Patterns Across Screen Readers

1. Common modifier keys:
   • Windows screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, Narrator) use either Insert or Caps Lock as their primary modifier key
   • VoiceOver uses Control+Option (referred to as "VO")
2. Similar navigation commands:
   • All use single letters for web navigation (H for headings, T for tables, etc.)
   • Most use Tab to move between focusable elements
   • Arrow keys are universally used for reading text and table navigation
3. Standard control actions:
   • Enter or Space Bar to activate links and buttons
   • Control key to stop reading in all readers
4. Logical navigation patterns:
   • Adding Shift typically reverses direction (e.g., Tab vs. Shift+Tab)
   • Numbers 1-6 for navigating to specific heading levels

Best Ways to Memorize Shortcuts

1. Focus on conceptual categories first: Rather than memorizing every command, group them by purpose:
   • Reading commands
   • Navigation commands
   • Form interaction commands
   • Table navigation commands
2. Learn the modifier key patterns: Master the base modifier combinations for each screen reader:
   • JAWS: Insert + [key]
   • NVDA: Insert + [key]
   • Narrator: Caps Lock + [key]
   • VoiceOver: VO (Control+Option) + [key]
3. Practice the most common actions: Start with the essential commands used in everyday scenarios:
   • Starting/stopping reading
   • Navigating by headings, links, and form fields
   • Activating buttons and links
   • Reading the current item
4. Create a reference sheet organized by task: Instead of organizing by screen reader, create a sheet that lists common tasks and the corresponding command for each screen reader.
5. Use spaced repetition: Practice regularly but space out your learning sessions to improve retention.
6. Learn by context: As you navigate websites, try to predict what command would be logical for a particular action before looking it up.
7. Look for mnemonic patterns: For example, in several readers:
   • H = Headings
   • T = Tables
   • L = Lists
   • F = Forms
   • K or L = Links

Screen Reader Keyboard Command Comparison Chart

Basic Controls

Navigation