen Reader Users at starshipchangeling.net/discord, I’ve got some exciting news.

That guide has helped people learn Discord for years, but Discord has changed a lot since it was first published. So rather than making a few small edits, I’m giving it the overhaul it deserves.

Coming soon:

The Control Alt Access Guide to Discord for Screen Reader Users

The new guide is being completely updated to reflect today’s version of Discord, expanded with clearer explanations, modern navigation techniques, updated keyboard commands, and practical accessibility tips throughout. It will also have a brand-new home on the Control Alt Access website, making it part of a growing collection of free accessibility resources.

The existing guide at starshipchangeling.net/discord will remain available for now and will eventually redirect to its new home once the updated version is ready.

I’m excited to bring one of my most popular accessibility resources into the next chapter, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Stay tuned for previews, progress updates, and the official launch announcement.

Accessibility is a journey, not a destination.

A long-form guide to using Discord on desktop with a screen reader.

07/06/2026

💡 Accessibility Tip: Add your own image descriptions on iPhone

Did you know you can add a custom description directly to a photo on your iPhone?

If you use VoiceOver, this can make it much easier to identify personal photos later. If you share images with other VoiceOver users, they can hear the description you wrote when using Image Explorer. It’s also a great way to leave yourself a reminder about what’s happening in a photo.

Here’s how:

📷 Open the photo in the Photos app.
✏️ Tap Edit, then Markup.
➕ Tap the Add button, then choose Description.
⌨️ Type a description of the image and tap Done.

Your description is saved with the photo and can be read by VoiceOver in supported apps.

This feature is perfect for organizing family photos, documenting work images, or adding context that AI might miss. Instead of relying only on automatic image recognition, you can make sure the description says exactly what matters.

Accessibility isn’t just something we create for other people. Sometimes it’s one of the best ways to make our own digital lives easier.

07/05/2026

🛣️ The Road So Far…

This week at Control Alt Access, we explored what accessibility looks like in everyday life.

🛑 Accessibility Myth Monday
Accessibility doesn’t just help people with disabilities. It creates better experiences for everyone.

💡 Tech Tip Tuesday
Three Windows keyboard shortcuts that can save time and boost productivity.

🔍 Behind the Screen
A look at what happens during an accessibility review and why small improvements matter.

🛑 Accessibility Myth Thursday
Post text and alt text work together. One doesn’t replace the other.

🎉 Accessibility Win Friday
We celebrated a local organization that embraced accessibility by adding image descriptions to their Facebook posts, proving that one conversation can spark meaningful change.

🇺🇸 Independence Day
We celebrated the many forms independence can take and the role accessible technology plays in helping people participate, connect, and thrive.

Thank you for following along this week. Every conversation, every improvement, and every accessible post helps create a more inclusive online community.

What accessibility topic would you like to see us cover next?

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day!

Today, we’re celebrating the many ways independence takes shape.

For some, it’s gathering with family and friends.

For others, it’s making a phone call without assistance, navigating a new place with confidence, reading a favorite book, or sharing a photo that everyone can enjoy.

Every step toward accessibility creates more opportunities for people to participate, connect, and live independently.

Wherever you’re celebrating today, everyone at Control Alt Access wishes you a safe, joyful, and Happy Independence Day!

💚 Because independence is for everyone.

07/03/2026

🎉 Accessibility Win Friday

Sometimes the biggest wins start with one small change.

A local organization recently began adding accessibility descriptions to the comments of their Facebook posts.

It didn’t happen because of a policy or a mandate. It happened because someone showed them what was possible.

Now, they’re making their content more welcoming and accessible to people who can’t fully experience the images they share.

That’s what accessibility is all about.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about learning, improving, and making sure more people can participate.

Every accessible post is another step toward a more inclusive online community.

This week, we’re celebrating progress. 💚

Have you seen a business, nonprofit, or creator make a positive change to improve accessibility? We’d love to hear about it!