Accessibility Features in VEXcode AIR – VEX Library

A series of features are available in VEXcode AIR in order to support users as they code their VEX AIR Drone. 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 AIR can be read aloud.

VEXcode context menu opened from a move forward block, showing options Duplicate, Disable Block, Delete Blocks, Block Help, Convert Block to Switch Block, and Read Block; Read Block is highlighted

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 toolbar with AIR logo on the left and Tools menu highlighted between File and Tutorials; globe icon also visible for language settings.

Open the Tools Menu in VEXcode AIR.

Expanded Tools menu in VEXcode showing options Keyboard Shortcuts, Speech Settings, Hardware, API Reference (searchable), and VEX Library; Speech Settings is highlighted

Select Speech Settings.

Speech Settings popup in VEXcode with dropdown for voice selection set to Microsoft, pitch and speed sliders both at 100 percent, Test Voice button in green, and Done button in blue

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

VEXcode toolbar with AIR logo on the left and Tools menu highlighted between File and Tutorials; globe icon also visible for language settings

Open the Tools Menu in VEXcode AIR.

Expanded Tools menu in VEXcode showing options Keyboard Shortcuts, Speech Settings, Hardware, API Reference (searchable), and VEX Library; Keyboard Shortcuts is highlighted

Select Keyboard Shortcuts.

Keyboard Shortcuts submenu from Tools menu in VEXcode, listing Download (command + d), Run (command + return), Stop (Command + e), and Open Help (command + h); submenu is aligned next to Tools dropdown

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