How £10 may have saved my vision – OCT scan

After a recent meeting at a client site, I realised that I was having trouble making out the presentation on the board from my seat in the middle of the room. Having been first diagnosed with myopia as a young child and extremely familiar with an ever-changing prescription, I decided it was time to make an appointment for an eye exam.

I asked my husband if he recommended a particular eye doctor. He corrected me that I needed an “optician” – apparently in the UK the term “eye doctor” isn’t used.

After my minor annoyance of having my English corrected, I decided to google and found a place called Specsavers. Being a fan of online appointment booking, I found a location near me and started the booking. During the process, I was asked if I wanted to have an OCT scan for £10. Friends – I would love to tell you this was a thoughtful decision process, but it was actually “Yeah – why not. It’s only £10.”

The image is a movie poster for the film "It's Only Money" featuring Jerry Lewis. The poster prominently shows Jerry Lewis's character emerging from a manhole, wearing a green shirt, with a surprised and comedic expression on his face. The title "IT'S ONLY MONEY" is written in large, bold green letters above his head. Jerry Lewis's name is written at the top in smaller, grey letters. The background is white, making the image and text stand out.
1962 Film “It’s Only Money”

So here’s how that went

I do the exam. Really interesting that even across continents, the exam was very similar to the exams I have had over the course of my lifetime. Read the smallest line you can see on the chart – is it better with lens 1 or lens 2?

Sure enough – my prescription had changed. In fact, it changed a LOT – better get those glasses before I try driving across country again. The optician (see me using my fancy new word) started talking to me about different types of lenses, what will be good for being in front of the computer all day, etc. He was so calm and had such a soothing voice.

He then says, let’s look at your OCT scan.

The image is an eye chart commonly used for vision tests. The chart features ten lines of letters that decrease in size from top to bottom. The top line has a large letter "E." Below that, the letters progressively get smaller. Each line has a number next to it on the right side, starting from 1 at the top to 10 at the bottom, indicating the visual acuity associated with reading that line from a specific distance. At the bottom of the chart, there's text advising to place the chart on the wall at 10 feet away to test vision. The chart is branded with "National Optical" and their tagline "Your Family Eye Care Center" in the bottom right corner, and a call to action to "CALL NOW FOR AN APPOINTMENT!" in a blue strip at the very bottom.
Standard Eye Chart

What the heck is an OCT scan?

I hadn’t really heard of an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan to be honest. According to Specsavers

OCT is separate to an eye test. An eye test checks your eye health as well as how well you can see. Part of that often involves taking an image of the back of the eye (digital retinal photography), but an OCT scan takes this a step further, allowing your optician to look even deeper into your eyes and the structures within them.

So he takes a look at my scan and see he is concerned. He moves back and forth between the OCT scan and the digital retinal photography image and tells me he needs to take a closer look at my eye with the microscope. After a thorough examination, he breaks the news to me. He says he suspects my retina has become detached. After a call to Torbay Hospital, it is determined I need to be seen right away – as in that day – for further examination.

The image is a detailed photograph of the retina, showing the interior surface of the eye. It is brightly illuminated in orange tones, highlighting the intricate network of blood vessels that spread out from the optic disc, which appears as a bright, slightly raised area on the right side of the image. The macula, a small, darker spot located towards the center-left, is also visible. The overall appearance is that of a circular view inside the eye, showcasing the vascular structure against the vibrant background of the retinal tissue.
Digital Retinal Photography
The image is an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan of the retina. The scan shows a cross-sectional view of the retinal layers in a gradient of colors, with green, yellow, and red indicating different tissue densities. The dark background contrasts with the bright, colorful layers of the retina. The scan reveals various structural details, including the macula at the center, which appears as a slight dip, and the optic nerve head on the left side, where the retinal layers converge. This diagnostic image is used to assess the health of the retina and detect abnormalities.
OCT scan

The Ophthalmologist Exam

Torbay Hospital has always treated me well – and today was no exception. I learned several new things. One of the (what I considered neato) things is that there is a test called Pinhole visual acuity. What this means is that when my vision was tested (glasses on!) it was drastically improved by the use of a pinhole eye shield, which is super common with myopia.

The image is a medical illustration showing the anatomy of the eye and the path of light entering it. The eye is depicted as a cross-sectional view, with light entering from the left side. The light beam passes through the cornea, pupil, and lens, converging towards the retina at the back of the eye. The retina is shown as a detailed orange layer with visible blood vessels. The illustration is set against a light grey background, emphasizing the anatomical structures and the light path through the eye.
Light entering the eye through pinholes
The image is of a black plastic occluder, a tool commonly used in eye examinations. It has a handle on the left side, labeled "Kay Pictures Ltd," and a flat rectangular part to the right used to cover one eye during vision tests. There is also a smaller circular section with multiple pinholes that can be rotated into position for pinhole testing. The occluder is designed for use by optometrists or ophthalmologists to assess and measure visual acuity.
Occluder

I underwent another imaging exam. Afterwards, I underwent further examination with a microscope and a special lens placed directly on my eye – this is called Gonioscopy. Finally I was sent to the lead ophthalmologist to provide a diagnosis and review my options.

