How to Navigate Web Pages with the JAWS Screen Reader

Question

How to Navigate Web Pages with the JAWS Screen Reader

 

Answer

The JAWS screen reader allows users to navigate web content quickly and efficiently, offering two primary methods for navigating web pages. They are Virtual Cursor Mode and Forms Mode. 

Virtual Cursor Mode

The Virtual Cursor mode provides a cursor in environments where there isn't a visible PC cursor. This mode is commonly used to read through web pages, PDF documents, and email messages.

The Virtual Cursor not only lets users read content but also navigate through a document or webpage by its structure. This structure includes headings, links, paragraphs, and lists.

Virtual Cursor Navigation Commands

When JAWS is in Virtual Cursor mode, typing any of the letters listed in the table below will move the virtual cursor to the corresponding item and automatically read it. For instance, pressing "h" will move the virtual cursor to the next heading and read it aloud.

Navigation Commands

Move to

Letter Pressed

Next Graphic

G 

Next Heading

H

Next Heading at level

1 through 6 (on the number row)

Next List

L 

Next Item in the current List

I 

Next Paragraph

P 

Next Region

R

Next Table

T 

Next Unvisited Link

U 

Next Visited Link

V 

Note: To move to previous element: Add Shift to the above keys. For example, Shift + H will move the virtual cursor to the previous heading.

The virtual cursor also enables the user to navigate through the different form controls found on webpages and PDF documents.

Move to

Command

Next Form Control

F

Next Button

B 

Next Combo Box

C

Next List Box

C

Next Edit Box

E 

Next Radio Button

 A

Next Check Box

X 

Note: To move to previous element: Add Shift to the above keys. For example, Shift + X will move the virtual cursor to the previous checkbox.

Lists and Navigation

          JAWS also has the ability to organize some content into lists. 

To Generate

Command

List of Headings

INSERT + F6 

List of Links

INSERT + F7

List of Form Fields

INSERT + F5 

To navigate through the list, press arrow keys or the first letter of the desired item.

To go to an item in the list, press Enter.

To close a list without taking an action press ESC.

Table Navigations Commands

Many webpages use tables to display related content.  The following commands are used to navigate and read through tables.

Move To

Command

Next Table

 T

Previous Table

Shift + T

List of All Tables

Ctrl + Insert + T

One cell to the right

Alt + Ctrl + Right Arrow

One cell to the left

 Alt + Ctrl + Left Arrow

One cell down the column

Alt + Ctrl + Down Arrow

One cell up the column

Alt + Ctrl + Up Arrow.

Read the Current Cell

Ctrl + Alt + Num Pad 5

Go to the First Cell in the Table

Alt + Ctrl + Home

Go to the Last Cell in the Table

Alt + Ctrl + End

Forms Mode

Forms mode is automatically activated when a user interacts with form fields, buttons, or other interactive elements on a webpage or in a PDF document.

When Forms Mode is active, the Virtual Cursor is disabled. This ensures that keystrokes are interpreted as input rather than virtual cursor commands.

Forms Mode Commands

While in Forms Mode, you can:

  • Type text into input fields.
  • Use the Spacebar to check or uncheck checkboxes.
  • Use arrow keys to select radio buttons or drop-down items.
  • Use Tab to move between form fields
  • Deactivate forms mode press Num Pad + or ESC
  • Manually activate forms mode press Enter on a form field.
For Additional Assistance

For more information, please contact the IT Accessibility Center at itaccessibilitycenter@missouri.edu or call (573) 884-2828.

Print Article