[nabs-l] Google applications and accessibility

[Brice Smith]

While I appreciate the information, it is not necessary to learn to use this separate, Google specific screen reader. JAWS and NVDA work alright these days with Google applications and the Chrome web browser. Even Google has realized the futility of expecting screen reader users to learn ChromeVOX just to access their specific applications.  

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 30, 2016, at 9:00 PM, Bryan Duarte via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello NABS,
> 
> I wanted to send this out just to make it known in case some of you may not know. We have all had the issues facing accessibility to Google applications at some time or another right? Yes, I can answer this rhetorical question. Well let me provide you some information which may or may not surprise you about the incredible accessibility Google applications have for blind individuals no matter what operating system you are using.
> 
> As we all know Google has been telling us at NFB conventions for years that they are building accessibility into their products but when we open Google Drive, Google Docs, or any other Google app on our Windows or Mac we are getting frustrated with their lack of access right? The answer is once again Yes! Well guess what? Google has actually been telling the truth but not telling it correctly. Google has developed the Chrome web browser which is free for all to use. I am sure some of us use Google Chrome as our web browser but for the most part we do not mess with it because Jaws and other windows screen readers interact better with browsers such as Firefox, Safari, and yes some people still use Internet Explorer. What Google has not told you is that they have also developed their own screen reader called Chrome VOX which only runs in Google Chrome. Not only does it run in Chrome but it gives you complete access to all Google applications which guess what, also run right inside of Chrome. So here is what you need to do if you would like to use Googles powerful suite of web based tools to collaborate with your teams of sighted peers.
> 
> 1. No matter what operating system you use navigate to,
> https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/desktop/ <https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/desktop/> 
> 
> Download the Google Chrome web browser and install it for your operating system Windows or Mac or Linux.
> 
> 2. Then download and install Chrome VOX from within the Chrome web browser.
> http://www.chromevox.com <http://www.chromevox.com/> 
> 
> 3. Once Chrome VOX is installed simply go to the preferences or settings tab and customize the voice and you are off and running. 
> 
> 4. Here is the link to the keyboard commands you will need to control Chrome VOX
> http://www.chromevox.com/keyboard_shortcuts.html <http://www.chromevox.com/keyboard_shortcuts.html> 
> 
> I use Google applications everyday all the time to manage all my teams and communicate with my peers. I use a Mac so when I open Chrome I will press Command plus F5 to turn off Voiceover then I use Chrome VOX while I am using the Google Applications then simply close Chrome and resume Voiceover. Just as a side note Voiceover will not speak once you are editing within a Google Doc and Chrome VOX is running so that is convenient so you do not have to worry about having to toggle one on and off. 
> 
> I hope this helps some of you who might have been wanting or needing to use Google applications but have been way to frustrated with the inconsistency of accessibility.
> 
> Go Devils!
> 
> Bryan Duarte
> ASU Software Engineering Graduate Student
> QwikEyes CEO
> 
> 
> 
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