disconnecting left air duct when removing dashboard panel

Am attempting to replace a burnt-out gearshift bulb in the dashboard module. Am following a thread that I found at this site and was having success until it was time to remove the upper dash panel. The left air duct needs to be detached before the panel can be removed out of the way to gain access to the dashboard module. There is very limited access space to disconnect the retaining screw in back of the panel and I tried to carefully pry the vent from the front with no success. Do I have to try and disconnect the ducting at a different spot? There's got to be a simple answer - HELP! Forgot to mention ... '98 Tacoma