Using Microsoft Outlook with JAWS: A Comprehensive Guide
Getting Started with Outlook and JAWS
When you first open Outlook, JAWS will announce that you’re in the “Inbox” or the default folder. Make sure JAWS is running and properly configured to work with Outlook. If adjustments are needed, you can use the JAWS Configuration Manager to fine-tune settings.
Layout and View
Outlook’s layout consists of three main areas:
Navigation Pane: Located on the left, includes Mail, Calendar, People, and Tasks.
Message List: In the center, displays all your emails.
Reading Pane: On the right, where you can view the content of selected emails.
Managing Emails
Reading Emails
Navigate through the Message List using your arrow keys.
Press Enter on the email you want to read, and it will open in the Reading Pane.
JAWS will read out the content of the email to you.
Composing a New Email
Press Control + N or click the “New Email” button in the ribbon.
The new message window will open, and JAWS will announce the fields such as To, Subject, and Body.
Type your message and use the Tab key to move between different fields.
Replying and Forwarding Emails
To reply to an email, press Control + R.
For replying to all recipients, press Control + Shift + R.
To forward an email, press Control + F, enter the recipient details and message body, and then send it.
Deleting Emails
Select the email and press the Delete key. The email will move to the Deleted Items folder.
Switching Folders
Use the Navigation Pane on the left, or press Control + Y to open the folder list.
Navigate through the list and press Enter to switch to a different folder.
Accessing Hyperlinks and Attachments
JAWS will announce any hyperlinks present in an email. Press Enter to activate a link.
To access attachments, navigate to the attachments section. JAWS will list the available attachments. Press Enter to open or download an attachment.
Using the Calendar
To switch to Calendar View, use the Navigation Pane or press Control + 2.
JAWS will announce the calendar view and the current date.
Use arrow keys to move through days, weeks, and months.
To change views, press Alt + H to access the Home tab and select your preferred calendar view, such as Day, Week, or Month.
To open an event, navigate to it and press Enter. JAWS will read out the event details.
To accept a meeting, use the Accept button, which you can locate using the Tab key.
To create a new meeting or event, press Control + Shift + Q. This opens a new appointment window where you can enter details. Use the Tab key to navigate between fields and JAWS to input the information.
Managing Contacts
To access your Address Book, press Control + 3 or click on the People icon in the Navigation Pane.
To create a new contact, press Control + N within the People view, enter the contact details, and save.
To access existing contacts, use the search feature or navigate through your contact list with the arrow keys.
Additional Features
Using the Search Function: Press Control + E or use the Search box to find specific emails, contacts, or calendar events.
Customizing Outlook Views: Adjust how emails and other elements are displayed by using the View tab.
Setting Up Rules: Access this through File > Manage Rules & Alerts to automate how your emails are organized.
Accessibility Features: Ensure JAWS is up-to-date and explore additional accessibility options within Outlook’s settings.
Mohammad Zaripour
