I always advocate that our students learn the computer keyboard whether they are braille readers or large print readers as the computer is the medium of communication with and in the "sighted" world.

The following commands are basic key strokes for the totally blind using a screenreader or for those with low vision for whom the use of the mouse cursor is not feasible. The students can tell you that the enlarged mouse function on a network system such as is used in the school system has a tendency to make the school computers freeze. To be able to use the computer without the mouse is a handy thing to know!

1. START MENU

On school computers each student has a user ID and a password. The window for logging in is in very small print so you will have to make sure you have memorized your log in information. After you type in your user ID which is your FIRST INITIAL, LAST NAME and the LAST four digits of your social, dot and "s."

Press the tab key and type the last 6 number in your social.

On your home computer, press the "windows" key. Then press "P" for "programs." The first letter of a program will take you to some of the programs under this list. For instance--the letter "M" will take you to Microsoft Office programs. Youy will need to learn how to navigate the programs on your own computer by counting right/left arrow strokes, etc.

At school you will have a "NOVELL" menu screen. Use the tab, right/left/up/down arrows and the enter button to navigate through them.

2. FILE MENU: These can be used in Microsoft Office and most Internet sites.Press "ALT" and "F" to pull down the "FILE" menu

Press the letter "N" to open a new document

Press the letter "O" to oepn a document

Press the letter "P" to print a document.

Press the letter "S" to save a document.

Press the letter "A" for "SAVE AS." When his menu box opens, type he name of your document. Strike the "tab" key until the drop down menu opens at the top of this dialogue box.

Press the letter "C" to close or

Press the letter "X" to exit a program.

3. EDIT MENU: Press "ALT" + "F" to pull down the file menu. Press the right arrow key one time to get to the "EDIT" menu.

Press the letter "U" to "unto typing" 

Press the letter  "T" to "cut"

Press the letter  "R" to "repeat typing"

Press the letter  "L" to "select all"

Press the letter  "P" to paste

• [Another way to COPY AND PASTE an entire document: Right click your mouse in the middle of the document. Press "A" for "select all." Then hold the "control" (CTRL) button and press "C." That copies your document. To paste it hold the  control key and press "V."]

4. VIEW

• For low vision and even "over 40" vision: Hold the control (CTRL) key and roll the mouse wheel toward you to enlarge the print on the page.

OR

• without the mouse:

• "ALT" +"F" then right arrow 2 times. Press "Z" for zoom. The zoom menu will open. Press UP arrow  one time and the radio button for 200%" will be clicked. "TAB" until OK button is lit. Press "enter" key. Then your page will be enlarged 200%

These are only some basics. You should memorize the commands you use most often. Learn to count the number of times "TAB" or "ARROW" needs to be pressed for the places you need to go. These commands are also helpful in surfing the Internet.

Anytime you are not requesting help with your homework or other assignments, you should practice these commands. You should practice using them on any of your assignments--as you should be using "Talking Typer" to practice your typing.

There is a more complete list in the visual impairments resource room. Ask for it.