[NFBCS] Jaws and Google Docs spreadsheet, solution of sorts

Tue Aug 11 14:48:21 UTC 2026

I found a solution!  

I was using Chrome as my browser, figuring it would work better with Google Docs.  I switched to Firefox, and it showed me a file menu Chrome did not.  I was able to download the spreadsheet to my PC, and now I can navigate it in plain Excel and get to what I want, including executing links.

I’m glad I figured it out, but it really shouldn’t have been this hard.

Tracy

From: NFBCS <nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via NFBCS
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 10:34 AM
To: 'NFB in Computer Science Mailing List' <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Cc: carcione at access.net
Subject: Re: [NFBCS] Jaws and Google Docs spreadsheet

Thanks.

I tried using alt-control-z, and sometimes I get into the spreadsheet, and sometimes not.  I found the class I want, and hit enter on it, then found the link, after much hunting around, hit f2 then control-c to copy, but it didn’t copy.  Now I can’t get back to where I was.

When Jaws is in virtual mode, arrowing right goes by letter, not to the next column.  When it’s in that other mode, application?, it doesn’t go anywhere.

I’ve spent an hour trying to make this work, and I’m no farther forward than I was.  It’s a nightmare.

But I appreciate your efforts to help.

Tracy

From: NFBCS <nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of Bradford Snyder via NFBCS
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 12:37 AM
To: NFB in Computer Science Mailing List <nfbcs at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbcs at nfbnet.org> >
Cc: Bradford Snyder <wbsjr at swbell.net <mailto:wbsjr at swbell.net> >
Subject: Re: [NFBCS] Jaws and Google Docs spreadsheet

You can enable Screen Reader support by pressing CTRL + ALT + Z,

And you can enable Braille support by pressing CTRL + ALT + H.

Remember to make sure the JAWS virtual cursor is disabled whenever you are using any Google Suite component. 

Make sure you are signed into your Google account, and these settings will not only stick, but will carry over to any device you use when signed into your Google account.

You most likely will not be able to execute a link from within a Google sheet, so you should copy the link.

To do this, press F2, and then select and copy the contents of the cell that contains the link.

HTH.

- Brad -

On Aug 10, 2026, at 19:23, Sean McMahon via NFBCS <nfbcs at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbcs at nfbnet.org> > wrote:

Google Docs in Google sheets seems to work best when the virtual cursor is turned off Jaws really should do this for you automatically, but you have to have both screen reader support and braille support enabled in your Google Docs and Google sheets settings. There is a menu bar that you activate by pressing old F on a keyboard and moving around and finding the Accessibility menu 

Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> 

  _____  

From: NFBCS <nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org> > on behalf of Tracy Carcione via NFBCS <nfbcs at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbcs at nfbnet.org> >
Sent: Monday, 10 August 2026 20:05:31
To: 'NFB in Computer Science Mailing List' <nfbcs at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbcs at nfbnet.org> >
Cc: carcione at access.net <mailto:carcione at access.net>  <carcione at access.net <mailto:carcione at access.net> >
Subject: [NFBCS] Jaws and Google Docs spreadsheet 

I went to a series of workshops and want to watch the videos associated with particular classes.  They’re in a spreadsheet using Google Docs.  The spreadsheet looks like Excel.

I can find the class I want, and its video link, but, when I try hitting enter or use the Jaws left mouse click, nothing happens.  Then I seem to get stuck and have to hit escape, which throws me back to the top and I have to get back in the spreadsheet.  

Also, when I hit the key for virtual cursor, Jaws says “application mode, double tap to go to virtual mode”.  Not sure what I should do there.  I’ve been getting into the virtual cursor.

What do I need to do to be able to follow the link to the video I want?

Thanks for your patience with this old duck.

Tracy

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