Google Drive Keyboard shortcuts become much easier — and faster — when you know the right screen reader keyboard commands. In this TechVision tutorial, I walk you through how JAWS and NVDA users can move through folders, open files, switch views, and manage Drive content without ever touching a mouse.
These skills build confidence, speed, and independence for blind and low‑vision users, students learning digital literacy, and anyone who prefers keyboard‑based navigation. You’ll learn how to open menus, jump between items, select files, search your Drive, and access settings with predictable, repeatable commands.
Whether you’re organizing schoolwork, managing shared folders, or teaching students how to work in the cloud, these shortcuts make Google Drive more accessible and efficient for everyone.
TechVision: Empowering real‑life tech skills with clarity, accessibility, and confidence.
Drop a Pin with iPhone using Google Maps and Voice Over to share location with someone to come pick you up
Blind travelers build custom indoor and outdoor routes using Siri, Apple Maps, Google Maps, VoiceOver gestures, and the Compass app. These tools work together and create a reliable navigation system. Each step supports confidence and helps travelers move safely through any building or surrounding area.
Google Maps remains helpful outdoors. Apple Maps remains best for dropping labeled pins and using Siri for fast navigation.
Part 1 — Drop a Pin Using Siri and VoiceOver (Apple Maps)
Dropping labeled pins works best in Apple Maps, because Siri supports pin creation and VoiceOver announces label options clearly.
A. Drop a Pin at the Starting Location
Say, “Hey Siri, open Apple Maps.”
Wait until VoiceOver announces “Current Location.”
Flick right until you hear “Drop Pin.”
Perform a double-tap and hold to drop the pin.
Flick right to “Add Label.”
Double-tap.
Dictate a label such as “Main Room.”
Flick right to “Done.”
Double-tap to save.
B. Drop a Pin at the Next Location
Repeat the process at any hallway, office, bathroom, or exit.
Say, “Hey Siri, open Apple Maps.”
Flick to “Drop Pin.”
Double-tap and hold.
Flick to “Add Label.”
Double-tap.
Dictate “Bathroom.”
Flick to “Done.”
Double-tap.
Part 2 — Navigate Between Custom Pins (Apple Maps + Google Maps)
Siri provides indoor headings and distance even when indoor maps do not exist. Google Maps adds strong outdoor accuracy when needed.
A. Navigate to the Main Room (Apple Maps)
Say, “Siri, walking directions to Main Room.”
VoiceOver reads distance and direction.
B. Navigate to the Bathroom (Apple Maps)
Say, “Siri, walking directions to Bathroom.”
Follow hall cues and maintain alignment.
C. Use Google Maps When Outdoors
Say: “Hey Siri, open Google Maps.”
Use VoiceOver to choose Walking.
Follow turn-by-turn directions with outdoor accuracy.
Google Maps excels outdoors. Apple Maps excels for labeled pins indoors.
Part 3 — Teach Compass Skills for Indoor Orientation
A. Open Compass
Say, “Hey Siri, open Compass.”
VoiceOver reads the heading.
B. Teach Basic Directions
North equals 0 degrees.
East equals 90 degrees.
South equals 180 degrees.
West equals 270 degrees.
C. Practice Turning
Face forward.
Listen to the heading.
Turn left or right.
Listen as VoiceOver updates the heading.
D. Connect Compass to Pins
Say, “Siri, walking directions to Bathroom.”
Listen for cues like “Head west.”
Match the heading in Compass.
Walk in that direction.
Part 4 — Build Route Memory Using O&M Skills
A. Notice Landmarks
Teach the traveler to notice:
Floor textures
Temperature changes
Echo patterns
Doorframes
Rails
Open spaces
B. Teach Step Counting
Start at the first labeled pin.
Count steps to the next point.
Stop at each turn.
Record distances.
C. Teach Repetition
Practice with guidance.
Practice with shadowing.
Practice with verbal prompts.
D. Teach Reverse Routing
Walk the route backward using opposite turns.
Using Look around app on iPhone to “see” what is around the traveler
Part 5 — Use Look Around with Apple Maps
Look Around helps travelers understand the outside of a building.
