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.
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.
I (Dr. Robinson) began instruction with Kaleigh in the 3rd grade as she struggled to see large print at 2 inches. Here is a video of her first learning skills and as time passed, her typing with special hands was no problem as she quickly got up to 77 words per minute with her special hands.
Practice and Patience: Regular practice is crucial. Start with basic exercises in how to use each hand and gradually increase complexity. Focus on accuracy before speed. Using these techniques and applying this knowledge to her actual work, within 3 years she went from learning to typing at 77 wpm using JAWS screen reader. The above is true for learning braille also.
Typing with special handsSpecial hands reading Braille
Navigating IXL with a screen reader like JAWS allows blind students to access educational content easily. Using specific keyboard commands enables quick access to various elements on the page. For example, pressing H moves between headings, helping students locate sections in lessons or practice activities. When working on subtraction exercises in Focus 40 IXL, pressing B navigates to buttons like “Submit” or “Check Answer,” allowing students to interact with controls smoothly.
Another helpful command is Insert + F7, which opens a list of links on the page. This makes moving between sections, such as practice questions and feedback, more efficient. Students can also use F to quickly jump to answer boxes or search fields. To read questions or instructions, pressing Insert + Up Arrow reads the current line, while Ctrl + Down Arrow skips ahead to the next section when working on Focus 40 IXL subtraction.
JAWS Navigation Commands
By using these commands, students navigate IXL independently, completing exercises and reviewing answers efficiently. The screen reader provides real-time feedback, guiding students as they interact with IXL’s educational content related to subtraction problems. This empowers students to fully engage in their learning experience.
Essential IXL keyboard commands for navigating with JAWS:
Navigate headings: Press H to jump between headings, allowing you to quickly move through sections of the page during subtraction practice.
Navigate links: Use Insert + F7 to bring up a list of all links, and then use the arrow keys to select the desired one.
Move to next button: Press B to navigate through buttons on the screen, such as “Submit” or “Check Answer” while working on subtraction in Focus 40 IXL.
Move to form fields: Use F to jump between input fields, such as answer boxes or search fields.
Navigate by list: Press L to move through lists of questions or answer choices, ensuring efficient navigation during subtraction lessons.
Read the current line: Press Insert + Up Arrow to read the current line, useful for verifying questions or feedback.
Repeat the last spoken phrase: Use Insert + 5 on the numpad to repeat the last spoken message.
Skip to the next section: Press Ctrl + Down Arrow to quickly skip paragraphs and reach the next section of text, which can be especially useful in Focus 40 IXL subtraction lessons.
Focus Display Commands
Navigating IXL subtraction math using the Focus 40 Braille Display and JAWS enhances accessibility for blind students. By combining keyboard commands and tactile feedback, students can efficiently work through subtraction problems. Solving subtraction on a display is also easier than just audio feedback. Pressing H on the keyboard or using the Router Keys on the Focus 40 allows them to jump between headings, locating sections like instructions or problem sets quickly.
Taylin using Focus 40 Display with 1 finger on left hand and 2 knuckles on right hand
For Focus 40 IXL subtraction problems, students can use E for edit or the Cursor Routing Buttons to jump directly to the answer input fields. As they enter their responses, the Braille display provides real-time feedback, ensuring accuracy. Pressing Insert + Up Arrow or using the Braille Display’s Line Reading feature reads the current subtraction problem, helping students verify their work. To check answers or move to the next problem, they can press B to navigate to buttons like “Submit,” or use the Panning Buttons to scroll through the page.
Focus 40 Braille Display with JAWS
The Focus 40 Braille Display, paired with JAWS, offers students the tactile and auditory support they need to complete all math problems independently in IXL. This combination enhances their confidence and accuracy in solving subtraction problems.
