Dealing with attachments in Outlook using Jaws

As a screen reader user, we do things a little different in Outlook when is about saving or insert an attachment.

Saving attachments in Outlook

In Windows 10 with Jaws 2018 and Outlook 2016 we can do like this in order to save attachments:

  • Open Outlook and press control Y to go at the mail folder
  • Arrow down and then right to the inbox folder
  • Open an e-mal containing an attachment. Jaws announces which one contain one.
  • Press insert A in order to jump to attachment list.
  • Arrow left or right between attached files if they are more than one.
  • Press shift F10 or application key and select save all attachments or save as.
  • From the window opened tab around to choose the folder where the attachment file will be saved
  • Press enter or spacebar

You can choose to save selectively what file to save or to select all for this.
Also, explore other options available for the attachments in the context menu.

Insert an attachment in a new composed e-mail

In order to add an attachment into an e-mail you can use one of this 2 methods:
1. Select and copy a file using regular Windows Explorer commands and paste into the message body.
2. In the em-ail body press alt key and arrow right to insert tab, then down arrow to attach button. Press enter and then using tab go to browse this PC button. Please note, when press enter on attach button a list of recent opened files is opened, but keep pressing tab you can find browse this PC button.
This button open a regular browse file window which allow you to choose what file to open in order to attach it.
Remember, attachment files needs to not exceed the limit mentioned by your e-mail service. Also, not any kind of file could be uploaded as an attachment.
A good practice for programs or big files is to archive them before paste in attachments.

For a step by step example of saving and insert an attachment listen the podcast episode below.

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How to import your bookmarks from IE into Google Chrome browser

In the podcast episode today I am going to demonstrate how to import bookmarks and favourites from Internet Explorer in Google Chrome browser, as a screen reader user.
The process is simple and needs only few steps.
1. Open Chrome then press tab in order to move away from search field.
2. Press alt F to open the menu
3. Navigate to bookmarks submenu using arrow keys
4. Choose import bookmarks and select Internet Explorer from the combobox
5. Press tab few times until import button and press enter.

As you probably notice along your bookmarks the import wizzard is able to move your browser history and saved passwords.
If you have any difficulties or wish to know more about managing bookmarks, please listen the audio demonstration and then use the comments form below.

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Setting up a Google Home mini as a blind user

I have using Google Home mini for a while now, and all about it is great.
It is not the case to enumerate what this little device is capable of, because probably everyone knows already.
The idea is, my daughter has found this device helpful for her, so she moved it into her room.
I was lucky enough to have a spare one, so I was landing in setting up a third Google Home mini because another one is in my son’s room.
I have recorded the process of setting up from start to end into a podcast episode what is available with this article.
Also, I have demonstrated few options available in this smart device.
The process is quite straight forward.
Along the smart speaker you need a wireless connection, which I think it is obvious, a Google account and another device like a phone or tablet. In order to install the app which will configure the smart speaker for you you really need a device like this.
In my case, I have the app already installed into my iPhone X, so just ready to go.
Once you have opened the Google Home app, it is available a button called set a new device. This will appear when a Google device it is in range but is not yet configured.
Double tap on this button and the wizard starts. Window after window you’ll be asked to provide information’s like your wi-fi network name and password, and what room will be used for this device
I was in the situation to choose between two Google devices which were not configured yet, but available in range.
If you have selected the right one, you’ll hear a signal generated by your device. You must confirm into the app you have heard the sound tapping yes button and then next.
Some options and offers will be introduced during the wizard, but keep going with next, next until finish, of course, not before changing each option which is relevant for you, hopefully a finish button will appear.
From that moment your Google Home mini is fully configured and ready to use.

Because Google Home mini does not have a jack connector, I have had to post a second microphone standing just few centimetres above it.
Also, in the middle of the demonstration I have realised the Voiceover volume from my iPhone was not so high, but once altered it was a bit too much, thing which caused my voice to be a little too low.
But all together the demonstration is good enough to be followed.

More details about how to work with it you can listen in the podcast episode, for sure.
For any other questions or details about how to configure Google Home as a blind user do not hesitate to contact me or to ask in the comments form.

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How to buy audiobooks on Audible website

Today I would like to demonstrate how to buy an audio book on Audible website using Jaws 2018 screen reader and Internet Explorer on Windows 10 machine.
I do the following tasks during the audio demonstration.

  • Search for a book author using the regular search field and advanced search.
  • navigate through search results and check the book details
  • add to basket and proceed to checkout,
  • buy chosen book using credits
  • navigate to new purchased book in order to start listening

Also, when the new book is into my library I will take my iPhone to open the book in the iOS Audible app.
I would like to mention about this demonstration being done at the regular web interface of Audible, not at the accessible one which is available at the same address followed by forward slash access.
Hope to make soon a demo with this page too, and also in Mac and iPhone.
Just to summarize, I would like to mention one thing wich I thing will help the most of you to navigate around the search results.
Use H to jump from heading to heading but the key number 2 will take you straight to filter criterias, and heading level 3 will take you only to book titles.
Also, if you wish to navigate from button to button you can press B repeatitively after performing search and you’ll be taken on the listen sample button for each result. After each sample button the next two buttons are add to cart or add to wish list, then keeping pressing B you’ll go to the next title sample, and so on.
I think this are the most easiest ways to navigate around .
Enjoy your episode and please leave any questions or comments below.

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How to set up a self hosted WordPress blog as a screen reader user

I have seen lots of visually impaired people hunting across the internet for any information about WordPress and its accessibility for screen reader users. Also, the numerous practical questions involved about its performance in carrying out an assortment of tasks under a WordPress blog without a satisfactory answer.
Because of this, I have decided to start up a new serie of podcast named WordPress for Blind.
I will take on the task to make a blog from scratch.
To be more precise, I will buy a domain name, put on hosting, install WordPress, customise it, and then carry out the heavy work, publishing content.
Continue reading How to set up a self hosted WordPress blog as a screen reader user

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