First-time keyboard guide
Use this short routine before following the Google Chrome Screen Reader Manual procedures. It explains exactly how the keyboard directions in this manual work.
Press a single key
- Find the named key without pressing it if possible.
- Press and release the key one time. Do not hold it unless the step specifically says to hold it.
- Stop and listen to the full screen-reader announcement before pressing another key.
Press a keyboard combination
- When a command contains a plus sign, such as Ctrl+S, hold down the first key.
- While continuing to hold the first key, press and release the final key once.
- Release the first key. The plus sign is not a key and should not be pressed.
- Listen for the expected result described in the procedure. If nothing changes, verify that the correct application or webpage has focus and try the command once more.
Press a sequence of keys
- When keys are separated by commas or the word “then,” press and release them in order instead of holding them together.
- After each key, listen for a menu, tab, control, or new screen before continuing.
- If the announcement does not match the step, press Escape once to close the current menu or dialog and restart that procedure.
Know which navigation key to try
- Tab and Shift+Tab: move forward and backward among buttons, links, fields, and other controls.
- Arrow keys: move inside menus, lists, groups of choices, text, and many screen-reader reading views.
- Enter: opens the selected item or activates the focused command.
- Space: activates many buttons and checks or clears checkboxes. In a text field, Space types a space.
- Escape: cancels or closes the current menu, list, or dialog without intentionally accepting a change.
Verify before moving on
- Listen for the window, page, or application name so you know where focus is.
- Perform only one numbered step.
- Compare what the screen reader announces with the “What should happen” information in the procedure.
- If the result is wrong, stop. Use the procedure’s recovery directions, Escape to cancel, or Ctrl+Z to undo when that command is supported.
- Continue only after you can identify the result. Save completed work with Ctrl+S whenever the application supports saving.
First complete independent workflow
This rehearsal joins existing procedures into one uninterrupted session without repeating their directions. Follow the linked procedure when a step names it, then return here for the next verification.
Safety check: Confirm the active application, document or project name, and save location before changing content.
- Open Google Chrome Screen Reader Manual and wait until its name, starting screen, or connected-device status is announced.
- Choose a fictional, public, disposable, or instructor-provided practice item. Do not use private client, student, medical, financial, or account-recovery information.
- Open 2.1 Open Google Chrome. Read its “What you will learn,” “Before you begin,” keyboard-command, and expected-result information before pressing anything.
- Complete that procedure one numbered action at a time. After each key, stop and identify what changed before continuing.
- State the result aloud or record it in a practice note. If it differs from “What should happen,” use that procedure’s recovery directions before advancing.
- Continue directly to 3.1 Open a Website without closing the application or device session. First confirm that focus, account, file, book, conversation, or project context is still correct.
- Complete the second procedure and verify the resulting name, state, location, permission, value, or content. Do not rely only on a success sound.
- Save or synchronize when the product supports it. Wait for the completed state before disconnecting a device, closing a browser, or switching accounts.
- Continue to 3.2 Search the Web. Use the exact command listed there; if the command varies by model or version, use Keyboard Help, the product’s shortcut list, or the linked official reference instead of guessing.
- Introduce one harmless recoverable error, such as opening the wrong menu or moving focus away. Press Escape once, identify the active window or device area, and return to the correct step.
- Review the finished practice item from its beginning. Confirm its title or filename, structure, content, destination, sharing state, and saved or synchronized status as applicable.
- Close and reopen the item or return to it from the product’s main screen. The workflow is complete only when you can locate it and verify the same result independently.
Success standard: Complete all three linked tasks, explain the commands used, recover from the practice error, and locate the finished result without another person directing the next key.
Google Chrome keyboard shortcuts
Purpose: This manual teaches Google Chrome from the beginning to a person using a screen reader. It explains what to press, what browser region or webpage element should receive focus, what your screen reader should announce, and how to recover when the result is different.
Reference platform: This manual focuses on current Google Chrome on Windows 11.
Screen readers: Core Chrome keyboard commands are taught first. Narrator, NVDA, and JAWS are covered separately so browser and screen-reader commands stay distinct.
How to Use This Manual
Learn Chrome itself before memorizing screen-reader quick-navigation keys.
Ctrl+L, Alt+D, or F6 can move focus to the address bar.
Ctrl+T opens a new tab. Ctrl+W closes the current tab. Ctrl+Shift+T reopens recently closed tabs.
F6 cycles focus through Chrome's major browser areas.
Tab and Shift+Tab move through clickable controls.
Screen-reader browse/scan modes are used for structural webpage navigation.