The image shows a close-up of a person holding a hand-held device up to their eye. The device appears to be a type of optical instrument, possibly a retinoscope or another eye examination tool. The person is looking through the device, which is reflecting multiple images of their eye back at them. The device has a circular lens or mirror system that creates these reflections. The focus is on the eye and the instrument, with the person's face partially visible in the background.
Gonioscopy

Asymptomatic Retinal Detachment

The diagnosis is Asymptomatic Retinal Detachment.

The usual causes of retinal detachment are tiny holes or tears in the retina that allow fluid to spread under the retina and lift it away from the back wall of the eye .

It sounds scary because it is. The ophthalmologist shows me the different layers in my eye indicating that the tear has grown over the past few months. He does a demo with my left eye covered to show that my vision is obstructed in the upper left corner of my right eye due to the detachment.

The good news is that it has probably been there a few months. It isn’t a sudden event. The reason this is good (to me, anyway) is because it gives me time to consider my options.

He talks to me about a surgery called Scleral buckle. He explained it in great detail, but I was most interested in the part where he said I would be asleep and not feel anything during it.

I have the option to just monitor it and not do the surgery. The obvious risk is that the tear could grown and as it gets closer to the centre of my eye, it is a bigger threat to my vision.

The image is a medical illustration showing a "Before" and "After" comparison of a scleral buckle procedure used to treat retinal detachment. - **Before:** The left side of the image depicts the eye with a retinal detachment. The retina is shown as a detached layer with a yellowish area indicating the location of the detachment at the back of the eye. - **After:** The right side shows the eye after the scleral buckle procedure. A blue band (the scleral buckle) is placed around the circumference of the eye, externally, to push the wall of the eye inward, which helps the retina reattach to its proper position. The illustration emphasizes the effectiveness of the scleral buckle in reattaching the retina and restoring the eye's structure.

And there you have it

How does this relate to accessibility? I think it is obvious. Technology and innovation has provided a way for a specialist to see the detail of my eye, including the retina, even though I had no symptoms that eluded to a retinal detachment. I am excited to see how technology becomes more accessible to the ordinary person and helps improve our ability to enjoy the world around us.

Copilot Welsh and English Summaries

In our increasingly connected and multilingual world, the ability to seamlessly translate and summarize documents across languages is becoming essential. This is particularly important for accessibility, as it ensures that information is accessible to speakers of different languages. Today, we explore how Microsoft Copilot for 365 can simplify the process of summarising English Word documents in Welsh and Welsh Word documents in English.

Bilingual summaries serve several critical purposes

  • Accessibility: Ensuring content is available in multiple languages allows more people to access and understand important information.
  • Inclusivity: By providing summaries in both Welsh and English, we respect and acknowledge the linguistic diversity within our communities.
  • Efficiency: Automated tools like Microsoft Copilot streamline the translation and summarisation process, saving time and resources.

While there is no official support yet for Welsh in Copilot, Microsoft is constantly adding functionality. We do have some ability in Copilot to work back and forth between Welsh and English. Here are a couple of examples.

Summarising an English Document in Welsh

With Microsoft Copilot for 365, summarising an English Word document in Welsh is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open Your Document: Start by opening your English Word document in Microsoft Word.
  2. Activate Copilot: Use the Copilot feature by selecting it from the toolbar.
  3. Provide the prompt to Copilot: In the Copilot interface, type your prompt. An example is “Please provide a summary of this document in Welsh.”
  4. Generate Summary: Copilot will process the document, summarise the key points, and translate the summary into Welsh.
The image is a screenshot of a document titled "Why Copilot Studio is the best choice for your content creation needs," displayed in a word processing software. The document is divided into two main sections:

Summarising a Welsh Document in English

Likewise, Copilot can also provide a summary in English of a Word document written in Welsh

  1. Open Your Document: Open your Welsh Word document in Microsoft Word.
  2. Activate Copilot: Launch the Copilot feature from the toolbar.
  3. Provide the prompt to Copilot: In the Copilot interface, type your prompt. An example is “Please provide a summary of this document in UK English.”
  4. Generate Summary: Copilot will summarise the key points of the document and translate the summary into English.
The image is a screenshot of a document in Welsh, displayed in a word processing software. On the right side of the image, there's a Copilot sidebar with options "Understand" and "Ask." The "Understand" option has a prompt to summarize the document in 3 key points, and the "Ask" option asks for a more concise description of time management. The main document text is highlighted in red.