A. When Look Around Works
On public streets
At building entrances
Around sidewalks and driveways
B. Open Look Around
Say, “Hey Siri, open Apple Maps.”
Search for the building.
Flick until VoiceOver says “Look Around available.”
Double-tap to open it.
C. What Look Around Teaches
Street layout
Sidewalk positions
Entrance locations
D. What Look Around Cannot Do
No hallways
No interior rooms
No indoor turn-by-turn directions
Create Custom Routes
Part 6 — A Complete Custom Route Routine
Use Look Around outside to understand the area.
Drop labeled pins at important indoor locations.
Use Siri for walking directions to any saved pin.
Use Compass to match the required heading.
Use Google Maps for outdoor paths when needed.
Build step counts and turns for each route.
Use landmarks for confirmation.
Practice until the traveler moves independently.
Share Location, Get Directions, Add to Favorites and more using Google Maps, Voice Over and Siri
Part 7 — Share Your Location Quickly for Pickup or Safety
Blind people often need to share their exact location so family, friends, or rides can find them. Siri and VoiceOver make this process fast and hands-free.
This skill works indoors and outdoors. It also works when someone feels unsafe, confused, or needs help immediately.
A. Share Your Location with Siri (Fastest Method)
Say: “Hey Siri, share my location with Mom.” (Replace “Mom” with any trusted contact.)
Siri sends your exact GPS location.
VoiceOver confirms: “Sent your current location.”
This method works even when you cannot identify where you are.
B. Share Your Location in Messages (Manual Method)
Say: “Hey Siri, open Messages.”
Touch the center of the screen.
Flick right until you hear the contact’s name.
Double-tap to open the conversation.
Flick right until you hear “Send My Current Location.”
Double-tap to send it.
VoiceOver confirms the message.
This method helps when someone prefers not to dictate aloud.
C. Share Your Location Permanently With a Trusted Contact
This helps a helper monitor travel when needed.
Say: “Hey Siri, open Messages.”
Open the trusted contact’s conversation.
Flick to “Details” or “Info.”
Double-tap.
Flick to “Share My Location.”
Double-tap.
Flick to “Share Indefinitely.”
Double-tap to activate.
The trusted person can now find your location anytime you share it.
D. When Lost
Stop walking.
Hold the phone in both hands.
Face a quiet direction.
Say: “Hey Siri, share my location with Mom,” or person.
Wait for VoiceOver to confirm.
Stay in place until person arrives.
E. Combine Location Sharing With Dropped Pins
You can do both:
Drop a pin at the pickup point.
Label it with VoiceOver.
Share their location with Siri so the pickup person receives the exact spot.
Use Compass to stay oriented until they arrive.
This gives the safest and most accurate pickup routine.
Access the table and links with screen reader with navigation commands
Accessing tables and links in Google Slides with a screen reader is straightforward though at times seems inaccessible. First, ensure screen reader support is enabled. To do this, press Ctrl + Alt + Z. This command activates screen reader support in Google Slides and for more google videos, open link.
Next, to access the table and links with screen reader with navigation commands, navigate to the table. Use the arrow keys to move through the slides. When you reach the desired slide, press Alt + / to open the search menu. Type “insert table” and press Enter. This action inserts a table into your slide, making use of Google Slides navigation commands.
Table in Google Docs
To navigate the table:
Use the arrow keys. Each cell is read aloud by the screen reader. To move to the next cell, press the Right Arrow key. To move to the previous cell, press the Left Arrow key. Similarly, use the Up and Down Arrow keys to navigate vertically.
Also, accessing links in the table and links with screen reader with navigation commands is also simple. Navigate to the slide containing the link. Press Tab to move through the interactive elements. When the screen reader announces the link, press Enter to activate it. Ensure you are familiar with Google Slides navigation commands to make this process easier.
For more efficient navigation, use the screen reader’s navigation commands. For example, press Ctrl + F to search for specific text. This command helps locate links or table elements quickly. Understanding Google Slides navigation commands can significantly enhance your experience.
Additionally, you can use headings to organize your slides. Press Ctrl + Alt + 1 to apply a heading. This action helps the screen reader identify sections, making navigation easier.