F7 turns Caret Browsing on or off.
Alt+Shift+R opens Chrome Reading Mode on Windows when supported.
Ctrl+J opens Downloads, Ctrl+H opens History, and Ctrl+Shift+O opens Bookmark Manager.
Verify the website domain before entering passwords or sensitive information.
Part 1 - What Google Chrome Is
Google Chrome is a web browser. It displays webpages, web applications, PDFs, downloads, settings, extensions, history, bookmarks, and account/profile features.
Omnibox/address bar: where you type a website address or web search.
Tab: one open webpage or browser task.
Tab strip: area containing open tabs and tab groups.
Toolbar: browser controls such as Back, Reload, bookmark, extensions, profile, and Chrome menu.
Web content: the current webpage.
Bookmarks: saved website shortcuts.
History: previously visited pages.
Downloads: files downloaded through Chrome.
Extensions: optional add-ons that can change Chrome behavior.
Part 2 - Open Chrome and Learn the Window
2.1 Open Google Chrome
What you will learn: Start Chrome without using a mouse.
Before you begin: Chrome must be installed.
Exactly how to do it
Press the Windows key.
Type Chrome.
Press Enter on Google Chrome.
Wait for Chrome to open.
Press F6 once.
Listen to the browser region announced.
Continue pressing F6 to hear the tab strip, address bar/toolbar, and page area.
Press Shift+F6 to move backward.
What should happen: Chrome opens and you can identify its major focus areas.
If that does not happen: If F6 does not move, press Escape to close an open menu or popup and try again.
Practice: Open Chrome, cycle focus through the main areas, then return to the webpage.
Part 3 - Address Bar and Search
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Focus address bar | Ctrl+L, Alt+D, or F6 |
| Search from anywhere | Ctrl+K or Ctrl+E |
| Open typed search/address in new tab | Alt+Enter |
3.1 Open a Website
What you will learn: Go directly to a known address.
Before you begin: Chrome is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+L.
Type the website address, for example google.com.
Press Enter.
Wait for the page to load.
Use the screen reader to confirm the page title or main heading.
What should happen: The website opens in the current tab.
If that does not happen: If search results appear, verify the address you typed.
Practice: Open two known websites.
3.2 Search the Web
What you will learn: Use the Omnibox as a search box.
Before you begin: Chrome is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+L.
Type a search phrase.
Press Enter.
Wait for results.
Use screen-reader heading and link navigation to review results.
What should happen: Search results appear.
If that does not happen: If Chrome stays on the previous page, make sure the Omnibox received focus before typing.
Practice: Search for three topics.
Part 4 - Tabs, Windows, and Tab Groups
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| New tab | Ctrl+T |
| Close current tab | Ctrl+W |
| Reopen closed tab | Ctrl+Shift+T |
| Next tab | Ctrl+Tab or Ctrl+Page Down |
| Previous tab | Ctrl+Shift+Tab or Ctrl+Page Up |
| Specific tab 1-8 | Ctrl+1 through Ctrl+8 |
| Rightmost tab | Ctrl+9 |
| New window | Ctrl+N |
| New Incognito window | Ctrl+Shift+N |
| Move tab left/right | Ctrl+Shift+Page Up / Ctrl+Shift+Page Down |
4.1 Open and Switch Tabs
What you will learn: Work with several webpages at once.
Before you begin: Chrome is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+T.
Open a site or search.
Press Ctrl+T and open a second site.
Press Ctrl+Tab to move forward through tabs.
Press Ctrl+Shift+Tab to move backward.
Listen to each page title.
What should happen: The active tab changes.
If that does not happen: If only one tab exists, Ctrl+Tab may appear to do nothing.
Practice: Open three tabs and cycle through all three.
4.2 Restore a Closed Tab
What you will learn: Recover a tab closed by mistake.
Before you begin: Close a non-important tab.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+Shift+T.
Wait for the restored tab.
Listen to the page title.
What should happen: The most recently closed tab reopens.
If that does not happen: Press Ctrl+Shift+T again to restore earlier tabs when available.
Practice: Close and restore two tabs.
4.3 Reach Tab Groups with the Keyboard
What you will learn: Access group controls when your Chrome setup uses tab groups.
Before you begin: At least one tab group exists.
Exactly how to do it
Press F6 until the tabs are in focus.
Press Tab or Shift+Tab to move among tab and group items.
Focus the tab group header.
Press Spacebar or Enter to collapse or expand it.
Press the Menu/Application key or Shift+F10 to open its context menu.
What should happen: The group expands/collapses and the menu can be reached without a mouse.