Microsoft Copilot for 365 offers a powerful tool for creating bilingual summaries, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in our digital communications. By using this feature, we can ensure that language barriers do not impede access to information, making our content more accessible to everyone.

Find out more about Microsoft supported languages in Copilot here.

They are making me turn my camera on! – Teams Avatars

“Can everyone turn their cameras on please?”

A lot of us dread those words, but few of us consider the impact of the words on some of our colleagues.

Setting the Scene…

Another person, sometimes even a person in a position of authority, has directed someone else to expose their vulnerability and come onto camera. Panic sets in – carefully considering the options and fearful of repercussion, the individual reluctantly turns on the camera. Exposed, broken, and on view in front of people they may or may not know, they summon every ounce of strength inside to get through the rest of the meeting.

Or maybe they don’t – maybe they feign a technical issue. Maybe they pretend not to hear. Maybe they just decide to not oblige and hope the meeting is big enough that no one notices.

But sometimes, they may find themselves in the midst of a flashback – a terrible, vivid memory that makes it difficult to distinguish between reality and imagination. Thrown back to a time in which they were also made to feel vulnerable and exposed with no warning and no escape. By the time they get their bearings straight, the call is over. They have no idea of the content discussed and find themselves in need of some time and space to regroup.

What can be done about it

PTSD and CPTSD fall under the neurodiversity umbrella. In addition, nearly 6% of the population in the UK have anxiety disorders. Let’s explore ways we can make Teams calls more inclusive for everyone.

For those of us who are leading calls and asking our colleagues to participate, think about what is truly necessary to achieve the task at hand. Do we have to have cameras on to achieve our goal?

Maybe you just want everyone to feel more connected. There are lots of ways to do this, including icebreakers and team builders.

And consider this – you might also receive more input from someone who is more comfortable with the camera off. Better decisions come from gathering more information.

For those who find themselves uncomfortable on camera, there are alternatives that may assist. One possible solution is creating an avatar in Microsoft Teams to represent you in a “cameras on” meeting.

Here’s how you do it – Creating an Avatar

1. Install the Avatars app from the Teams Apps section.

a. Click the Apps button
b. Search for Avatars
c. Select Avatars from the right

The image shows a screenshot of the Microsoft Teams interface, specifically in the Apps section. On the left-hand side, there is a sidebar with options including Chat, Teams, Calendar, Calls, Viva Engage, OneDrive, and Activity. At the bottom of this sidebar, the "Apps" option is highlighted. In the main section of the interface, a search has been performed for "avatars," and the results are displayed. The first result is highlighted and shows an app named "Avatars" by Microsoft Corporation, with a button labeled "Open." This app has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 1545 ratings. Below this highlighted result, there are other app suggestions such as Murality, Answer Explorer, and another app with its name blurred, each with corresponding buttons and ratings or notes indicating their function. On the left below the search bar, categories are listed, including "Built by Microsoft," "Education," "Productivity," "Social," "Communication," and "Content management," along with a "See more" link. Further below, industries like "Education," "Finance," "Health care and life sciences," and "Other" are listed.


2. Open the Avatars app and select your preferred way to create an avatar – today I want to try a new feature called “Create from photo.”

If you are going to create from an existing photo, there are requirements that need to be met:

  • .jpeg, .bmp or .png format
  • 26-x26- to 4096×4096 and not exceed 10 MB
  • Directly face the camera, face in centre of image
  • Neutral facial expression
  • Remove sunglasses and headwear if possible
  • Image is taken in a well-lit environment

I really don’t want to search through all my photos and meet the requirements (shout out to ADHD for that one), so I am going to try the “Use Camera” feature and do this with my webcam.

Side note – I apparently don’t take this seriously and require several takes.

