Non-Visual AI Productivity

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Lesson 3: AI Tools and Use Cases for Non-Visual Productivity

Course: Foundations of Non-Visual AI Productivity (AI Basics)

Lesson content

• Lesson Objective: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to choose practical AI use cases for non-visual work and write prompts that request accessible structure and clear verification steps.
• What you will learn: practical use cases where AI can save time in a non-visual workflow. In every use case below, apply the NVAIP loop: Orient (goal + constraints), Plan (steps + format), Execute (work in small chunks), Verify (spot-check critical details), and Recover (fix fast and keep versions).
• Use case 1: Reading and summarizing text
  • When it helps: long emails, reports, meeting notes, policies, research articles.
  • How to do it non-visually: paste the text you want summarized (or use a tool that can read a file you uploaded). Ask for a structured output (headings + bullets) and a short list of action items.
  • Verification step: ask, "List key facts (names, dates, numbers) and any uncertain parts." Then spot-check at least 2 important points in the original text.
• Use case 2: Templates and formatting (structure-first writing)
  • When it helps: project updates, reports, minutes, proposals, LinkedIn posts, emails.
  • How to do it non-visually: provide rough notes and ask AI to convert them into a template (for example: headings, bullets, a short summary, and next steps).
  • Format request hack: Use this magic phrase when you want screen-reader-friendly output: "Please use Markdown headers (H1, H2) so I can navigate this easily with my screen reader."
  • Verification step: ask, "What did you change and why?" Then review the headings with your screen reader. Confirm that the meaning stayed the same.
• Use case 3: Calendar management and scheduling
  • When it helps: proposing time slots, drafting invites, creating agendas, and setting reminders.
  • How to do it non-visually: ask AI to draft an invite message, an agenda, and 2-3 time options. (Actual booking depends on the calendar tool you use.)
  • Verification step: confirm the timezone, date, start/end time, and participants. Ask AI to restate: "Meeting title, date, time, timezone, attendees."
• Use case 4: Preparing presentations without heavy slide UI
  • When it helps: turning ideas into a clear slide structure quickly.
  • How to do it non-visually: ask AI for a slide outline: slide titles + 3-5 bullets each, plus optional speaker notes. You can also ask for suggested image ideas (described in words) for a sighted teammate to add later.
  • Verification step: check that the outline matches your goal and audience. Spot-check all numbers and claims before presenting.
• Use case 5: Navigating software and understanding visual content
  • What AI vision can do: describe what is on screen (labels, layout, images) and help you locate interface elements that your screen reader may not announce.
  • Scene description: For dashboards or complex interfaces, ask AI: "Describe the layout of this dashboard so I can find the 'Settings' button." This is a high-value skill for blind professionals when the interface is not fully accessible.
  • What AI vision usually cannot guarantee: safely clicking buttons or completing actions inside any app. For actions, prefer keyboard shortcuts, accessible app alternatives, or trusted automation tools - and verify results.
  • Charts and graphics: if you provide the chart image (or better, the underlying data), AI can generate a summary. Ask for the key trend plus a simple table of the main numbers.
  • Verification step: confirm the summary against the source (numbers, labels, dates). If possible, verify using the raw data rather than the picture.
• Use case 6: Working with visuals accessibly (alt text and descriptions)
  • When it helps: social media images, blog graphics, presentations, documents.
  • How to do it non-visually: ask AI to draft alt text that is objective and concise, and to mention any visible text that matters.
  • Verification step: treat AI alt text as a draft. Confirm key details yourself (especially people, numbers, and any text). If an image is complex, ask for both a short alt text and a longer description.
• Use case 7: Proofreading and editing
  • When it helps: catching typos, improving clarity, adjusting tone.
  • How to do it non-visually: ask for edits with constraints (for example: keep meaning, keep length, make more formal). Ask for the final version plus a list of changes.
  • Verification step: check that names, dates, and numbers were not changed. If tone matters, ask AI to explain why it chose certain phrases.
• Use case 8: Data entry and analysis (text-first)
  • When it helps: summarizing tables, generating totals, turning notes into a clean table.
  • How to do it non-visually: provide data in a simple list and ask AI to convert it into a table. Or ask questions like, "What are totals by category?" and request the answer as a table.
  • Verification step: ask AI to show a breakdown. Cross-check at least one total using another method (calculator, spreadsheet formula, or source data).
• Mini exercise (5 minutes):
  1. Pick one real task you have today (an email thread, a meeting agenda, a short report, or a small table of numbers).
  2. Orient: write one sentence: "My goal is..." and one sentence: "Constraints are..."
  3. Plan + Execute: ask AI for a structured output (headings + bullets) and request a short "What to verify" checklist.
  4. Verify: spot-check 2 important facts (names, dates, numbers) against the source.
  5. Recover: apply corrections, then ask AI: "What changed?" and confirm the final version is accurate. Recovering is not a failure. It is part of the professional process.

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All lessons in this course

• Lesson 1
• Lesson 2
• Lesson 3
• Lesson 4
• Lesson 5
• Lesson 6
• Lesson 7
• Lesson 8

References

1. 1. Tiffany Kim, “AI in the Workplace: Assisting Blind and Low Vision Professionals,” APH ConnectCenter (Aug 20, 2025). https://aphconnectcenter.org/careerconnect/professionals-with-vision-or-career-changes/employment-skills/ai-in-the-workplace-assisting-blind-and-low-vision-professionals/
2. 2. Be My Eyes, “Be My AI” (product information). https://www.bemyeyes.com/be-my-ai
3. 3. Microsoft, “Seeing AI” (app information). https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai
4. 4. Microsoft, “Cutting through the noise: AI productivity tools sharpen business focus” (Sep 19, 2025). https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/19/cutting-through-the-noise-ai-productivity-tools-sharpen-business-focus/