Screen Readers course

Screen Readers Lesson 8

Read, Edit, and Review Workplace Documents

First-time setup and success checks

Lesson goal in plain language: Use shared editing commands and screen-reader feedback in Word or another document editor.

Prepare before step 1

  1. Open the correct application, website, or device screen and wait for its name to be announced.
  2. Open Screen Readers manual and review the matching procedure if any command or term is unfamiliar.
  3. Use only fictional, public, disposable, or instructor-provided practice information. Make a copy before changing an important file.
  4. Read all numbered instructions once before performing them so you know the intended final result.

Commands used or referenced

Use the exact keyboard or device commands stated in the numbered instructions.

For a plus-sign command, hold the modifier key, press and release the final key, then release the modifier. For a sequence, press and release each key in order. Stop after every command and listen for the result.

Work and verify

  1. Perform one numbered instruction and stop. Identify the active window, focused control, selected item, cell, slide, message, field, or device area before continuing.
  2. Compare the result with the lesson goal. A sound alone is not enough; verify the name, state, value, location, permission, or content.
  3. If the result is wrong, press Escape once to leave an unexpected menu, identify focus again, and use Undo only when the change is safely reversible.
  4. Save or synchronize at natural stopping points. Confirm the filename and location before closing.
  5. Complete the “Before submitting” checklist from top to bottom. Correct missing items before marking the lesson complete.
  6. Close and reopen the practice item, or return to it from the product’s main screen, to prove you can locate and verify the result independently.

Success standard: Explain what each major command did, show the finished result, and recover from one harmless focus or navigation error without another person naming the next key.

Choose your screen reader

Complete this lesson with JAWS, Windows Narrator, or NVDA. Use one primary screen reader at a time. Follow the column for your selection whenever commands differ.

Goal

Use shared editing commands and screen-reader feedback in Word or another document editor.

Shared practice steps

  1. Open a practice document and press Ctrl+Home.
  2. Use Ctrl+F to locate a required phrase.
  3. Select text with Shift plus navigation keys.
  4. Use Ctrl+X, Ctrl+C, and Ctrl+V to move or copy text.
  5. Use Ctrl+Z to undo an intentional edit.
  6. Navigate true headings and lists with the chosen screen reader, then save a copy.

JAWS, Narrator, and NVDA comparison

Commands and differences for Lesson 8
TaskJAWSNarratorNVDA
Editing commandsCtrl+F, Shift+Arrow, Ctrl+X, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, and Ctrl+Z are application commands and work with JAWS.The same application commands work with Narrator.The same application commands work with NVDA.
Heading navigationH in supported reading mode or use JAWS document navigation.Use Narrator views or Scan Mode when supported by the editor.H in Browse Mode where supported; NVDA+F7 opens Elements List in Microsoft Word.
Formatting detailsInsert+F reports font information.Use Narrator’s formatting-information commands from the current command guide.NVDA+F reports formatting; press twice for browsable details where supported.

Command note: JAWS key, Narrator key, and NVDA key each mean that screen reader’s modifier key. Commands can vary by keyboard layout, software version, application, and user settings. Confirm differences in the official references linked from the manual.

Your assignment

Revise an instructor-provided workplace memo and submit a command log plus the corrected copy.

Use fictional, public, instructor-provided, or redacted information only. Never submit passwords, license information, account codes, or private workplace data.

Save your work with a filename beginning Screen-Readers-Lesson-8.

Before submitting