Problem
A JAWS/ZoomText/Fusion using is in need of essential hotkeys to use in Window due to their vision loss.
Applies to
- Windows 10/11
Resolution
A frequent problem for those individuals who experience sudden vision loss is no longer being able to practically use and navigate using the mouse even with large pointers or magnification software. An alternative way to become more efficient in this situation is by familiarity and use of the keyboard and associated hotkey shortcuts to operate the computer. Fortunately most standard applications usually have for many more available that any one user will need. An Additional problem for those familiar with the keyboard by sight may struggle which brings additional challenges. However such problems can be overcome by use of touch typing skill and use of large print keyboards for those that may benefit from them.
Some hotkey shortcuts
Below are some basic keys and their use that can help you navigate Windows and associated applications.
Key: Windows logo key
Label: Windows or ⊞
Position: Usually between control on the left and ALT on the right
Function: Opens the Windows Start menu and allows you to type to search programs and documents
Key: TAB
Label: TAB or ↹
Position: TAB key is usually fourth up from the bottom row of the keyboard and is usually positioned above the CAPSLOCK key.
Function: Moves forward through controls on screen or insert a tab stop in a document. To reverse direction hold SHIFT and tap TAB.
Key: ENTER
Label: ENTER or ⏎
Position: Usually above SHIFT on the right side of the QWERTY keyboard layout.
Function: Execute an item as if clicking on it, if it doesn’t work press SPACEBAR instead.
Key: SPACEBAR
Label: Space or ␣
Position: Typically to the right of ALT on the left side of the keyboard on the bottom row
Function: Adds a space in a text field or execute a button that his highlighted by TAB key.
Key: Direction Arrow keys
Label: Shows direction arrows for intended direction
Position: Typically sits to the right of the CONTROL key on the QWERTY cluster in an upside down T shape. The stem of the T shape usually are formed of UP ARTOW and DOWN ARROW with LEFT ARROW and RIGHT ARROW sitting respectively either side of the DOWN ARROW key.
Key: Shift
Label: SHIFT or ⇧
Position: Second up from bottom on extreme left side, a right hand counterpart may exist on the same row.
Function: a modifier key that when used with others changes case of letters or produces shifted symbols for a key pressed.
Key: CONTROL
Label: CTRL
Position: Usually on extreme left bottom row of QWERTY cluster, often there is its right hand counterpart on the extreme right a second CTRL key.
Function: A special modifier key used with other keys to access functions within Windows and other applications.
Key: ALT
Label: ALT
Position: usually immediately to the left of SPACEBAR on the bottom of QWERTY cluster.
Function: Another special modifier similar to CONTROL, when pressed also highlights the menu bar in applications.
Key: Cap slock
Label: Caps lock or ⇪
Position: Typically third up from the bottom (just above SHIFT key)
Function: To lock the keyboard in shifted mode so you only need a single keypress thereafter to produce shifted symbols until caps lock is disabled.
Notation conventions
As users come across lists of keyboard keystrokes it may be helpful to know what is generally meant. If for example you wished to type an uppercase letter A you typically would hold down SHIFT and then then tap letter A on the keyboard whilst the shift keys is held down. This can be thought of similar to playing a chord on a piano keyboard. One way that this is often shown is the example below: