Accessibility Features in VEXcode AIM – VEX Library

A series of features are available in VEXcode AIM in order to support users as they code their VEX AIM Coding Robot. This includes the option to read blocks aloud and the ability to use certain keyboard shortcuts to navigate VEXcode.

Read Blocks Aloud

All blocks inside VEXcode AIM can be read aloud.

A When started block with a Move for block attached. The Context menu of the Move for block is open, with the Read block option highlighted in a red box.

Right-click to open the block's context menu. Then select Read Block. You will hear the block read aloud from your device.

Customizing Voices for Reading Blocks

VEXcode workspace focused on the upper left side of the window. The option Tools is highlighted. This is the third in the list from the left after the globe and file, and before the Tutorials option.

Open the Tools Menu in VEXcode AIM.

The Tools menu in the upper right hand corner of the VEXcode AIM Toolbar with the Speech Settings option highlighted in a red box.

Select Speech Settings.

A screenshot of the Speech Settings window in VEXcode. The window allows users to select a voice from a dropdown menu labeled 'Voices,' with 'Gordon' currently selected. There are two sliders below, one for 'Pitch' and one for 'Speed,' both set at 100%. A green button labeled 'Test Voice' is below the sliders. At the bottom right corner, there is a blue 'Done' button.

In this menu, the voice being used, the speed of the speech, and the pitch of the voice can be changed.

Keyboard Shortcuts

There are new Keyboard shortcuts available for starting, stopping, stepping, and opening help documentation.

VEXcode workspace focused on the upper left side of the window. The option Tools is highlighted. This is the third in the list from the left after the globe and file, and before the Tutorials option.

To view the available keyboard shortcuts, open the Tools Menu in VEXcode AIM.

The Tools menu in the upper right hand corner of the VEXcode AIM Toolbar with the Keyboard Shortcuts option highlighted in a red box.

Select Keyboard Shortcuts.

The Tools menu in the upper right hand corner of the VEXcode AIM Toolbar with the Keyboard Shortcuts selected and the available shortcuts shown.

A list of available shortcuts specific to your device will appear. This image shows an example of the macOS shortcuts.