Using a screen reader with Google Slides enhances accessibility. Make sure you learn the new commands for Google. By following these steps, visually impaired users can efficiently access tables and links. This integration ensures an inclusive and productive experience. For more: Access Videos Here. Utilizing Google Slides navigation commands enhances accessibility and productivity.
Dr. Robinson explains how to navigate the new Google Drive update using a screen reader, focusing on commands that will be essential after the August 1st, 2024 update shortcuts. She begins by demonstrating basic navigation through Google Drive, emphasizing the importance of learning the updated keyboard shortcuts-use FireFox when you have Chrome and Edge Chromium issues with navigation. The point it, same commands but use a different browser when 1 or 2 decide not to work well. Then if you have done that and still issues exist, set up computer to work the best with screen readers.
To start, Dr. Robinson guides users through accessing the settings menu with “Control + Shift + S,” where updates and new keyboard shortcuts can be found. She highlights the automatic update that will apply the new shortcuts starting August 1st. After closing the settings menu with “Escape,” she demonstrates navigating Google Drive using the “Alt + G” command, followed by “N” to access the navigation region.
New Google Drive Update
Dr. Robinson continues by explaining first-letter navigation which presently only works in Firefox but as updates occur Chrome and Edge should start to work again also. List View is where users can jump to items by pressing the first letter of the item’s name. She shows how this method, combined with the updated shortcuts, makes navigation faster and more efficient. For example, to create a new document, she uses “Alt + C” followed by “T,” which quickly opens a new Google Doc and other google items.
She then discusses how to use the “Alt + A” command to open the context menu, allowing users to perform actions like downloading, sharing, or renaming files. The context menu provides additional options, accessible via hotkeys. Dr. Robinson points out the ease of using these commands once learned, making it simpler to manage files within Google Drive.
To demonstrate the process, she creates a new presentation with “Alt + C” followed by “P.” After navigating back to her list view with “Alt + G” followed by “I,” she explains how to use the context menu for specific actions. Dr. Robinson concludes by encouraging users to familiarize themselves with these new commands, ensuring a smooth transition.
Google Drive navigation is more intuitive and accessible for those using screen readers if you use the browser that works . Learn Google Slides navigation with complicated slides to improve navigation and echo also.
Emē, a student of Dr. Denise Robinson demonstrates how she studies Spanish vocabulary using Google Sheets with a screen reader. She starts by copying vocabulary words into Google Sheets, though typing them in directly is also an option. After setting up the sheet, she explains the importance of naming it to avoid losing any work. She uses Google Sheets similarly to how a sighted student would use flashcards. This method is an excellent example of Flashcard studying in sheets. Column A contains the English words, while Column B holds the Spanish translations.
Certainly! Here is the revised paragraph with “Emē”:
Emē introduces a “difficulty” column in Column C, where she rates how challenging each word is to remember. She assigns a value between one and five, depending on how well she recalls each word. This rating system allows her to sort the words based on difficulty later, making her study sessions more effective. This technique enhances the efficiency of flashcard studying in sheets methods.
To make the study process more efficient, Emē explains how to randomize the rows. This prevents her from memorizing the order of the words rather than learning the words themselves. She uses specific keyboard commands to select all rows and columns, then accesses the “randomize range” function through the search menu. Randomization is key for effective flashcard studying in sheets techniques.
After randomizing, Emē sorts the words by difficulty, placing the hardest words at the top for focused study. She even hides the easiest words, rated as ones, to avoid wasting time on words she already knows well. If she needs to retrieve the hidden words, she can easily unhide them using the “unhide rows” function. This is another way flashcard studying can be efficiently carried out in sheets.
Emē concludes by showing how she reviews and updates the difficulty ratings as she studies. This method allows her to keep track of her progress and focus on words that need the most attention. She highlights that this approach to flashcard studying in sheets with Google Sheets is both accessible and effective, making it a great tool for blind and visually impaired students.
