Rachel Sortino
@rmeaso.bsky.social
PhD student in Educational Neuroscience. STEM Signs and Deaf Ed. Mural in banner by Yiqioa Wang.
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
Finally! A new blog post! How to Create Audio Description VTT Files for Free: No Fancy Tools Needed. Creating captions is easy. Tools abound. But audio description? Not so much… I found a way! meryl.net/audio-descri...
#Accessibility
#Accessibility
How to Create Free Audio Description VTT Files for Videos
Make your videos more accessible: Create free audio description VTTs. Separate captions and AD tracks made simple.
meryl.net
July 29, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Finally! A new blog post! How to Create Audio Description VTT Files for Free: No Fancy Tools Needed. Creating captions is easy. Tools abound. But audio description? Not so much… I found a way! meryl.net/audio-descri...
#Accessibility
#Accessibility
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
Automatic captions make it difficult to watch videos because the viewer is forced to decipher misspelled or mistranslated words that appear in a string of text without any punctuation. These can be distracting and disorienting. Always edit your captions before publishing.
July 11, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Automatic captions make it difficult to watch videos because the viewer is forced to decipher misspelled or mistranslated words that appear in a string of text without any punctuation. These can be distracting and disorienting. Always edit your captions before publishing.
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
Thank you to @nature.com for inviting me to write about some of the recent #deaf training program cuts and what we can do to keep going!
Severe blows to the ‘deaf-scientist pipeline’ must not mean abandoning its best practices. Here is how to support current and future students, says Wyatte C. Hall
https://go.nature.com/4eDVjqp
https://go.nature.com/4eDVjqp
Deaf scientists hit by drastic NIH cuts — the research community must support them
Severe blows to the ‘deaf-scientist pipeline’ must not mean abandoning its best practices. Here is how to support current and future students.
go.nature.com
July 9, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Thank you to @nature.com for inviting me to write about some of the recent #deaf training program cuts and what we can do to keep going!
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
You don't necessarily want to use the exact same alt text each time a specific image is used. Alt text must consider the context of the image and why it's being included on a site, post, article, etc. In other words, alt text depends on where you're including the image and why.
July 9, 2025 at 2:33 AM
You don't necessarily want to use the exact same alt text each time a specific image is used. Alt text must consider the context of the image and why it's being included on a site, post, article, etc. In other words, alt text depends on where you're including the image and why.
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
If you are in the US and are doing research on Cognitive Development, Educational Psychology, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience or in related fields, contact me and we can put together an application for these brilliant new programs at Western University. We value diversity & academic freedom!
To attract top global talent, #WesternU is doubling the number of Postdoctoral Fellowship Program awards and launching the new US-CAN Doctoral Excellence Awards. #CdnPSE #HigherEd
Western expands PhD and postdoc funding - Western News
Western is boosting funding for postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates from the U.S. and other countries with expanded and new award programs.
news.westernu.ca
July 8, 2025 at 6:54 PM
If you are in the US and are doing research on Cognitive Development, Educational Psychology, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience or in related fields, contact me and we can put together an application for these brilliant new programs at Western University. We value diversity & academic freedom!
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
For screen readers to recognize headings, heading text can't just be body text or normal text that's been made to look bigger and bolder. It must be formatted as a heading. In Microsoft Word and Google Docs, this can be done in the styles box. In HTML, use the tags h1 through h6.
July 6, 2025 at 1:03 AM
For screen readers to recognize headings, heading text can't just be body text or normal text that's been made to look bigger and bolder. It must be formatted as a heading. In Microsoft Word and Google Docs, this can be done in the styles box. In HTML, use the tags h1 through h6.
