Windows Accessibility Tutorial for JAWS Users

Understanding Files and Folders

Files and Folders Basics:

• Files: Individual documents or pieces of data (e.g., text documents, spreadsheets, images, programs).

  • Extensions: Indicate file type (e.g., .docx for Word documents, .jpg for images, .exe for executable programs).

• Folders: Directories used to organize files and other folders.

  • Subfolders: Folders within folders, creating a multi-level hierarchy for better organization.

Navigating Files and Folders with JAWS:

1. Open File Explorer: Press Win + E.

2. Reading Contents: JAWS reads the contents of the open folder, including names and types of files and folders.

3. Moving Between Items: Use the arrow keys. JAWS announces the name and type of each item.

4. Expanding/Collapsing Folders:

   • Expand: Right Arrow key.

   • Collapse: Left Arrow key.

5. Opening Items: Press Enter to open a folder or file.

6. Searching for Items: Press Ctrl + E, type your query, and JAWS will announce the search results.

Using Context Menus

Context Menus Overview:

• Provide additional options for the selected item (e.g., opening, copying, deleting files or folders).

• Options vary based on the selected item.

Accessing Context Menus with JAWS:

1. Open Context Menu: Press Shift + F10 or the Applications key.

2. Navigating Menu Options: Use the Up and Down Arrow keys. JAWS reads the options aloud.

3. Selecting Options:

   • Press Enter to select.

   • Use Right Arrow or Enter to expand submenus.

4. Common Options:

   • Open, cut, copy, paste, rename, delete, properties.

   • Properties: Provides information about the item (e.g., size, last modified date) and allows setting up keyboard shortcuts.

Interacting with Dialog Boxes

Dialog Boxes Overview:

• Windows prompting choices or information input (e.g., settings, confirmations, file operations).

Using JAWS with Dialog Boxes:

1. Reading Dialog Box: JAWS typically reads the title and contents automatically.

2. Navigating Elements:

   • Use Tab to move forward.

   • Use Shift + Tab to move backward.

3. Interacting with Controls:

   • Text Fields: JAWS reads existing text; start typing when prompted.

   • Buttons: Use Spacebar or Enter to activate (e.g., “OK,” “Cancel,” “Apply”).

   • Checkboxes: Use Spacebar to check/uncheck.

   • Drop-down Lists:

     • Press Enter to open.

     • Use arrow keys to navigate.

     • Press Enter to select.

     • Alternatively, use Alt + Down Arrow to expand, then navigate with arrow keys.

4. Closing Dialog Boxes:

   • Navigate to “OK” and press Enter to confirm.

   • Navigate to “Cancel” and press Enter to cancel and close.

Tips for Efficient Navigation:

• Keyboard Shortcuts:

  • Ctrl + N: Open a new window in File Explorer.

  • Ctrl + W: Close the current window.

  • Alt + F4: Close the current window.

• Adjusting JAWS Verbosity: Control how much information is read aloud to focus on relevant details.

Practice and Familiarity:

• Regular practice with JAWS commands enhances efficiency and comfort in managing files, navigating context menus, and interacting with dialog boxes on Windows.

Mohammad Zaripour