Miss Taylin and Dr. Robinson addressed two common accessibility issues students face while navigating educational tools with JAWS. First, they resolved the issue of characters not being heard when typed, which prevents users from verifying their input. After adjusting the typing echo settings in JAWS, they enabled the device to read both characters and words aloud, providing better control and feedback during typing. Fixing Jaws typing echo significantly improved user experience. On the fly, you can also insert + 2 to change echo options.
The second issue involved difficulties navigating through web links in the classroom browser, with JAWS sometimes reporting “no form fields” or “no lists available.” The problem arises when both the virtual and PC cursors are not enabled. Dr. Robinson explained that the virtual cursor is essential for browsing web pages, while the PC cursor helps manage navigation within a page. Miss Taylin accessed the links list and navigated classroom content efficiently by using “Insert + Z” to enable the virtual cursor. She ensured the PC cursor was active with the command “Insert + ;” which improved her browsing experience. Fixing Jaws typing and echo settings along with other settings changes, enhances productivity.
Jaws settings and set default to permanently make changes to typing echo
Dr. Robinson emphasized the need to regularly check both cursor settings whenever JAWS encounters issues. This practice ensures smooth and uninterrupted navigation for users. Additionally, these steps empower students using screen readers to interact more effectively with digital learning platforms. These adjustments create an efficient workflow for students to complete assignments and navigate classroom tools seamlessly. Overall, addressing the issue of fixing Jaws typing echo and other settings ensure that students can fully participate in their learning environment with complete accessibility.
Campbell demonstrates slides today. She opens a new tab (Ctrl +T) in Google Chrome and types “drive.google.com.” She navigates to her Google Drive and selects the presentation. Campbell prefers using the “Recents” tab to find files quickly. Campbell opens the presentation after discussing different search methods. To make her work more efficient, she uses various Google Slides shortcut commands. PowerPoint offers numerous accessibility and design features that enhance usability, making presentations more inclusive and visually appealing. Dr Robinson emphasizes the importance of picture placement and alt text for accessibility. She reviews the slides, noting that the designs are good but the pictures need adjustment. She guides through the process of fixing picture placement in Google Slides.
Google Slides shortcut commands with picture adjusted properly
Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired Jordana gives an overview of how to navigate Google Classroom for a Conversational Spanish Level 1 course using JAWS. The instructor, Jordana demonstrates how to join the class, navigate the main page, and access class materials. She is native born from Ecuador so English is her second language.
Here are some useful keyboard commands for Google Classroom:
General Navigation
Tab: Move through links and text fields on the page.
Space Bar: Works like a mouse click.
Ctrl + C: Copy
Ctrl + X: Cut
Ctrl + V: Paste
Ctrl + Z: Undo
Ctrl + K: Add a link (Use Command instead of Ctrl on a Mac)
Google classroom and Spanish with Jaws
Specific to Google Classroom
Ctrl + F: Find specific text on the page.
Ctrl + Shift + N: Open a new incognito window (useful for testing student views).
Using keyboard commands in Google Slides allows for quick and efficient navigation, text formatting, and slide management without relying on a mouse. These shortcuts help streamline tasks like adjusting font styles, aligning text, creating lists, and organizing slides. Whether you’re working on a new presentation or editing an existing one, mastering these commands can significantly boost your productivity. This guide provides essential keyboard shortcuts to help you format text and manage slides more effectively in Google Slides.
Change slides into text quickly Alt + F or Alt + Shift+ F to file and do to download and all your options are right there, making Google Slides into text more versatile and faster to read.
Here’s a guide to using basic keyboard commands in Google Slides, focusing on formatting text and making presentations easier to navigate without a mouse. Embedding your text efficiently into Google Slides can enhance your workflow.
Google Slide Menu under FILE
1. Basic Navigation
Move between slides: Use Up or Down arrow keys to navigate between slides in the sidebar.
Open menus: Press Alt + Shift + F (Windows) or Ctrl + Option + F (Mac) to open the menu.
Select text box: Press Tab to cycle through objects on the slide, including text boxes. Navigating through Google Slides without a mouse allows you to focus more on your content.
2. Text Formatting
Bold text: Select text and press Ctrl + B.
Italicize text: Select text and press Ctrl + I.
Underline text: Select text and press Ctrl + U.