If that does not happen: If no group header is announced, the current window may not contain a tab group.
Practice: Create or use a practice tab group and collapse/expand it.
Part 5 - Back, Forward, Reload, and Home
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Back | Alt+Left Arrow |
| Forward | Alt+Right Arrow |
| Reload | Ctrl+R or F5 |
| Reload ignoring cache | Ctrl+Shift+R or Shift+F5 |
| Home page | Alt+Home |
| Stop loading | Escape |
5.1 Use Back and Forward
What you will learn: Move through recent pages in one tab.
Before you begin: Follow at least one link from a starting page.
Exactly how to do it
Press Alt+Left Arrow.
Listen for the previous page.
Press Alt+Right Arrow.
Listen for the newer page.
What should happen: Chrome moves through the tab's history.
If that does not happen: If nothing happens, the tab has no backward/forward history.
Practice: Navigate three pages and move backward/forward.
Part 6 - Webpage Keyboard Navigation
6.1 Move Through Clickable Page Controls
What you will learn: Use only Chrome keyboard focus navigation.
Before you begin: Open a page with several links or form controls.
Exactly how to do it
Press Tab.
Listen to the focused link, button, field, or control.
Press Tab again.
Press Shift+Tab to move backward.
Press Enter to activate a focused link or button when intended.
Press Spacebar to toggle many checkboxes/buttons.
What should happen: Focus moves through interactive webpage elements.
If that does not happen: If Tab stays in Chrome controls, press F6 until focus reaches page content.
Practice: Move through ten controls without activating them.
Part 7 - Find on Page
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Find on page | Ctrl+F |
| Next match | Ctrl+G |
| Previous match | Ctrl+Shift+G |
7.1 Find Text on the Current Page
What you will learn: Locate visible text quickly.
Before you begin: Open a long webpage.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+F.
Type a word or phrase.
Press Enter if needed.
Press Ctrl+G to move to the next match.
Press Ctrl+Shift+G to move to the previous match.
Press Escape to close Find.
What should happen: Chrome identifies matching text on the page.
If that does not happen: If Chrome reports zero matches, shorten the phrase or check spelling.
Practice: Find a repeated word on one page.
Part 8 - Bookmarks
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Bookmark current page | Ctrl+D |
| Bookmark all open tabs | Ctrl+Shift+D |
| Show/hide Bookmarks bar | Ctrl+Shift+B |
| Open Bookmark Manager | Ctrl+Shift+O |
8.1 Save a Bookmark
What you will learn: Save a page for future use.
Before you begin: Open a safe webpage.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+D.
Review the proposed bookmark name.
Change the name if needed.
Choose a folder.
Activate Done/Save.
What should happen: The page is bookmarked.
If that does not happen: If Ctrl+D opens an unexpected command, verify Chrome has focus.
Practice: Bookmark one practice site.
8.2 Open Bookmark Manager
What you will learn: Find and organize saved bookmarks.
Before you begin: Have at least one bookmark.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+Shift+O.
Use Tab and arrow keys through Bookmark Manager.
Locate a bookmark.
Press Enter to open it.
What should happen: The selected bookmark opens.
If that does not happen: If Bookmark Manager opens in a new tab, use Ctrl+Tab to return afterward.
Practice: Open one bookmark and return.
Part 9 - History
9.1 Review Browsing History
What you will learn: Find a page visited earlier.
Before you begin: Chrome is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+H.
Use screen-reader navigation through the History page.
Use the History search box if available.
Move to the desired entry.
Press Enter.
What should happen: The selected page reopens.
If that does not happen: Incognito pages should not appear in normal browsing history after the Incognito session ends.
Practice: Find one previously visited site.
Part 10 - Downloads
10.1 Open the Downloads Page
What you will learn: Review recent download status and files.
Before you begin: Have at least one known download or open the page empty.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+J.
Use screen-reader navigation through the Downloads page.
Listen for filename, source, and status.
Use Show in folder or Open only for files you trust.
What should happen: The Downloads page opens in a tab.
If that does not happen: If a download is suspicious or unexpected, do not open it.
Practice: Locate one known safe downloaded file.
Part 11 - Forms and Interactive Controls
11.1 Complete a Web Form
What you will learn: Enter text and choose options safely.
Before you begin: Use a non-sensitive practice form.
Exactly how to do it
Use Tab or your screen reader's form navigation to reach the first edit field.
Type text.
Press Tab to the next field.
Press Spacebar on a checkbox.
Use Arrow keys in radio-button groups.
Use Alt+Down Arrow on a combo box if needed, then arrows and Enter.
Review all fields before activating Submit.