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
$2,305: direct cash aid we sent last week to unhoused & recently housed neighbors
$515: utility support we sent to keep people’s lights on
If you aren’t already & are able, pls sign up for recurring donations — it helps sustain & grow this work:
givebutter.com/remorahouse
$515: utility support we sent to keep people’s lights on
If you aren’t already & are able, pls sign up for recurring donations — it helps sustain & grow this work:
givebutter.com/remorahouse
Support Remora House
By Remora House
givebutter.com
July 5, 2025 at 3:41 PM
$2,305: direct cash aid we sent last week to unhoused & recently housed neighbors
$515: utility support we sent to keep people’s lights on
If you aren’t already & are able, pls sign up for recurring donations — it helps sustain & grow this work:
givebutter.com/remorahouse
$515: utility support we sent to keep people’s lights on
If you aren’t already & are able, pls sign up for recurring donations — it helps sustain & grow this work:
givebutter.com/remorahouse
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
This is why the right relies so heavily on anecdotes, cherry-picked statistics and bizarre niche obsessions: they want to distract from the basic falsehood at the heart of their conspiracy.
July 4, 2025 at 4:53 PM
This is why the right relies so heavily on anecdotes, cherry-picked statistics and bizarre niche obsessions: they want to distract from the basic falsehood at the heart of their conspiracy.
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
They gutted NOAA — is that because the agency “failed to tell the story” about how predicting hurricanes is good?
The people destroying these agencies are deranged conspiracists allergic to basic facts and expertise. *This* is the important thing to stress when describing and responding to it.
The people destroying these agencies are deranged conspiracists allergic to basic facts and expertise. *This* is the important thing to stress when describing and responding to it.
June 30, 2025 at 11:22 PM
They gutted NOAA — is that because the agency “failed to tell the story” about how predicting hurricanes is good?
The people destroying these agencies are deranged conspiracists allergic to basic facts and expertise. *This* is the important thing to stress when describing and responding to it.
The people destroying these agencies are deranged conspiracists allergic to basic facts and expertise. *This* is the important thing to stress when describing and responding to it.
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
From prenatal support to cancer screenings, Planned Parenthood is dedicated to the full spectrum of women's health care.
The Supreme Court is telling women that their lives are disposable and their health doesn't matter. Shameful.
The Supreme Court is telling women that their lives are disposable and their health doesn't matter. Shameful.
BREAKING: The Supreme Court allows states to cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood.
States can cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, the Supreme Court rules
A divided Supreme Court is allowing states to cut off Medicaid money for Planned Parenthood amid a wider Republican-backed push to defund the organization, the country’s largest abortion provider.
bit.ly
June 26, 2025 at 9:13 PM
From prenatal support to cancer screenings, Planned Parenthood is dedicated to the full spectrum of women's health care.
The Supreme Court is telling women that their lives are disposable and their health doesn't matter. Shameful.
The Supreme Court is telling women that their lives are disposable and their health doesn't matter. Shameful.
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
The sun's out, but don’t skip the sunscreen! Learn the science behind what happens when you get a tan!
youtu.be/jYoSy8Kqblk
youtu.be/jYoSy8Kqblk
What is melanin and how do sunburns happen?
YouTube video by Atomic Hands
youtu.be
June 23, 2025 at 12:44 PM
The sun's out, but don’t skip the sunscreen! Learn the science behind what happens when you get a tan!
youtu.be/jYoSy8Kqblk
youtu.be/jYoSy8Kqblk
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
3/3:
The kicker: CDC *had* a dedicated falls prevention team focused on developing prevention programs, issuing guidelines, & supporting local efforts.
But that team was cut in mass layoffs under the Trump administration.
The disregard for seniors’ health disgusts, but doesn’t surprise us.
The kicker: CDC *had* a dedicated falls prevention team focused on developing prevention programs, issuing guidelines, & supporting local efforts.
But that team was cut in mass layoffs under the Trump administration.
The disregard for seniors’ health disgusts, but doesn’t surprise us.
June 20, 2025 at 8:54 PM
3/3:
The kicker: CDC *had* a dedicated falls prevention team focused on developing prevention programs, issuing guidelines, & supporting local efforts.
But that team was cut in mass layoffs under the Trump administration.
The disregard for seniors’ health disgusts, but doesn’t surprise us.
The kicker: CDC *had* a dedicated falls prevention team focused on developing prevention programs, issuing guidelines, & supporting local efforts.
But that team was cut in mass layoffs under the Trump administration.
The disregard for seniors’ health disgusts, but doesn’t surprise us.
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
What is common knowledge in your field, but shocks outsiders?
It's all just linear models. Statistics is, like, three linear algebra operations in a probability-shaped trenchcoat.