Change font: Press Ctrl + Shift + F to open the font menu. Use arrow keys to navigate and press Enter to select a font.
Change font size: Press Ctrl + Shift + P to change font size. Use arrow keys to adjust size and press Enter.
Align text:
Left: Ctrl + Shift + L
Center: Ctrl + Shift + E
Right: Ctrl + Shift + R
Justify: Ctrl + Shift + J
Bulleted list: Press Ctrl + Shift + 8 to create a bulleted list.
Numbered list: Press Ctrl + Shift + 7 to create a numbered list.
3. Slide Formatting
Duplicate slide: Press Ctrl + D.
Insert new slide: Press Ctrl + M.
Delete slide: Press Delete after selecting the slide. Managing slide formatting effectively in Google Slides can enhance how content flows into the text.
4. Slide Show Mode
Start presentation: Press Ctrl + F5 (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Enter (Mac) to start from the current slide.
Exit presentation mode: Press Esc.
5. Text Box Management
Insert a text box: Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X to insert a new text box. Proper text box management helps integrate Google Slides seamlessly into text formatting tasks.
Select a text box: Use Tab to cycle between different text boxes and other objects.
6. Undo/Redo and Save
Undo: Press Ctrl + Z.
Redo: Press Ctrl + Y.
Save presentation: Google Slides automatically saves your work, but pressing Ctrl + S can also trigger a save.
Using these keyboard commands in Google Slides can make text formatting and navigation faster and more efficient, giving you greater control over your presentation without needing a mouse. Efficient management of Google Slides makes text editing a breeze.
Google Dictation, also known as “Voice Typing,” enables users to write and edit text using their voice instead of a keyboard. By using simple voice commands, you can dictate text, add punctuation, and format documents hands-free, making the process faster and more accessible. Additionally, with a few keyboard shortcuts, you can easily start or stop dictation and manage the flow of your work. For a more comprehensive experience, mastering Google Dictation using Speech can be a game changer. This guide outlines essential keyboard shortcuts and voice commands to help you navigate and edit documents more efficiently using Google Dictate.
Google Docs Dictation, also known as “Voice Typing,” allows users to dictate text using voice commands instead of typing. Here are the keyboard commands for using Google Dictate:
Google Dictation using Speech in Docs
1. Start Voice Typing
Windows & Chromebook: Press Ctrl + Shift + S. Also, under Tools Menu
Mac: Press Cmd + Shift + S. This command opens the Voice Typing tool in Google Docs.
2. Pause/Resume Dictation
Once Voice Typing is active, click the microphone icon to pause or resume dictation. There is no direct keyboard shortcut for pausing or resuming dictation, but you can toggle it by pressing Ctrl + Shift + S (or Cmd + Shift + S on Mac) again.
Google Slide Dictation mode
3. Voice Commands for Editing (While Dictating):
New line: Say “New line” to move to the next line.
New paragraph: Say “New paragraph” to start a new paragraph.
Select text: Say “Select [word/phrase]” to highlight specific text.
Delete text: Say “Delete” or “Backspace” to remove the selected text or go back one character.
Bold text: Say “Bold” to bold the selected text.
Italicize text: Say “Italicize” to italicize the selected text.
Underline text: Say “Underline” to underline the selected text.
Go to the end of the document: Say “Go to end of document” to move the cursor to the end.
Go to the beginning of the document: Say “Go to beginning of document” to move the cursor to the start.
4. Punctuation Commands
Period: Say “Period” to insert a period.
Comma: Say “Comma” to insert a comma.
Question mark: Say “Question mark” to add a question mark.
Exclamation mark: Say “Exclamation point” to add an exclamation mark.
Colon: Say “Colon” to add a colon.
Semicolon: Say “Semicolon” to insert a semicolon.
5. Editing Commands (While Typing or Dictating)
Undo: Say “Undo” to undo your last action.
Redo: Say “Redo” to redo the last undone action.
Copy: Say “Copy” to copy selected text.
Paste: Say “Paste” to paste the copied text.
These commands allow you to efficiently dictate and edit documents using Google Voice Typing, streamlining the process for those who prefer hands-free typing.