What should happen: The form contains the intended values.
If that does not happen: If letter keys navigate the page instead of typing, switch the screen reader into direct-interaction/focus/forms mode.
Practice: Complete a practice form without submitting sensitive information.
Part 12 - Links and Context Menus
12.1 Inspect a Link Before Opening It
What you will learn: Reduce the chance of following misleading links.
Before you begin: Focus a link.
Exactly how to do it
Listen to the link text.
Use your screen reader's link-details command if available.
Press Shift+F10 to open the link context menu.
Review options such as Open link in new tab, Copy link address, or Save link as.
Press Escape if you do not want to act.
What should happen: You can inspect available link actions without immediately following it.
If that does not happen: If the destination is suspicious or unexpected, do not open it.
Practice: Inspect three links on a trusted site.
Part 13 - PDFs in Chrome
Chrome includes a built-in PDF viewer. Accessibility depends heavily on whether the PDF contains real text and usable structure.
13.1 Open and Read a PDF
What you will learn: Read a PDF in Chrome using your screen reader.
Before you begin: Open a known accessible PDF.
Exactly how to do it
Open the PDF from a website or press Ctrl+O and choose a local PDF.
Wait for the PDF viewer.
Use Tab/F6 and your screen reader to reach document content.
Use Ctrl+F to search for a word.
Use screen-reader reading/navigation commands to read.
What should happen: Accessible PDF text is exposed to the screen reader.
If that does not happen: If only 'image' or very little text is announced, the PDF may be scanned/image-only or poorly structured.
Practice: Open an accessible PDF and find one word.
Important: The browser cannot repair a fundamentally inaccessible PDF. Obtain an accessible version or use appropriate OCR/accessibility tools when necessary.
Part 14 - Reading Mode
14.1 Open Chrome Reading Mode
What you will learn: Read supported content in a simplified side panel.
Before you begin: Open an article-style webpage.
Exactly how to do it
Press Alt+Shift+R.
Wait for Reading Mode to open.
Use Up/Down Arrow or Alt+Up/Alt+Down Arrow on Windows to move through Reading Mode text when appropriate.
Use the Reading Mode controls to adjust text size, theme, or highlighting if desired.
Close the Reading Mode side panel when finished.
What should happen: A simplified reading version of the page appears.
If that does not happen: Reading Mode does not work on every site, especially highly interactive pages, forms, maps, login pages, payment pages, or some forums.
Practice: Open Reading Mode on two article pages.
Read Aloud in Reading Mode: Current Chrome Reading Mode can also provide read-aloud controls and Google natural voices for supported languages.
Part 15 - Caret Browsing
15.1 Turn Caret Browsing On and Off
What you will learn: Use a text cursor to move and select webpage text.
Before you begin: Open a text-heavy webpage.
Exactly how to do it
Press F7.
Confirm the Caret Browsing prompt if shown.
Use Arrow keys to move the text cursor.
Hold Shift with Arrow keys to select text.
Press F7 again to turn Caret Browsing off.
What should happen: A text cursor can move through page text.
If that does not happen: If F7 controls a laptop hardware function, use Fn+F7.
Practice: Turn it on, select one word, then turn it off.
Part 16 - Accessibility Settings, Live Caption, and Live Translate
16.1 Open Chrome Accessibility Settings
What you will learn: Reach browser accessibility options.
Before you begin: Chrome is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Alt+F.
Move to Settings and press Enter.
Use the Settings search box or navigation to open Accessibility.
Review available accessibility options.
What should happen: Chrome's Accessibility settings appear.
If that does not happen: If Accessibility is not visible, type accessibility in Settings search.
Practice: Open Accessibility and review each option.
16.2 Turn Live Caption On or Off
What you will learn: Generate captions for audio playing in Chrome.
Before you begin: Open Settings > Accessibility.
Exactly how to do it
Find Live Caption.
Turn it on.
If prompted, allow Chrome to download the needed language files.
Play media with speech.
Listen for/observe the caption bubble if using visual support.
Return to Accessibility settings to turn Live Caption off when desired.
What should happen: Chrome generates captions for supported audio; Google states Live Caption audio/captions are processed locally and not stored or sent away for caption generation.
If that does not happen: If captions do not appear, confirm audio is playing and the selected caption language is supported.
Practice: Enable Live Caption, test with a safe video, then decide whether to keep it enabled.
16.3 Review Live Translate
What you will learn: Translate generated captions when the feature is available.
Before you begin: Live Caption is available and Accessibility settings are open.
Exactly how to do it
Find Live Translate.
