JAWS – Read inside a text box in Microsoft Word

JAWS – Read inside a text box in Microsoft Word

Problem

A JAWS user encounters a Microsoft Word document that contains text boxes they are unable to read.

Applies to

  1. Microsoft Word and JAWS

Resolution

When a document with text boxes is opened the text cursor will not read inside text boxes, instead the text cursor will traverse the document without going inside text boxes which prevents the user from reading any text content contained within them.  When you encounter a document with text boxes proceed using the steps below to read within the text boxes:

  1. Press CONTROL+SHIFT+O to open a list of in-line document objects.
  2. Use UP/DOWN ARROW keys to select the text box element of interest, then press ENTER.
  3. The text cursor will then be placed within the text box to allow reading of any contained text as normal.
  4. To read another text box press CONTROL+SHIFT+O, then select another text box and press ENTER to navigate the text inside it.