The image shows a screenshot of the Microsoft Teams interface, specifically in the Apps section. On the left-hand side, there is a sidebar with options including Chat, Teams, Calendar, Calls, Viva Engage, OneDrive, and Activity. At the bottom of this sidebar, the "Apps" option is highlighted. In the main section of the interface, a search has been performed for "avatars," and the results are displayed. The first result is highlighted and shows an app named "Avatars" by Microsoft Corporation, with a button labeled "Open." This app has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 1545 ratings. Below this highlighted result, there are other app suggestions such as Murality, Answer Explorer, and another app with its name blurred, each with corresponding buttons and ratings or notes indicating their function. On the left below the search bar, categories are listed, including "Built by Microsoft," "Education," "Productivity," "Social," "Communication," and "Content management," along with a "See more" link. Further below, industries like "Education," "Finance," "Health care and life sciences," and "Other" are listed.
The image shows a screenshot of the "Avatars" section within Microsoft Teams. On the left-hand side, there is a sidebar with options such as Chat, Teams, Calendar, Calls, Viva Engage, OneDrive, Activity, and Apps, with "Avatars" highlighted in purple. The main section of the interface displays the "Avatar builder" tab. At the top, there are three tabs: Avatars, Avatar builder (selected), and About. Below the tabs, there is a description: "Select 'Customise' to update your avatar. Create up to 3 different versions to express yourself in your Teams meetings and calls." In the center of the screen, a 3D avatar of a person is shown. The avatar has long, wavy brown hair with red highlights, wears purple glasses, a purple cardigan, and a maroon and white top. Below the avatar, there are two buttons: "Customise" and a trash can icon. To the right of the avatar, a vertical menu is displayed with options: "Create from photo" (highlighted in yellow), "Create from base," "Duplicate," and "Dismiss." Below these options, there are two smaller avatars displayed as profile pictures. The background of the main section features a gradient of light blue and pink. At the bottom of the screen, part of the user's taskbar with various icons is visible.
The image shows a pop-up window within the Microsoft Teams "Avatar builder" interface, detailing the requirements for uploading an image. The window is titled "Image requirements" and lists several criteria, each accompanied by an icon: 1. **Format**: The image must be in .jpeg, .bmp, or .png format. (Icon: Image file) 2. **Size**: The image should be between 360x360 and 4096x4096 pixels and not exceed 10 MB. (Icon: Image dimensions) 3. **Orientation**: The face should directly face the camera and be centered in the image. (Icon: Face in a frame) 4. **Expression**: The person should have a neutral facial expression. (Icon: Neutral face) 5. **Accessories**: Remove sunglasses and headwear if possible. (Icon: Sunglasses and hat) 6. **Lighting**: The image should be taken in a well-lit environment. (Icon: Light bulb) At the bottom of the window, there is a "Continue" button. The background of the window is slightly transparent, allowing a faint view of the avatar builder interface behind it.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section of the "Avatars" app within Microsoft Teams. On the left-hand side, the sidebar includes options like Chat, Teams, Calendar, Calls, Viva Engage, OneDrive, Activity, and Apps, with "Avatars" highlighted in purple. The main area displays an avatar creation interface. A 3D avatar of a person with long, wavy brown hair with red highlights, wearing purple glasses, a purple cardigan, and a maroon and white top, is centered on the screen. Below the avatar, there are two buttons: a purple "Customise" button with a pencil icon and a trash can icon. On the right side, there is a vertical menu with the following options: 1. "Create from photo" highlighted in yellow. 2. "Create from base." 3. "Duplicate." 4. "Dismiss." Below these options, there are two smaller avatars displayed as profile pictures. The background features a gradient of light blue and pink. At the bottom of the screen, the user's taskbar with various icons is partially visible.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section of the "Avatars" app within Microsoft Teams, focused on the camera interface for creating an avatar. The interface is divided into several sections: 1. **Header**: The top of the screen has three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." 2. **Instructions**: Below the header, on the left side, there is a text instruction that reads, "Look at the camera. Position your face within the ring. For accuracy, take image in a well-lit space with a neutral expression." 3. **Camera View**: The central part of the screen shows a live camera feed with a person looking at the camera. The person is positioned within a circular frame guideline. The background features a home setting with stuffed toys and a lamp visible. 4. **Controls**: Below the camera view, there are several controls: - An "Upload image" button on the left. - A central camera icon within a circle to take the photo. - On the right, a purple "Use Photo" button. 5. **Additional Icons**: Below the camera button, there are smaller icons indicating different features or adjustments that can be made, including profile, gender selection, facial hair, accessories, and clothing options. 6. **Background**: The overall background features a gradient of light blue and pink, providing a clean and modern look to the interface. The interface is designed to guide users through the process of taking a suitable photo for creating an avatar.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section of the "Avatars" app within Microsoft Teams, focused on the camera interface for creating an avatar. The interface is divided into several sections: 1. **Header**: The top of the screen has three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." 2. **Instructions**: Below the header, on the left side, there is a text instruction that reads, "Look at the camera. Position your face within the ring. For accuracy, take image in a well-lit space with a neutral expression." 3. **Camera View**: The central part of the screen shows a live camera feed with a person looking at the camera. The person is positioned within a circular frame guideline. The background features a home setting with stuffed toys and a lamp visible. 4. **Controls**: Below the camera view, there are several controls: - An "Upload image" button on the left. - A central camera icon within a circle to take the photo. - On the right, a purple "Use Photo" button. 5. **Additional Icons**: Below the camera button, there are smaller icons indicating different features or adjustments that can be made, including profile, gender selection, facial hair, accessories, and clothing options. 6. **Background**: The overall background features a gradient of light blue and pink, providing a clean and modern look to the interface. The interface is designed to guide users through the process of taking a suitable photo for creating an avatar.

