Screen reader basics

This course provides a structured introduction to screen readers—assistive software that enables individuals with visual impairments to interact with computers and mobile devices effectively. It is designed for beginners with little or no prior experience, as well as educators, support staff, and anyone interested in accessibility technology. Participants will learn how screen readers function, including how they convert on-screen text into speech or braille output. The course covers essential navigation techniques, keyboard commands, and practical usage across common environments such as web browsing, document reading, and basic system operations.

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Course Overview

Learn how to use screen readers to navigate computers and mobile devices independently. This beginner-friendly course covers essential keyboard commands, navigation techniques, and practical tasks like reading documents and browsing the internet. By the end of the course, you will confidently perform everyday digital activities using a screen reader.

Course Content

Module 01, 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 later in the JAWS module of this Module. When the Caps lock key is set as a modifier key, to actually use it for locking and unlocking capital letters, tap it twice quickly to toggle it on and off. For Fusion users running ZoomText and JAWS together, you will need to press the Caps lock key three times rather than twice. In many situations, you will probably prefer to use the Caps lock key with your left hand if the additional combination keys are located on the right side of the keyboard. User guides for each of the three screenreader programs also refer to modifier keys as the JAWS, NVDA, or Narrator key. For the remainder of the course, to streamline the text, we will simply say “Insert key” when referring to use of modifier keys.

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 later in the JAWS module of this Module. When the Caps lock key is set as a modifier key, to actually use it for locking and unlocking capital letters, tap it twice quickly to toggle it on and off. For Fusion users running ZoomText and JAWS together, you will need to press the Caps lock key three times rather than twice. In many situations, you will probably prefer to use the Caps lock key with your left hand if the additional combination keys are located on the right side of the keyboard. User guides for each of the three screenreader programs also refer to modifier keys as the JAWS, NVDA, or Narrator key. For the remainder of the course, to streamline the text, we will simply say “Insert key” when referring to use of modifier keys.

  • Jaws basic settings. (10 min)
  • Automatically start jaws (10 min)
  • Prompt to confirm when exiting jaws. (10 min)
  • Run jaws from system tray. (10 min)
  • Use keyboard layout. (10 min)
  • Managing voices. (10 min)
  • Getting help. (10 min)
  • Jaws help topics. (10 min)
  • other useful jaws help resources. (10 min)
  • Jaws speech history. (10 min)
  • Jaws sound splitter. (10 min)
  • Jaws notification history (10 min)
  • The FS clipboard. (10 min)
  • Introduction to jaws (10 min)

NVDA basics

This module introduces learners to the installation and initial setup of NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access), a free and open-source screen reader designed for accessibility on Windows systems. Learners will be guided through the process of downloading, installing, and launching NVDA, as well as understanding the basic startup options. The module also covers essential configuration steps to ensure NVDA is ready for immediate use, including selecting preferences that affect speech and system interaction. Emphasis is placed on creating a smooth and accessible setup experience, especially for first-time users, ensuring that NVDA is properly configured for reliable performance from the start. By the end of this module, learners will be able to: • Download and install NVDA successfully • Launch and verify NVDA is working correctly • Configure basic startup and initial settings • Prepare the system for effective screen reader use This module lays the groundwork for all subsequent NVDA learning and usage.

  • Getting help on using NVDA (10 min)
  • Introduction to NVDA (5 min)
  • Important settings for using NVDA. (10 min)

Windows narrator

This module introduces learners to Windows Narrator, the built-in screen reader in Microsoft Windows designed to support accessibility without requiring additional software installation. Learners will explore how to start, navigate, and use Narrator effectively for basic computer interaction. The module covers essential features such as speech output, keyboard commands, and navigation techniques within Windows and common applications. Emphasis is placed on helping users understand Narrator as a quick and readily available accessibility tool, especially useful for beginners or in situations where other screen readers are not available. By the end of this module, learners will be able to: • Launch and use Windows Narrator • Navigate the system using keyboard commands • Understand key features and basic settings • Use Narrator for everyday computing tasks This module provides a practical foundation for using built-in accessibility tools within the Windows environment.

  • Introduction to windows narrator. (10 min)
  • Managing voices. (10 min)
  • Important settings (10 min)
  • Getting help. (10 min)
  • changing languages on all 3 screen readers. (10 min)

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 do not have administrative rights, you will also have to Enter the administrator’s password after pressing the Continue button. Why would a blind person ever want to close JAWS or another default screenreader if having it open is the only way to know what is going on? Here are some reasons: If you use more than one screenreader and want to switch between them, you will want to know how to open and exit each one. You will want to exit the currently operating screenreader before opening a new one to avoid voices speaking simultaneously. Sometimes your screenreader “misbehaves.” It stops speaking for no apparent reason, reads content incorrectly, or does other strange things. Closing the screenreader and reopening it sometimes solves the problem. Or maybe switching to a different screenreader starts up speech again. When troubleshooting, switching screenreaders can sometimes help you to isolate the problem. Let’s say some element of an Excel spreadsheet is not reading properly with JAWS. You switch to NVDA or Narrator, and it now reads correctly. This makes it more likely that the problem is with JAWS. But let’s say the problem is encountered with all three screenreaders. Then it is more likely that the problem has to do with how Excel interacts with screenreaders in general, and not with any specific one. In such cases, switching screenreaders may help you better articulate the issue when seeking technical support. Finally, if you are running another program with its own built-in voice, it may be helpful to close your screenreader while running these programs. This way, you won’t have two voices speaking over each other. Examples are Talking Typer for practicing typing and Kurzweil 1000 for scanning documents. With JAWS, you can change both the default Voice rate, as well as change it temporarily. To change the default Voice rate, hold down the Control, Windows, and Alt keys together, and then press the Page up and Page down keys to increase and decrease the Voice rate, respectively. As you increase the Voice rate, JAWS will say “faster, faster.” As you decrease it, JAWS will say “slower, slower.” The first way to change the Voice rate temporarily is to hold down the Control and Alt keys together, and then press the Page up and Page down keys to increase and decrease it, respectively. Here too, JAWS will say “faster, faster” and Slower, slower.” The second way to temporarily change the Voice rate, called on the fly,” is used with the Say all or Continuous reading keystroke, allowing you to adjust the Voice rate without interrupting speech. Press Insert and the Down arrow Key together to start continuous reading. Then press the Page up and Page down keys to increase and decrease the Voice rate, respectively. As you press Page up or Page down, reading will restart at the top of the paragraph you are currently in. In this context, “temporary” means that once you leave the window where you have adjusted the Voice rate, either by Alt Tabbing away from the window or closing the window with Alt F4, it reverts back to the default rate.

Instructor

techgenius

Course Instructor

GHS 100.00

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  • 23 lessons
  • 225 minutes total
  • Audio + Text formats
  • Fully accessible
  • 0 students