Modifier Keys

Module 1.1: Modifier Keys Each screenreader program allows you to use up to three modifier keys. A modifier key, when used in combination with other keys, executes a function of the screenreader program. For example, the Insert Key held down together with T reveals the title of the open window for all three screenreader programs. The three possible modifier keys are the actual Insert key (also known as the Extended Insert key), the Zero key on the Number pad, and the Caps lock key. All desktop keyboards have these three keys. Some laptop models lack one or both of the Insert keys. For Narrator, all three modifier keys are set by default. For JAWS and NVDA, the Insert and Num Pad Zero keys are set by default, but you need to manually add the Caps lock key. we will discuss how to do this la

JAWS Basics

Module 1.2: JAWS Basics To open the JAWS program, press Control Alt J together. To close JAWS, press Insert F4, followed by pressing the Spacebar to confirm. You must manually set up the shortcut keystroke for opening JAWS. Unlike NVDA and Narrator, it is not automatically done as part of the initial JAWS installation. To do this: Press Windows M or Windows D to go to the Desktop. Press J to go to the JAWS Icon, but do not press Enter on it. This icon is added to the Desktop during program installation. Press Alt Enter to open the Properties dialog. Tab twice to the Shortcut key edit box, and type in the letter J (Control and Alt are automatically added). Tab to the OK button and press Enter. Press the Spacebar on the Continue button that appears. You should now be done. However, if you

• Basic settings (8 min)
• Automatically start JAWS (14 min)
• Prompt to Confirm When Exiting JAWS (5 min)
• Automatic Notification of Updates (5 min)
• Run JAWS from System Tray (6 min)
• Use Keyboard Layout (12 min)
• Managing Voices (30 min)
• Getting Help (5 min)
• Hot Keys for Getting JAWS Help (18 min)
• Help Topics (35 min)
• Other Useful JAWS Help Resources (16 min)
• Additional Useful JAWS Features (5 min)
• JAWS Speech History (24 min)
• JAWS Sound Splitter (12 min)
• JAWS Notification History (24 min)
• 1 The FS Clipboard (10 min)

NVDA Basics

Module 1.3: NVDA Basics Download this free software from NV Access. Installation is quick and easy. Consider making a donation on the same page if you have the means to do so. Once installed, press Control Alt N to open NVDA. To exit or “quit” the program, press Insert Q, followed by tabbing to the OK button and pressing the Spacebar. When you open and quit the program, NVDA will indicate this with ascending and descending sounds, respectively. NVDA shortcut keystrokes for increasing and decreasing the Voice rate are Control Insert Up arrow and Control Insert Down arrow, respectively. Unlike JAWS, it is not possible to temporarily change the Voice rate.

• Important Settings (86 min)
• Getting Help (5 min)

Windows Narrator

Module 1.4: Windows Narrator Narrator is Microsoft’s own screenreader, integrated into the Windows operating system. Although Narrator has been around for a long time, it has only become a credible screenreader since about 2018 when a major overhaul greatly improved its usefulness. While Narrator does not yet have as extensive a set of features as the other two screenreaders, Microsoft has shown a strong commitment to accessibility. Control Windows Enter is the toggle for opening and closing Narrator. The first time you open Narrator, you land in the Narrator Home page window rather than remaining in the current window. You will not want this every time you open Narrator. To turn this off: Press Control Windows N to get into the Narrator Settings menu. Tab to the Show narrator Home when

• Important Settings (51 min)
• Managing Voices (20 min)
• Getting Help (5 min)

Switching Languages

Module 1.5: Switching Languages we live in the United States, so our PC is set to read all text and menus in English. To switch to another language voice in one of our screenreader applications, there are three changes to consider: In each screenreader, install voices in different languages for your preferred synthesizer to read text in those languages. If you plan on creating and editing MS Office documents, change the preferred language so that ribbon and context menu items are displayed in that language. In Windows Settings, change settings to read File Explorer menus in those languages. we will not cover the last of these because, if you do not do it exactly right, it is extremely dangerous. You can inadvertently change your keyboard layout to another language, and you are required to

Comparing the Three Screenreader Programs

Module 1.6: Comparing the Three Screenreader Programs If you are new to screenreaders, or are only familiar with one of the three covered in this course, you may be wondering about their comparative strengths and weaknesses. You might also ask if there are any advantages of learning more than one. Let’s first talk about cost. You have to pay for JAWS while the other two screenreaders are free. NVDA can be downloaded and installed for free (but consider making a donation if you have the means to do so). Narrator comes bundled on your PC with the Windows 10 or 11 operating system. There are several pricing plans available for JAWS. All allow you to use JAWS on up to three computers for which you are the primary user. Home and pro licenses also exist. JAWS features are identical. The only