3. Adjust your avatar’s appearance to your preference.

With my photo option, I am able to select a body type, then clicking Save and Edit allows me to adjust various aspects of my Avatar, such as body shape, hair, clothing and more! When you are happy with the result, click Finish Customizing to save your Avatar.

The image shows the "Choose an avatar" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams. The interface is designed to allow users to select one of the generated avatars based on their photo. The following elements are present: 1. **Header**: At the top, there is an instruction that reads, "Choose an avatar. These avatars have been created from your photo and may differ from your actual appearance. Select one to continue. You’ll be able to customize your avatar more in the avatar builder." 2. **Avatar Options**: Three different avatars are displayed in circular frames, each with varying facial features and hairstyles: - The left avatar has long black hair, glasses, and a neutral expression. - The middle avatar has shorter black hair, glasses, and a neutral expression. - The right avatar has long black hair tied back, glasses, and a neutral expression. 3. **Selection**: The avatars are spaced evenly across the screen, allowing the user to click on one to select it. 4. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the rest of the "Avatar builder" interface. 5. **Navigation**: There is no visible button on this screenshot, but the interface likely allows the user to click on one of the avatars to proceed to further customization options. The design is intended to provide users with a quick way to select an avatar that closely resembles their photo before making additional customizations.
The image shows the "Choose an avatar" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams. This interface allows users to select an avatar generated from their photo. The following elements are present: 1. **Header**: At the top, there are three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." The instruction reads, "Choose an avatar. These avatars have been created from your photo and may differ from your actual appearance. Select one to continue. You’ll be able to customize your avatar more in the avatar builder." 2. **Avatar Options**: Three different avatars are displayed in circular frames, each with varying facial features and hairstyles: - The left avatar has long black hair, glasses, and a neutral expression. - The middle avatar has shorter black hair, glasses, and a neutral expression. - The right avatar has long black hair tied back, glasses, and a neutral expression. 3. **Selection**: The avatars are spaced evenly across the screen, allowing the user to click on one to select it. 4. **Controls**: Below the avatars, there is a horizontal menu with several icons for different customization options, with the face customization icon (highlighted in purple) selected. 5. **Next Button**: In the bottom right corner, there is a purple "Next" button to proceed to the next step after selecting an avatar. 6. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the rest of the "Avatar builder" interface. The design is intended to provide users with a quick way to select an avatar that closely resembles their photo before making additional customizations.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams, focused on selecting a skin tone for the avatar. The following elements are present: 1. **Header**: At the top, there are three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." The instruction reads, "Select skin tone. Pick a skin tone for your avatar." 2. **Avatar Preview**: On the left side, there is a 3D model of a head and shoulders without facial features, used as a preview for the selected skin tone. 3. **Skin Tone Options**: On the right side, there are multiple circular color swatches arranged in a grid, each representing a different skin tone. One of the swatches is selected and highlighted with a purple circle. 4. **Controls**: Below the skin tone options, there is a horizontal slider that allows for fine-tuning the skin tone. Below the slider, there is a horizontal menu with several icons for different customization options, with the skin tone icon (highlighted in purple) selected. 5. **Next Button**: In the bottom right corner, there is a purple "Next" button to proceed to the next step after selecting a skin tone. 6. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the rest of the "Avatar builder" interface. The design allows users to easily select and adjust the skin tone for their avatar before moving on to further customization options.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams, focusing on selecting a body shape for the avatar. The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Header**: At the top, there is an instruction that reads, "Select body shape. Pick a body shape for your avatar." 2. **Avatar Preview**: On the left side of the screen, a close-up of a 3D avatar's face and upper body is displayed. The avatar has black hair, glasses, and a neutral expression. 3. **Body Shape Options**: On the right side, there are several silhouettes of avatars in different body shapes arranged in a grid. Each silhouette represents a different body shape option to choose from. 4. **Controls**: Below the avatar preview, there is a horizontal menu with several icons for different customization options. These include: - Profile - Hair - Face - Body shape (selected, highlighted in purple) - Clothing 5. **Next Button**: In the bottom right corner, there is a purple "Next" button to proceed to the next step after selecting a body shape. 6. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, providing a clean and modern look to the interface. The interface is designed to guide users through the process of customizing their avatar's body shape before moving on to other customization options.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams, focusing on selecting and customizing hair for the avatar. The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Header**: At the top, there are three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." Below these tabs, there is a row of icons for different customization options, with the hair customization icon highlighted. 2. **Hair Style Options**: On the left side, there is a list of various hair styles. The selected hairstyle is highlighted with a purple border. The current selection is labeled "Long Straight Updo In Clip," and various other hairstyles are shown as thumbnails. 3. **Avatar Preview**: In the center, there is a 3D avatar showing the selected hair style and color. The avatar has pinkish-purple hair tied back, glasses, and a neutral expression. Below the avatar, there is a purple button labeled "Finish Customising." 4. **Hair Color Options**: On the right side, there is a panel for selecting hair color. It includes a variety of color swatches, with the selected color (pinkish-purple) highlighted. There is also a color slider at the bottom for fine-tuning the color. 5. **Controls**: Above the avatar preview, there are undo and redo buttons, as well as a close button (X). 6. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the rest of the "Avatar builder" interface. The design allows users to easily select and customize the hairstyle and color for their avatar before finalizing their choices.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams, focusing on customizing the face of the avatar. The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Header**: At the top, there are three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." Below these tabs, there is a row of icons for different customization options, with the face customization icon highlighted in purple. 2. **Face Customization Options**: On the left side, there is a list of various face line options. The currently selected option is "No Face Lines," indicated by a crossed-out circle icon and highlighted with a purple border. Below this option, there are other face line options displayed as thumbnails, showing different levels of facial lines and wrinkles. 3. **Avatar Preview**: In the center, there is a 3D avatar showing the selected face customization. The avatar has pinkish-purple hair, glasses, and a neutral expression. Below the avatar, there is a purple button labeled "Finish Customising." 4. **Controls**: Above the avatar preview, there are undo and redo buttons, as well as a close button (X). 5. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the rest of the "Avatar builder" interface. The design allows users to easily select and customize the face lines and features for their avatar before finalizing their choices.
The image shows the "Avatar builder" section within the "Avatars" app in Microsoft Teams, focusing on selecting and customizing the wardrobe for the avatar. The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Header**: At the top, there are three tabs - "Avatars," "Avatar builder" (selected), and "About." Below these tabs, there is a row of icons for different customization options, with the wardrobe icon highlighted in purple. 2. **Wardrobe Options**: On the left side, there is a list of various clothing items. The selected clothing item is highlighted with a purple border and labeled "Flared Sleeve Tunic Blouse." Various other clothing options are displayed as thumbnails. 3. **Avatar Preview**: In the center, there is a 3D avatar wearing the selected outfit. The avatar has pinkish-purple hair, glasses, and is dressed in a beige flared sleeve tunic blouse. Below the avatar, there is a purple button labeled "Finish Customising." 4. **Color Options**: On the right side, there is a panel for selecting the primary color of the clothing. It includes a variety of color swatches, with the selected color (beige) highlighted. There is also a color slider at the bottom for fine-tuning the color. 5. **Controls**: Above the avatar preview, there are undo and redo buttons, as well as a close button (X). 6. **Background**: The background features a gradient of light blue and pink, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the rest of the "Avatar builder" interface. The design allows users to easily select and customize the clothing and color for their avatar before finalizing their choices.