Turn it on if you want translated captions.
Choose the target language.
Play supported media and verify the translated caption behavior.
What should happen: Captions can be translated to the selected language when supported.
If that does not happen: Availability and supported languages can change; if the control is missing, your Chrome version, language, or platform may not support it.
Practice: Review the setting without relying on it for critical interpretation.
Part 17 - Zoom and Full Screen
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Zoom in | Ctrl+Plus |
| Zoom out | Ctrl+Minus |
| Reset zoom | Ctrl+0 |
| Full screen | F11 |
17.1 Change Page Zoom
What you will learn: Adjust visual size for residual vision.
Before you begin: Open any page.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+Plus twice.
Press Ctrl+Minus once.
Press Ctrl+0 to reset.
What should happen: The page size changes and then returns to default.
If that does not happen: If the whole Windows interface changes rather than just the page, you may be using system magnification instead.
Practice: Practice zoom and reset.
Part 18 - Profiles, Sign-In, and Sync
18.1 Review Chrome Profile and Sync
What you will learn: Understand what Chrome can synchronize.
Before you begin: Chrome is open.
Exactly how to do it
Use F6/Shift+Alt+T or Tab to reach the profile control.
Open the profile menu.
If signed out, review the Sign in option.
If signed in, open sync/profile settings.
Review categories such as bookmarks, passwords, history, tabs, settings, addresses, and payment information before enabling them.
What should happen: You understand what profile/sync data is being shared across signed-in Chrome devices.
If that does not happen: On a shared/public device, do not enable persistent sign-in or sync without understanding the privacy impact.
Practice: Open profile settings and inspect sync categories.
Part 19 - Incognito, Privacy, Cookies, and Passwords
19.1 Open an Incognito Window
What you will learn: Use a temporary browsing session that does not keep normal local history after closing.
Before you begin: Chrome is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+Shift+N.
Listen for Incognito mode.
Browse as needed.
Close the Incognito window with Alt+F4.
What should happen: An Incognito window opens.
If that does not happen: Incognito does not make you anonymous to websites, networks, employers/schools, or internet providers.
Practice: Open and close one Incognito window.
19.2 Review Password Settings
What you will learn: Find Chrome password-management controls safely.
Before you begin: Open Chrome Settings.
Exactly how to do it
Use Settings search for passwords.
Open Google Password Manager or the password section available in your version.
Review options for saving passwords, autofill, passkeys, and password checks.
Do not reveal stored passwords while others can hear or see your screen.
What should happen: You can locate Chrome password controls.
If that does not happen: Chrome/Windows may require authentication before revealing a stored password.
Practice: Review settings without revealing a password.
Cookies and site permissions: Use Settings > Privacy and security and Site settings to control cookies, notifications, camera, microphone, location, pop-ups, and other permissions.
Part 20 - Extensions and Accessibility Extensions
20.1 Review Installed Extensions
What you will learn: Understand what browser add-ons are installed.
Before you begin: Chrome is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Alt+F.
Move to Extensions and open Manage extensions.
Use screen-reader navigation through installed extensions.
Review each extension name, enabled/disabled status, and permissions.
Disable or remove only extensions you recognize and intend to change.
What should happen: You can identify installed extensions.
If that does not happen: Do not remove organization-required extensions on a managed device without permission.
Practice: Review your installed extensions.
Accessibility extensions: Google points users to the Chrome Web Store for accessibility extensions, including tools for contrast, color enhancement, and keyboard/caret navigation. Extensions can read or change webpage data, so install only trusted extensions with permissions you understand.
20.2 Install an Accessibility Extension Safely
What you will learn: Evaluate permissions before adding an extension.
Before you begin: You have identified a trusted extension from a legitimate source.
Exactly how to do it
Open the Chrome Web Store listing.
Read the extension name, publisher, description, and permissions.
Activate Add to Chrome.
Read the confirmation prompt.
Choose Add extension only if the requested permissions make sense for its function.
Test the extension on a safe page.
What should happen: The extension installs and appears in Chrome's extensions controls.
If that does not happen: If the permissions are broader than expected, cancel installation.
Practice: Practice reviewing an extension listing without necessarily installing it.
Part 21 - Security and Phishing
Press Ctrl+L and verify the full domain before entering passwords, financial information, or verification codes.
Do not trust a site merely because it uses HTTPS.
Do not bypass Chrome security warnings unless you independently know the destination/file is safe.
Unexpected downloads should not be opened.
Never install an extension because a random webpage claims it is required to continue.
Use known addresses or trusted bookmarks for banking, email, government, healthcare, and work sites.
