Blackboard 7.3 & JAWS (Screen Reader)
For those using screen readers (JAWS) with the Blackboard system, you will need to change one of the default settings. To make this change, follow these directions:
- From the Tools menu on the Main tab, select "Personal Information."
- Next, select "Set Visual Text Box Editor Options."
- Select "Unavailable" from the Set Availability option and then select the "Submit" button and then the "OK" button.
Other issues:
- The email function uses right and left arrows to designate recipients rather than check boxes. To select recipient(s), you'll need to navigate down a list (left hand box) to your intended recipient and then press ENTER to select the recipient's name (into the right hand box). You can select more than one recipient using this method.
- To add a new thread in a discussion forum, listen for the words Thread/Thread.
- To hear the syllabus, you will need to download the document first, then JAWS can read it. JAWS cannot read the document within Blackboard.
- Using the Assignment Feature, when browse is selected you will have to begin to type the title of your file, then use the down arrow once, then enter. This will select your document to be attached in the Assignment Feature.
More Resources:
Blackboard Screen Reader Tutorial
Blackboard Statement on Accessibility
