Web Page and Document Accessibility – Screen Reader Navigation

Screen Reader Navigation

Social Security does not endorse any specific assistive technology, browser or software products.

The following instructions are for users of screen readers such as JAWS and Window-Eyes.  Since there are several screen readers, many versions of the screen reader, different browsers and versions, the instructions may or may not apply to your particular screen reader. A list of screen readers has been included at the bottom of this page so you can check with the company that produced your software for additional navigation information.

General Navigation

Filling out applications on this website is best accomplished in a Forms or MSAA mode that allows you to tab to controls and fill in input boxes, radio buttons, check boxes and list boxes. Instructional text usually occurs at the beginning of these screens and can be accessed in non-MSAA or virtual-cursor mode. Additionally, consistent headers have been set up to access questions and examples/instructions more easily. The screen reader will indicate which questions have additional help or instructional text. You can then tab to the additional help or continue tabbing to the next question to bypass this help.

Timeout Warning

Unless you have turned JavaScript off in your browser, you will receive a warning after 25 minutes and you can extend your time on the page. After the third warning, you must move to another page, or your time will run out and your work on that page will be lost.

"Page Has Expired" Warning

If you use the "Back" button when you shouldn't, you will get a "Page Has Expired" warning. When that happens, read the information on the page and then press the "Back" button again or press ALT + Left Arrow to get back to the page you left.

Hotkeys or Access Keys

Most applications contain hotkeys to improve navigation and provide information. On many screens there is a continue button at the end of the screen to allow you to go to the next page or a previous button to return to the prior page. 

Other keyboard commands, hotkeys or access keys will vary based upon browser and the version of that browser that you are using. A list of these commands can be found in the Help section of your browser. The Help feature can be located on the Menu bar of your browser or by using the F1 function key on the keyboard. Also see our Keyboard Commands web page.

Error Handling

When you attempt to advance through the application with erroneous data or missing information, the page will redisplay with a list of links at the top for each error. Selecting these error links will take you directly to the field in question, placing focus at the specific error control. The fixed error will not be deleted from the list of links or error messages at the field until the page is re-submitted. To navigate to the next error, invoke the screen reader or screen magnifier's links list or simply tab through the fields and listen to the screen reader to hear when there is an error message.

Errors and page information may also be available in the title bar of the page.  This may include number of errors, current page or progress status.  Access to the title bar is available to the screen readers.  Refer to the documentation for the specific command.

Title Attributes

There are instances where link and button names are repeated in an application like the following:

• More Info
• Edit
• Details

These links usually have a title attribute that describes the link in more detail. In order for screen readers to speak this additional information, the screen reader must be set up to speak the title attribute instead of the screen text. Depending on the screen reader used, this can be a verbosity setting, configuration setting, set file, etc. Please refer to the documentation for specific screen readers or browser readers if this procedure is unknown.

Saving or Printing Forms and Confirmation Numbers

You can save or print pages you may need later, such as your confirmation number or instructions on how to do something.

PDF Documents

You need Adobe Reader to make PDF documents accessible. You can download new and previous versions of the Adobe Reader at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2_allversions.htm (New window).

List of Screen Readers

• HAL,
• JAWS
• Supernova
• Window-Eyes
• NVDA
• System Access To Go
• Voiceover