Be suspicious of urgent requests for passwords, money, gift cards, or authentication codes.
21.1 Verify a Site Before Signing In
What you will learn: Check the address before entering credentials.
Before you begin: A page requests a username/password.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+L.
Read the full domain.
Confirm it matches the legitimate service.
Press Escape to leave the address bar unchanged.
Only then return to the sign-in fields.
What should happen: You verify the site before entering credentials.
If that does not happen: If the domain is misspelled, shortened, unfamiliar, or unexpected, do not sign in.
Practice: Check three known legitimate domains.
Part 22 - Narrator with Chrome
Narrator uses Scan Mode for structural webpage reading and direct interaction mode for typing.
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Toggle Scan Mode | Narrator+Spacebar |
| Next/previous heading | H / Shift+H in Scan Mode |
| Webpage summary | Narrator+S |
| Image description | Narrator+Ctrl+D |
| Start/stop Narrator | Windows+Ctrl+Enter |
22.1 Navigate a Webpage with Narrator
What you will learn: Move by page structure.
Before you begin: Narrator is running and Chrome has a webpage open.
Exactly how to do it
Turn Scan Mode on with Narrator+Spacebar if needed.
Press H to move through headings.
Press Shift+H to move backward.
Press Tab through focusable links and controls.
Press Enter on a link.
What should happen: Narrator moves through webpage structure.
If that does not happen: If letters type into a field, focus is probably inside an edit field or Scan Mode is off.
Practice: Navigate a page by headings and links.
22.2 Type in a Form with Narrator
What you will learn: Switch from Scan Mode to direct typing.
Before you begin: Focus an edit field.
Exactly how to do it
Press Enter or Tab into the field.
If letters still navigate, press Narrator+Spacebar to turn Scan Mode off.
Type the text.
Press Tab to the next control.
Turn Scan Mode on again when you return to reading.
What should happen: Typing goes into the field.
If that does not happen: If letters continue to navigate, verify the edit field has focus.
Practice: Complete a practice form.
Part 23 - NVDA with Chrome
Google commonly recommends Chrome with NVDA for accessible Google web applications. NVDA normally uses Browse Mode for reading and Focus Mode for direct interaction.
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Toggle Browse/Focus Mode | NVDA+Space |
| Next/previous heading | H / Shift+H |
| Next/previous link | K / Shift+K |
| Edit field | E / Shift+E |
| Form field | F / Shift+F |
| Button | B / Shift+B |
| Landmark | D / Shift+D |
23.1 Navigate a Webpage with NVDA
What you will learn: Use quick-navigation keys in Browse Mode.
Before you begin: NVDA is running.
Exactly how to do it
Make sure NVDA is in Browse Mode.
Press H through headings.
Press K through links.
Press D through landmarks.
Press E/F to move to edit/form fields.
Press Enter on an interactive element.
What should happen: NVDA moves rapidly through page structure.
If that does not happen: If letters type into the page, you may be in Focus Mode.
Practice: Find headings, links, and a form field.
23.2 Use Focus Mode in Web Applications
What you will learn: Let Chrome/web apps receive keystrokes directly.
Before you begin: Focus an edit field or interactive web app.
Exactly how to do it
Press NVDA+Space to enter Focus Mode when needed.
Type or interact normally.
Press NVDA+Space to return to Browse Mode afterward.
What should happen: The web app receives keyboard commands directly.
If that does not happen: If H still moves by heading when you intend to type, Focus Mode is not active.
Practice: Practice toggling modes.
Part 24 - JAWS with Chrome
JAWS uses the Virtual PC Cursor for webpage reading and Forms Mode for direct form interaction.
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Keyboard Help | Insert+1 |
| Hot Key Help | Insert+H |
| Next/previous heading | H / Shift+H |
| Headings List | Insert+F6 |
| Links List | Insert+F7 |
| Form Fields List | Insert+F5 |
| Leave Forms Mode | Numpad Plus in Desktop layout |
24.1 Navigate a Webpage with JAWS
What you will learn: Use Virtual Cursor quick navigation and element lists.
Before you begin: JAWS is running.
Exactly how to do it
Press H through headings.
Press Insert+F6 to open Headings List.
Choose a heading and press Enter.
Press Insert+F7 to open Links List.
Choose a link and press Enter.
What should happen: JAWS moves through structured webpage elements.
If that does not happen: If H types into a field, Forms Mode is active; return to Virtual Cursor.
Practice: Use headings and links lists on one page.
24.2 Fill a Form with JAWS
What you will learn: Enter Forms Mode only when necessary.