Use your Avatar in a meeting

To use your avatar in a meeting, start with your camera off.

The image shows a section of the Microsoft Teams interface with a message indicating that the user's camera is turned off. The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Message**: In the center, there is a grey icon of a camera with a slash through it, accompanied by the text "Your camera is turned off." 2. **Control Bar**: At the bottom of the window, there is a control bar with three options: - A camera toggle switch, which appears to be in the off position, represented by a camera icon with a slash. - An "Effects and avatars" button, represented by an icon of a person with sparkles around them. - A settings gear icon. The interface is designed to inform the user that their camera is currently turned off and provides options to turn it on or access effects and avatar settings.


Click on the Effects and avatars option to select the avatar you would like to use. You can also select a background. After you have made your selections, click Join now to attend the meeting.

The image shows a Microsoft Teams meeting setup screen for a meeting titled "Meeting with Heather Perriam." The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Meeting Title**: At the top, it displays the Microsoft Teams logo, the text "Microsoft Teams Meeting," and the meeting title "Meeting with Heather Perriam." 2. **Video Preview**: On the left side, there is a video preview window showing the selected avatar in a virtual background of a stylish living room. The avatar has pinkish-purple hair, glasses, and is wearing a beige flared sleeve tunic blouse. 3. **Effects and Avatars**: Below the video preview, there is a button labeled "Effects and avatars," which is selected and highlighted. 4. **Video Effects**: Under the "Effects and avatars" section, there are two categories: - **Avatars**: This section shows the selected avatar (highlighted) and other avatar options. - **Backgrounds**: This section displays various background options with the current selection showing a living room. 5. **Audio Settings**: On the right side, there are audio settings: - **Computer audio**: Selected, with options to choose the audio device (Jabra EVOLVE 20). - **Phone audio**: Option available but not selected. - **Room audio**: Option available but not selected. - **Don't use audio**: Option available but not selected. - Volume control slider and mute toggle button. 6. **Buttons**: At the bottom right, there are two buttons: - **Cancel**: Grey button to cancel joining the meeting. - **Join now**: Blue button to join the meeting. The interface is designed to allow users to customize their video and audio settings before joining a Microsoft Teams meeting.

