Using Microsoft 365 Online with NVDA

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide visually impaired individuals on using Microsoft 365 effectively with the assistance of the NVDA screen reader. To ensure accessibility for all users, we've broken down the learning process into several modules:

User Advisory:

If you are reading the modules and applying steps at the same point in time, then ensure that you completely read the modules and follow the instructions carefully.

It is however preferred that first you completely read the modules, and then you implement the steps.

Module 1: Introduction to Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based platform that offers a variety of productivity apps and services. It operates through the cloud, giving you access to popular Office applications, collaboration tools, and 1 TB of cloud storage. With your Microsoft 365 subscription, you can enjoy the latest versions of Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and more.

Module 2: Logging In

Open your web browser and go to www.office.com.

Press the ‘Tab’ key, navigate to the ‘Sign In button’, and press the ‘Enter’ key.

Enter your Microsoft account email address and then press the ‘Tab’ key until you hear the ‘Next’ button and press the ‘Enter’ key. Then you will be prompted to a new window where you are expected to enter your Password. After filling in the Password, press the ‘Tab’ key until you hear the Sign In button, and then press the ‘Enter’ key.

Then you will be asked whether you wish to remain signed in.

Module 3: Sign-Up

Open your web browser and go to www.office.com.

Press the ‘Tab’ key, navigate to the ‘Sign In button’, and press the ‘Enter’ key.

Press the ‘Tab’ key and press the ‘Enter’ key until you hear the ‘Create a Microsoft Account’ link for Sign Up.

3.1 You will then be prompted to Create your Account. You can enter your e-mail address from Gmail or any other mail service if you have one.  Press the ‘Tab’ key and the ‘Enter’ key when you hear the ‘Next’ button. Then you will have to enter a strong password for your email address. Press the ‘Tab’ key two times and press the ‘Enter’ key. Then you will be asked your first name, press the ‘Tab’ key, and last name. Enter those details, press the ‘Tab’ key, and press the ‘Enter’ key. Then your country/region will be asked which you can change using the ‘up and down’ arrow keys. Press the ‘Tab’ key and use the ‘up and down arrow’ keys to select your month of birthdate. Then, select the day of your birthdate and then your year of birth using the ‘up and down arrow’ keys. Then press the ‘Tab’ key and the ‘Enter’ key. Then you have to verify your account. Press the ‘Ctrl + T’ keys simultaneously to open a new tab and check for the code in your respective mail service like Gmail. Enter the code. Press the ‘Tab’ key and the ‘Enter’ key when you hear the ‘Next’ button. Then you will be asked whether you wish to remain signed in. You have Signed up successfully.

3.2 If you do not have an e-mail address then you can press the ‘Tab’ key and select the ‘Get a new email address’ link. Enter your desired email address, press the ‘Tab’ key, and use the ‘down’ arrow key to select a mail service like either Outlook or Hotmail. Then press the ‘Tab’ key and the ‘Enter’ key when you hear the ‘Next’ button. Then enter the desired password you wish to set. And press the ‘Tab’ key and the ‘Enter’ key when you hear the ‘Next’ button. Then you will be asked your first name, press the ‘Tab’ key, and last name. Enter those details, press the ‘Tab’ key, and press the ‘Enter’ key. Press the ‘Tab’ key and use the ‘up and down arrow’ keys to select your month of birthdate. Then, select the day of your birthdate and then your year of birth using the ‘up and down arrow’ keys. Then press the ‘Tab’ key and the ‘Enter’ key. Then you have to undergo a Captcha test to verify you are a human. Press the ‘Tab’ key multiple times and press the ‘Enter’ key when you hear the ‘audio’. Perform the test as per the instructions. Then you will be asked whether you wish to remain signed in. You have Signed up successfully.

Module 4: Navigating Microsoft 365

Press the ‘Tab’ key to navigate and use the ‘right arrow’ key to select among the tools. You can create a Document, Presentation, Workbook, Form, Quiz, List, Design, Video, or Page as per your needs. Press the ‘Enter’ key to select the tool. Different keyboard shortcuts are there for different tools.

Module 5: Tips for Effective Navigation

Note: Shortcut keys will only work when you are in the ‘Browse Mode’. You can enter Browse mode by clicking the ‘Insert + Spacebar’ keys.

For efficient navigation within Zoom and NVDA:

Use ‘B’ for buttons, ‘H’ for headings, ‘F’ for forms, and ‘L’ for lists to quickly locate specific elements.

Press the ‘Tab’ and ‘Shift + Tab’ keys to move between interactive elements.

End of Microsoft 365 guide.