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Navigate Documents with JAWS

Documents in Blackboard LMS are pieces of content that your instructor has put together for you to access that may take many forms. For example, a document may include introductory text for a lesson, a video of your instructor giving a demonstration, and links to web resources. There are many options for content design, and your instructor has control over how the elements of the Document are presented to you.

Because Documents are customized content built individually by each instructor, there is not distinct pattern for their navigation. You should keep basic wayfinding techniques in JAWS in mind when navigating Documents.

  • Regions/Landmarks contain grouped elements of a specific nature or type

    • Insert + Ctrl + R calls the regions/landmarks menu

  • Headings provide context for the content

    • Insert + F6 calls the headings menu

  • Buttons perform actions on the page

    • Insert + Ctrl + B calls the buttons menu

  • Navigate up or down to read content

    • Up or down arrow key

  • Links recall information or take you to another location

    • Insert + F7 calls the links menu

  • Table navigation moves you through cells in a table

    • Ctrl + Alt + arrow keys

The best practice for a screen reader user is to use headings and the arrow keys to discover content, then act according to what that content is. Some examples include:

  • If there is a video, select Space to start and stop it.

  • If there is a table, use table navigation (Ctrl + Alt + arrow keys).

  • If there is just text under headings, use the down arrow key to read the content.