JAWS - Outlook settings changes for screen reader users

JAWS - Outlook settings changes for screen reader users


Problem

The current Outlook default settings do not suit the needs of a JAWS user.

 

Resolution

Below are area where users may require adjustment of Outlook display settings. 


Disable reading pane

By default Outlook has the reading pane enabled but this may result in two potential problems:
  1. Displaying the reading pane causes navigation to become slow in the message list.
  2. The reading pane being largely redundant as most users are habituated to pressing ENTER to open a message.

Use ribbon navigation

  1. Press ALT key then right arrow to View and press ENTER.
  2. In the lower ribbon press CONTROL+RIGHT ARROW until you reach 'Use tighter spacing; button.
  3. Then press right arrow to reach Reading Pane drop down, then press SPACEBAR.
  4. Then use ARROW keys to find Off and press ENTER.

Using accelerator keys

Press ALT followed by V, Y2, R, O in sequence,

 

Disable groups

Groups can be helpful to divide the list of messages up but also add extra navigation within the list that may not be desirable, disable it by using the steps below:


  1. Press ALT and RIGHT arrow to View and press ENTER.
  2. Then press RIGHT ARROW or TAB to reach View Settings and press SPACEBAR.
  3. Then press TAB to reach the Group by button and press SPACEBAR.
  4. Then press SPACEBAR to uncheck “Automatically group according to arrangement” checkbox.
  5. Then press ENTER to dismiss the dialogue and tab around to the “OK” in the main dialogue and press SPACEBAR on it.

Using accelerator keys

Press Alt followed by V, Y1, V  in sequence.

Reverse sort order

Some users who come from using Outlook Express or Windows Mail may prefer to have the most recent messages to be shown at the bottom of their list, you can do this by reversing the sort order to approximate the behaviour of Outlook Express.


  1. Press ALT then press RIGHT ARROW to View and press ENTER.
  2. Press CONTROL+RIGHT ARROW to Message Preview.
  3. Then press TAB to reach Reverse Sort button and press SPACEBAR.

Using accelerator keys

Press these keys in sequence:  Alt, V, RS


Apply current view to other folders

When you have found a group of settings that you have successfully applied to a folder you may wish other Outlook folders to behave in the same way without having to individually do this for each folder you have.


  1. Press ALT and press RIGHT arrow to View and press ENTER.
  2. Then press SPACEBAR to open the Change View button.
  3. Then press down arrow to Apply Current View To Other Mail Folders and press ENTER.
  4. Then use UP/DOWN ARROW keys to browse the list, press SPACEBAR to check any folders listed so they have the same view applied to them.  

Using accelerator keys

Press these keys in sequence: alt, C, V, A

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