Using Microsoft Excel with JAWS: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Microsoft Excel?

Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application designed to help you organize, analyze, and visualize data. It’s widely used across many fields for tasks such as:

With these applications in mind, let’s explore how to navigate and utilize Excel effectively with JAWS.

Excel Layout

In Excel, the fundamental structure is organized around a “workbook,” which is essentially the file itself. Each workbook can contain multiple “sheets,” often referred to as worksheets, allowing users to segment their data logically. Within each sheet, information is arranged in a grid of rows and columns, where individual cells hold data or formulas. This layout facilitates easy referencing; for instance, data in one sheet can be linked or referenced in another, enabling users to create comprehensive analyses and maintain organized workflows. This interconnectedness among sheets enhances the overall functionality and flexibility of Excel, making it a powerful tool for data management.

Excel for JAWS Users

Screen reader users often encounter significant challenges when trying to read or access Excel workbooks. One primary difficulty lies in the complex structure of spreadsheets, where information is organized in rows and columns that can become disorienting without proper context. JAWS may struggle to convey relationships between data points effectively, making it hard for users to discern the meaning behind figures or the intent of the layout. Additionally, features like merged cells, formulas, and conditional formatting can further complicate navigation and interpretation, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.

Usability and accessibility issues are heightened when authors of spreadsheets neglect to consider screen reader compatibility; poorly labeled headings, lack of meaningful alternative text, and the absence of clear organization can create barriers that are difficult to overcome. This often results in a sense of exclusion, as users may feel that the tools designed to assist them fail to meet their needs. Ultimately, enhancing the accessibility of Excel workbooks requires a commitment from content creators to adopt best practices, ensuring that all users can engage with data effectively and meaningfully.

Navigating Through an Excel Workbook

Moving Between Cells

Switching Between Sheets

Creating and Saving a Workbook

Creating a New Workbook

You can open a new workbook directly by using the same procedure for creating a folder from the folder context menu. Alternatively, you can create a new workbook directly from the application. To do this, open Excel, press ALT+F, then N, and choose “New Workbook” from the context menu.

Saving Your Workbook

Formatting Text

Basic Formatting

Adjusting Font Size and Color

Text Alignment

Managing Sheets

Adding a New Sheet

Renaming a Sheet

Hiding and Unhiding Rows/Columns

Editing Cell Content

Editing Without Overwriting

Working with Formulas

Basic Calculations

Using basic arithmetic functions like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages in Excel with JAWS involves a few straightforward steps. First, navigate to the cell where you want to perform the calculation. To enter a formula, start by typing the equal sign (=), followed by the desired operation. For addition, use the plus sign (+), for subtraction the minus sign (-), for multiplication the asterisk (*), and for division the forward slash (/).

For example, to add values in cells A1 and A2, you would type =A1+A2. JAWS will read back the formula as you enter it, allowing you to confirm that it’s correct. To calculate a percentage, you can multiply a number by a percentage in decimal form. For instance, to find 20% of a value in cell A1, you would enter =A1*0.2.

After completing your formula, press ENTER to calculate the result. JAWS will then read the resulting value aloud, helping you verify your calculation. Remember to utilize JAWS shortcuts and navigation keys to efficiently move between cells and access different functionalities within Excel.

Using the SUM Formula


Mohammad Zaripour