It's all just linear models. Statistics is, like, three linear algebra operations in a probability-shaped trenchcoat.
What is common knowledge in your field, but shocks outsiders?
There are thousands of freshwater fish species in North America alone. My historical dataset from Missouri alone had 200 species. And they're all more interesting than bass
There are thousands of freshwater fish species in North America alone. My historical dataset from Missouri alone had 200 species. And they're all more interesting than bass
What is common knowledge in your field, but. shocks outsiders?
Most algae isn't bad or harmful. #NotAllAlgae
Most algae isn't bad or harmful. #NotAllAlgae
June 17, 2025 at 3:20 AM
What is common knowledge in your field, but shocks outsiders?
It's all just linear models. Statistics is, like, three linear algebra operations in a probability-shaped trenchcoat.
It's all just linear models. Statistics is, like, three linear algebra operations in a probability-shaped trenchcoat.
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
First and foremost, alt text must always be informative and descriptive of the content in the image. It can have character and humor, but it still needs to be informative and descriptive. Alt text is not a place to add easter eggs or jokes for sighted users.
June 17, 2025 at 1:15 AM
First and foremost, alt text must always be informative and descriptive of the content in the image. It can have character and humor, but it still needs to be informative and descriptive. Alt text is not a place to add easter eggs or jokes for sighted users.
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
Take 5m today to fights for your rights! Disability comes for all of us.
This has not gotten enough traction. Those with physical or mental disability are under attack by the DoE with a new proposed rule that will deregulate handicapped access to future buildings regulations. Please submit a public comment in opposition. We only have 3 days left!
June 13, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Take 5m today to fights for your rights! Disability comes for all of us.
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
The thing about "accessibility" committees is that they should be made up of disabled people. Not abled people, not parents of disabled children, not business owners who hire disabled people, and so on.
Disabled people.
Disabled people.
June 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
The thing about "accessibility" committees is that they should be made up of disabled people. Not abled people, not parents of disabled children, not business owners who hire disabled people, and so on.
Disabled people.
Disabled people.
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
Why do microwaves have spinning trays? It's not for a cheesy reason!
This video stitch (@museumofscience @alex.dainis) explains in ASL the science behind microwaves and shows how you can use cheese to see the length of a wave!
#STEMinASL #258STEMFacts #TheMoreYouKnow #Microwaves #WaveLength
This video stitch (@museumofscience @alex.dainis) explains in ASL the science behind microwaves and shows how you can use cheese to see the length of a wave!
#STEMinASL #258STEMFacts #TheMoreYouKnow #Microwaves #WaveLength
June 2, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Why do microwaves have spinning trays? It's not for a cheesy reason!
This video stitch (@museumofscience @alex.dainis) explains in ASL the science behind microwaves and shows how you can use cheese to see the length of a wave!
#STEMinASL #258STEMFacts #TheMoreYouKnow #Microwaves #WaveLength
This video stitch (@museumofscience @alex.dainis) explains in ASL the science behind microwaves and shows how you can use cheese to see the length of a wave!
#STEMinASL #258STEMFacts #TheMoreYouKnow #Microwaves #WaveLength
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
If you liked the Apple+ Deaf President Now! documentary, you'll love texting the governor of NJ and telling him to fund the state deaf school! ✨🌟
Contact the Office of Phil Murphy and ask him to
ensure that MKSD's residential program is included in the
final budget.
Call him: 609-292-6000
Text him! 732-605-5455
Email via website: www.nj.gov/governor/con...
ensure that MKSD's residential program is included in the
final budget.
Call him: 609-292-6000
Text him! 732-605-5455
Email via website: www.nj.gov/governor/con...
The Official Website of Governor Phil Murphy
The official website of the 56th Governor of New Jersey State, Phil Murphy.
www.nj.gov
May 28, 2025 at 4:09 PM
If you liked the Apple+ Deaf President Now! documentary, you'll love texting the governor of NJ and telling him to fund the state deaf school! ✨🌟
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
If you're only following this "debate" through popular media you probably have the impression that studies on youth gender medicine are roughly split between benefits and harms.