Before you begin: Open a safe practice form.
Exactly how to do it
Press E or F to reach the desired field.
Press Enter if JAWS does not enter Forms Mode automatically.
Type text.
Press Tab through controls.
Use Spacebar and arrow keys as appropriate.
Press Numpad Plus in Desktop layout to leave Forms Mode when finished.
What should happen: Typing and form interaction work normally.
If that does not happen: If quick keys continue typing outside the form, exit Forms Mode.
Practice: Complete a practice form.
Part 25 - Braille Displays with Chrome
Braille output comes through Narrator, NVDA, or JAWS. Chrome exposes webpage and browser accessibility information to the screen reader.
Braille should follow the address bar, browser buttons, headings, links, form fields, and webpage text.
Routing keys can move the caret or activate controls depending on the screen reader and current mode.
Browse/Scan/Virtual versus Focus/Forms mode affects both speech and braille.
Long URLs and link text may require panning.
Poorly labeled website controls will also be poorly labeled in braille.
25.1 Test Braille with Chrome
What you will learn: Verify browser and webpage access.
Before you begin: Connect/configure the display through your screen reader.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+L and confirm the address appears in braille.
Open a webpage.
Move to a heading and link.
Move to an edit field.
Type using braille input if supported.
Use a routing key if supported.
What should happen: Braille follows Chrome and supports input according to the screen reader.
If that does not happen: If braille works in other apps but not Chrome, first check focus and screen-reader mode.
Practice: Test address bar, heading, link, and form field.
Part 26 - Troubleshooting
26.1 You Are Stuck in Browser Controls
What you will learn: Return to webpage content.
Before you begin: Chrome is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Escape to close menus/popups.
Press F6 until the page content is announced.
Use your screen reader's heading command to confirm.
What should happen: Focus returns to the webpage.
If that does not happen: If needed, continue F6/Shift+F6 through Chrome regions.
Practice: Move to toolbar and recover twice.
26.2 Letter Keys Type Instead of Navigating
What you will learn: Restore the screen-reader browsing mode.
Before you begin: A webpage is open.
Exactly how to do it
Narrator: turn Scan Mode on.
NVDA: enter Browse Mode.
JAWS: leave Forms Mode/return to Virtual Cursor.
Make sure focus is not inside an edit field.
Press H.
What should happen: H moves to a heading if one exists.
If that does not happen: If the page has no headings, use another structural key or test another page.
Practice: Practice mode recovery.
26.3 Letter Keys Navigate Instead of Typing
What you will learn: Enter the screen-reader interaction mode.
Before you begin: Focus an edit field.
Exactly how to do it
Narrator: turn Scan Mode off if necessary.
NVDA: enter Focus Mode.
JAWS: enter Forms Mode.
Type a short word.
What should happen: Text appears in the field.
If that does not happen: If not, the edit field may not actually have focus.
Practice: Practice direct typing.
26.4 Chrome Looks or Behaves Differently
What you will learn: Check state before resetting settings.
Before you begin: Chrome is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+0 to reset zoom.
Press F11 to check full-screen state.
Press F7 to check Caret Browsing.
Close Reading Mode if it is open.
Check the active Chrome profile.
Review recently installed extensions.
What should happen: You identify a likely cause before resetting Chrome.
If that does not happen: Resetting all settings should be a last resort after checking these simpler states.
Practice: Identify zoom, full screen, Caret Browsing, and profile state.
26.5 A PDF Is Not Readable
What you will learn: Determine whether the PDF itself lacks accessible content.
Before you begin: Open the PDF.
Exactly how to do it
Try Ctrl+F for a visible word.
Use screen-reader reading commands.
Compare with a known accessible PDF.
If only image content is exposed, seek an accessible version or use appropriate OCR tools.
What should happen: You distinguish a browser issue from an inaccessible-document issue.
If that does not happen: If accessible PDFs work normally, the specific PDF is the likely problem.
Practice: Compare two PDFs if available.
26.6 Chrome Became Unstable After Installing an Extension
What you will learn: Test whether an extension is causing the problem.
Before you begin: The problem began after adding/changing an extension.
Exactly how to do it
Open Manage extensions.
Disable the recently added extension.
Restart the affected tab or Chrome if needed.
Test the behavior again.
Remove the extension only if you no longer trust/need it.
What should happen: The problem improves if that extension caused it.
If that does not happen: On a managed device, some extensions may be required and cannot be disabled.
Practice: Practice locating extension controls.
Part 27 - Independent Practice Course
Level 1 - Browser Basics
☐ Open Chrome.
☐ Use Ctrl+L.