While in the meeting

During the meeting, you can express emotions with your avatar through the More button, then Avatars and Effects. You can even set your Avatar’s mood!

The image shows a Microsoft Teams meeting setup screen for a meeting titled "Meeting with Heather Perriam." The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Meeting Title**: At the top, it displays the Microsoft Teams logo, the text "Microsoft Teams Meeting," and the meeting title "Meeting with Heather Perriam." 2. **Video Preview**: On the left side, there is a video preview window showing the selected avatar in a virtual background of a stylish living room. The avatar has pinkish-purple hair, glasses, and is wearing a beige flared sleeve tunic blouse. 3. **Effects and Avatars**: Below the video preview, there is a button labeled "Effects and avatars," which is selected and highlighted. 4. **Video Effects**: Under the "Effects and avatars" section, there are two categories: - **Avatars**: This section shows the selected avatar (highlighted) and other avatar options. - **Backgrounds**: This section displays various background options with the current selection showing a living room. 5. **Audio Settings**: On the right side, there are audio settings: - **Computer audio**: Selected, with options to choose the audio device (Jabra EVOLVE 20). - **Phone audio**: Option available but not selected. - **Room audio**: Option available but not selected. - **Don't use audio**: Option available but not selected. - Volume control slider and mute toggle button. 6. **Buttons**: At the bottom right, there are two buttons: - **Cancel**: Grey button to cancel joining the meeting. - **Join now**: Blue button to join the meeting. The interface is designed to allow users to customize their video and audio settings before joining a Microsoft Teams meeting.
The image shows a Microsoft Teams meeting with the "Video effects and settings" panel open, specifically focusing on avatars. The interface includes the following elements: 1. **Avatar**: On the left, a 3D avatar of a person with pinkish-purple hair, glasses, and a beige blouse is displayed against a virtual background of a stylish living room with modern decor, including a cactus and a couch. 2. **Top Menu Bar**: At the top of the screen, there are icons for various meeting options: - **Chat**: Opens the chat window. - **People**: Shows participants. - **Raise**: Raise hand option. - **React**: Send reactions. - **View**: Change the view. - **Rooms**: Manage breakout rooms. - **Copilot**: Access copilot features. - **Apps**: Access apps. - **More**: Opens additional settings. - **Camera**: Toggle camera on/off. - **Mic**: Mute/unmute microphone. - **Share**: Share screen or content. - **Leave**: Red button to leave the meeting. 3. **Video Effects and Settings Panel**: On the right side, the "Video effects and settings" panel is open, showing three tabs: - **Video effects** - **Avatars** (selected) - **Settings** 4. **Avatars Tab**: The avatars tab includes: - **Your Avatar**: Shows the selected avatar (highlighted) and other avatar options. A button labeled "Edit my avatar" is available. - **Avatar Reactions**: Various reactions for the avatar such as Wave, Kawaii, Yes - Slow Nod, Chef’s Kiss, and Thinking. A "Show All" option is also present. - **Avatar Backgrounds**: Various background options are displayed, with the current selection showing a living room. The "Show All" option allows for viewing more backgrounds. 5. **Controls**: At the bottom of the panel, there are buttons for "Preview" and "Apply avatars," along with a note that others won’t see the avatar while you preview. The interface allows users to customize their avatars and backgrounds, as well as apply reactions, enhancing the meeting experience in Microsoft Teams.

You Did It!


I hope this was helpful – as we learn more about each other, we can continue to do better and strive for an inclusive workplace.

For further information on Avatars in Teams, visit Microsoft Support

For more information on PTSD, visit https://www.ptsduk.org/

ADHD Accessibility – Captions in Teams

One of my favourite accessibility features is captioning (also known as subtitles.) I use closed captioning at home when watching TV and even seek out captioned performances at the theatre. I was delighted the first time I discovered that this feature is built in to Microsoft Teams!

While most people associate captions with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are other people who can also benefit from this accessibility tool.

Here are ways that I am assisted by this technology:

First – the accents.

According to italki, there are 160 different dialects of English around the world. As an immigrant, I sometimes have trouble understanding different accents, even though I speak the same language. I am on a diverse team and I work with people all across the globe. Captioning helps me be to “read” the speaker’s words, making processing the speech much easier.

Second – my anchor.

Ever had someone call your name in a meeting only to realise you drifted off into planning tonight’s dinner? (Guilty!) ADHD sometimes interrupts my focus and captions allow me to quickly catch up and contribute value to the discussion.

Third – sensory overload.