Nope! Nearly every study finds benefits. The "debate" is just a bunch of people going, "Those don't count."
Nope! Nearly every study finds benefits. The "debate" is just a bunch of people going, "Those don't count."
May 27, 2025 at 7:07 PM
If you're only following this "debate" through popular media you probably have the impression that studies on youth gender medicine are roughly split between benefits and harms.
Nope! Nearly every study finds benefits. The "debate" is just a bunch of people going, "Those don't count."
Nope! Nearly every study finds benefits. The "debate" is just a bunch of people going, "Those don't count."
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
🚨Wee ooh wee ooh 🚨
Less than one week to get these shirts guaranteed in your size and color choice!
@franzanth.bsky.social designed ‘em!
They support science communication work here in Philly!
Screen printed on 100% cotton next level tees.
Get ‘em
Squidfacts.bigcartel.com
RTs super appreciated!
Less than one week to get these shirts guaranteed in your size and color choice!
@franzanth.bsky.social designed ‘em!
They support science communication work here in Philly!
Screen printed on 100% cotton next level tees.
Get ‘em
Squidfacts.bigcartel.com
RTs super appreciated!
May 26, 2025 at 2:25 PM
🚨Wee ooh wee ooh 🚨
Less than one week to get these shirts guaranteed in your size and color choice!
@franzanth.bsky.social designed ‘em!
They support science communication work here in Philly!
Screen printed on 100% cotton next level tees.
Get ‘em
Squidfacts.bigcartel.com
RTs super appreciated!
Less than one week to get these shirts guaranteed in your size and color choice!
@franzanth.bsky.social designed ‘em!
They support science communication work here in Philly!
Screen printed on 100% cotton next level tees.
Get ‘em
Squidfacts.bigcartel.com
RTs super appreciated!
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
Bluesky has a setting that will remind you to add alt text before posting any images.
Go to "Settings," then "Accessibility." Select the checkbox for "Require alt text before posting."
Go to "Settings," then "Accessibility." Select the checkbox for "Require alt text before posting."
May 26, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Bluesky has a setting that will remind you to add alt text before posting any images.
Go to "Settings," then "Accessibility." Select the checkbox for "Require alt text before posting."
Go to "Settings," then "Accessibility." Select the checkbox for "Require alt text before posting."
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
The Trump administration just dropped an executive order, "Restoring Gold Standard Science" and there's lots to unpack. This EO reveals more about how the Administration will approach scientific integrity and science in regulatory contexts. Some initial thoughts. 🧵
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Restoring Gold Standard Science
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 7301 of title 5, United
www.whitehouse.gov
May 23, 2025 at 11:01 PM
The Trump administration just dropped an executive order, "Restoring Gold Standard Science" and there's lots to unpack. This EO reveals more about how the Administration will approach scientific integrity and science in regulatory contexts. Some initial thoughts. 🧵
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
Did you know Bluesky has a setting that will remind you to add alt text before posting any images?
Global Accessibility Awareness Day is a great day to help you get that set up.
Go to "Settings," then "Accessibility." Select the checkbox for "Require alt text before posting."
#GAAD #GAAD2025
Global Accessibility Awareness Day is a great day to help you get that set up.
Go to "Settings," then "Accessibility." Select the checkbox for "Require alt text before posting."
#GAAD #GAAD2025
May 15, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
START YOUR MORNING: With Omaha's next mayor, Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing Jr.
From Aaron Sanderford and Cindy Gonzalez:
From Aaron Sanderford and Cindy Gonzalez:
Ewing sends Stothert packing, gives heart of ‘blue dot’ a Democratic mayor • Nebraska Examiner
Voters elected Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing Jr., the Democrat in charge of the offices where people annually pay their car taxes.
buff.ly
May 14, 2025 at 11:45 AM
START YOUR MORNING: With Omaha's next mayor, Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing Jr.
From Aaron Sanderford and Cindy Gonzalez:
From Aaron Sanderford and Cindy Gonzalez:
Reposted by Rachel Sortino
Hispanic PIs and those with disabilities were twice as likely to lose a grant. 3/3
May 13, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Hispanic PIs and those with disabilities were twice as likely to lose a grant. 3/3