[Nfbktad] Trying to use the computer with just a Keyboard

[slery]

April,
 
Here is a quick tip for using your screen reader as someone that originally
learned as a sighted person.
 
Arrow keys will do a lot for you until you learn and become familiar with
other ways that are more efficient.
 
The "alt" key (the key to the left and typically right of your keyboard)
will take you directly to the menus in applications and then you can arrow
around until you find what you want. NOTE: On laptops and keyboards that are
designed to be small, you may not have both alt keys.
 
Alt+F4 will close your active application.
 
The Windows key (is to the left of the alt key) and it will bring up your
start menu where you can arrow around to find the program you want.
 
This should at least get you started. Believe me, I feel your frustration
with learning to use a screen reader. I use one on my phone full-time (it's
rare that I can see anything on it) but I have not been able to commit to
using a screen reader full-time on my desktop. I learned to use a menu
system and that is how I think even when using the screen reader. There are
certain keyboard commands that I use but most of those are for things I do
every time I use a certain application.
 
Good luck and hopefully this will help you until you can get training.
 
Cindy Sheets

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbktad [mailto:nfbktad-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Todd
Sent: Saturday, November 02, 2013 10:16 AM
To: 'NFB of Kentucky, Technology Assistance Division'
Subject: Re: [Nfbktad] Trying to use the computer with just a Keyboard



Hi April,

What you've written is a bit vague to diagnose. Learning keyboard commands
is not something that comes quickly. I would not recommend familiarizing
oneself with all of the short-cut keystrokes, at this point. There's far too
many and some of them are rare, if ever used. It can become overwhelming and
frustrating.

 

April, do you reside in Louisville? If so, have you been to the McDowell
Center for an evaluation and training? That's where I would start, if that's
possible. They can help you to determine the most appropriate assistive tech
devices to benefit you at the McDowell Center. If you can't, can you get
with someone who knows JAWS and can see what you're doing? I would strongly
recommend the first option, though.

 

In order to use the JAWS commands, your keyboard must have the Num lock(on
the number pad of your keyboard) turned in the off position. Toggle the key
in the top left corner of the keyboard until you hear Num lock off. The "0"
key on the number pad is also the JAWS primary key, which is referred to the
JAWS insert key. You need access to this. I have given you a list of only 13
keyboard commands which should get you started, and then some. The table
below as the keystrokes in one column and the action of that keystroke in
the second column. To move between the columns, use your Tab and Shift Tab
Keys. Use your arrow keys to move Up and Down in the columns.

 


Keystroke

Action


Insert J

Activate Jaws Menu where ever you are


Alt F4

Close JAWS


Control

Silence JAWS


Insert Tab

Announces Focus


Insert T      

Announces Title


Insert F      

Announces Formatting Attributes


Tab

Move Forward thru Elements


Shift Tab

Move Backward thru Elements


Insert Down Arrow

Say All


Alt Tab

Toggle Between Programs


Insert F10

List of open Windows programs


Insert F11

Allows access to system tray


Insert F12

Announces Time & Date



Cheers,

 

 

Todd

From: Nfbktad [mailto:nfbktad-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of April Brown
Sent: Saturday, November 02, 2013 7:57 AM
To: nfbktad at nfbnet.org; nfb-db at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbktad] Trying to use the computer with just a Keyboard

 

Following advice, I've tried to learn to use a computer with just a
keyboard.  I don't get it.  I can't open or close anything.  

 

With the trial JAWs program, I tried to use both Firefox and Safari with
just the keyboard. I had the 11 page keyboard guide open.  And none of the
commands worked on either browser.  They worked in Word and PDF.

 

I have no idea what "key" I am missing.  I am sure it is some silly
something that I'm supposed to toggle on or off to do it, and everyone else
in the world knows how without being told.

 

So far, the biggest problem I can see with JAWs, other than not being able
to configure it for the browsers, is the volume.  With my massive hearing
loss as well, and the volume at 100%, it sounds like a whisper.  Is it worth
my time to learn this program, if I can't hear the speakers?  My hearing and
comprehension is rapidly decreasing.  I'm going to ask on the deaf blind
group what they use.  

 

April Brown

 

Writing dramatic adventure novels uncovering the myths we hide behind.

 

 

 


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