☐ Open website.
☐ Use Back/Forward.
☐ Reload.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 2 - Tabs
☐ Open three tabs.
☐ Switch tabs.
☐ Close one.
☐ Restore it.
☐ Move a tab left/right.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 3 - Navigation
☐ Use F6.
☐ Tab through controls.
☐ Use screen-reader headings/links.
☐ Open and return from a link.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 4 - Bookmarks and History
☐ Bookmark a page.
☐ Open Bookmark Manager.
☐ Open History.
☐ Reopen a previous page.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 5 - Downloads and PDFs
☐ Open Downloads.
☐ Locate safe file.
☐ Open accessible PDF.
☐ Find text.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 6 - Reading Tools
☐ Open Reading Mode.
☐ Close it.
☐ Turn Caret Browsing on/off.
☐ Change zoom and reset.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 7 - Accessibility
☐ Open Accessibility settings.
☐ Review Live Caption.
☐ Review Live Translate.
☐ Review Caret Browsing settings.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 8 - Extensions
☐ Open Manage extensions.
☐ Review permissions.
☐ Identify one accessibility extension.
☐ Explain extension security risk.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 9 - Screen Reader Modes
☐ Narrator Scan Mode.
☐ NVDA Browse/Focus Mode.
☐ JAWS Virtual Cursor/Forms Mode.
☐ Explain when to use each.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 10 - Security
☐ Verify a domain.
☐ Open Incognito.
☐ Review a suspicious download without opening.
☐ Identify phishing warning signs.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 11 - Independent Browsing
☐ Open five sites.
☐ Use tabs/bookmarks/history.
☐ Complete safe form.
☐ Read PDF.
☐ Use Reading Mode.
☐ Close Chrome cleanly.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Part 28 - Quick Reference Commands
Core Chrome Commands
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Address bar | Ctrl+L / Alt+D / F6 |
| New tab | Ctrl+T |
| Close tab | Ctrl+W |
| Reopen closed tab | Ctrl+Shift+T |
| Next/previous tab | Ctrl+Tab / Ctrl+Shift+Tab |
| Specific tab | Ctrl+1 through Ctrl+8 |
| Last tab | Ctrl+9 |
| New window | Ctrl+N |
| Incognito window | Ctrl+Shift+N |
| Back/Forward | Alt+Left / Alt+Right |
| Reload | Ctrl+R or F5 |
| Find on page | Ctrl+F |
| Bookmarks | Ctrl+Shift+O |
| Bookmark page | Ctrl+D |
| History | Ctrl+H |
| Downloads | Ctrl+J |
| Chrome menu | Alt+F or Alt+E |
| Focus first toolbar item | Shift+Alt+T |
| Caret Browsing | F7 |
| Reading Mode | Alt+Shift+R |
| Full screen | F11 |
| Zoom in/out/reset | Ctrl+Plus / Ctrl+Minus / Ctrl+0 |
Screen Reader Mode Quick Reference
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Narrator Scan Mode | Narrator+Spacebar |
| NVDA Browse/Focus Mode | NVDA+Space |
| JAWS reading/typing | Virtual Cursor / Forms Mode |
| Narrator heading | H / Shift+H |
| NVDA heading | H / Shift+H |
| JAWS heading | H / Shift+H |
Part 29 - Official Google Resources
Use a text cursor / Caret Browsing
Use Chrome with accessibility extensions
Manage captions and translations in Chrome
Final Independence Checklist
☐ I can open Chrome and identify the major browser areas.
☐ I can use the address bar and search.
☐ I can open, switch, close, restore, and move tabs.
☐ I can use Back, Forward, Reload, and Find on Page.
☐ I can use bookmarks, history, and downloads.
☐ I can fill web forms safely.
☐ I can read accessible PDFs.
☐ I can use Reading Mode and Caret Browsing.
☐ I can find Chrome Accessibility settings.
☐ I understand Live Caption and Live Translate.
☐ I can manage page zoom and full screen.
☐ I understand profiles and sync.
☐ I understand Incognito limitations.
☐ I can review installed extensions and their permissions.
☐ I can verify a domain before entering credentials.
☐ I can use Chrome with Narrator, NVDA, or JAWS.
☐ I understand screen-reader browsing versus typing modes.
☐ I understand that braille support comes through the screen reader.
☐ I can troubleshoot focus, mode, extension, PDF, and browser-state problems.
Most important habit: In Chrome, always know which layer is receiving your keystrokes: Chrome's browser controls, the webpage, or the screen reader's browsing/typing mode. Identify that layer before changing settings or pressing more commands.