A lot of neurodivergent people, including myself, also have Auditory Processing issues. If there is too much sound/background noise/something else going on, I seem to lose my ability to make out what is being said. Captioning brings it right back and lets me clearly understand the conversation, no matter how much my puppy might be trying to distract me!

Easy Peasy I tell you!

Captions can be enabled in Teams with a few quick steps. Here are two methods:

METHOD ONE – Teams Main App Window

From your Teams main screen, click the ellipses (⋮) at the top (to the left of your picture) and choose “Settings”

Dropdown menu from a settings icon, showing options: "Settings," "Cast," "Help," "Zoom" (with current zoom level at 125% and buttons to increase or decrease), "Keyboard shortcuts," and "Download the mobile app."
Dropdown menu from a settings icon, showing options: "Settings," "Cast," "Help," "Zoom" (with current zoom level at 125% and buttons to increase or decrease), "Keyboard shortcuts," and "Download the mobile app."

click on photos to enlarge

Select “Captions and Transcripts.” From here, you can elect to always show the live captions in meetings as well as to filter profane words in meeting captions (this replaces the offending word with *)

Settings menu showing "Captions and transcripts" options. Toggles are enabled for automatically identifying the user in captions and transcripts, filtering profane words, and always showing live captions in meetings.
Settings menu showing "Captions and transcripts" options. Toggles are enabled for automatically identifying the user in captions and transcripts, filtering profane words, and always showing live captions in meetings.

click on photos to enlarge

METHOD TWO: IN THE MEETING

“But Heather – my meeting already started and I forgot to set it – what do?”

No worries – while in your meeting, select “More” (⋯) from the top and then select “Settings” followed by “Accessibility.”

A virtual meeting interface with various controls at the top. The "More" menu is expanded, showing options: "Record and transcribe," "Meeting info," "Video effects and settings," "Audio settings," "Language and speech," "Settings," "Call me," and "Help." A secondary menu is open under "Settings," displaying options: "Call health," "Meeting options," "Accessibility" (highlighted), "Don't show chat bubbles," and "Mute notifications." The background shows an avatar of a person with the name "Heather Perriam" and a muted microphone icon.
A virtual meeting interface with various controls at the top. The "More" menu is expanded, showing options: "Record and transcribe," "Meeting info," "Video effects and settings," "Audio settings," "Language and speech," "Settings," "Call me," and "Help." A secondary menu is open under "Settings," displaying options: "Call health," "Meeting options," "Accessibility" (highlighted), "Don't show chat bubbles," and "Mute notifications." The background shows an avatar of a person with the name "Heather Perriam" and a muted microphone icon.

click on photos to enlarge

From here, you can elect to always show the live captions in meetings as well as to filter profane words in meeting captions (this replaces the offending word with one or more asterik(s) *)

Virtual meeting interface showing an avatar named "Heather Perriam." The "Accessibility" settings are open on the right, under the "Hearing" section. Options include: - "Sign language" with "Prioritise signers on my screen in meetings" (toggle is off). - "Captions" with "Always show captions in my meetings" (toggle is on) and "Filter profane words in meeting captions" (toggle is on).
Virtual meeting interface showing an avatar named "Heather Perriam." The "Accessibility" settings are open on the right, under the "Hearing" section. Options include: - "Sign language" with "Prioritise signers on my screen in meetings" (toggle is off). - "Captions" with "Always show captions in my meetings" (toggle is on) and "Filter profane words in meeting captions" (toggle is on).

click on photos to enlarge

Once captions are enabled, you can change the look and contrast by clicking the “gear” icon ⚙️ in the caption window. Options include Font Colour, Background Colour, Height of the caption window, Position of the caption window, and the Font Size. You are also able to change the spoken language of the meeting.

Virtual meeting interface with an avatar named "Heather Perriam." The "Caption settings" panel is open on the right, showing options for customizing captions, including: Font colors with various choices Background colors with various choices Height (set to "Medium") Position (set to "At bottom") Font size (set to "Medium") A preview of the caption style is displayed at the top of the panel. Chat messages from "Heather Perriam" describe caption customization options.
Virtual meeting interface with an avatar named "Heather Perriam." The "Caption settings" panel is open on the right, showing options for customizing captions, including: Font colors with various choices Background colors with various choices Height (set to "Medium") Position (set to "At bottom") Font size (set to "Medium") A preview of the caption style is displayed at the top of the panel. Chat messages from "Heather Perriam" describe caption customization options.

click on photos to enlarge

And that’s it – you are now ready to navigate through the rest of your meeting with one of my favourite tools enabled.

Quick Note – these captions are not stored after the call. While you can copy and paste, transcription is a much more effective way of capturing the conversation for future use.

For more information on ADHD visit https://adhduk.co.uk/

And if you would like to learn more about Auditory Processing Disorder, please visit https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/condition/auditory-processing-disorder/