Cursor types and Forms mode on the Web

JAWS provide specific cursor types and a Forms mode to optimize screen reading.

Cursor types

The following JAWS cursor types allow users to access HTML pages:

  • Virtual PC Cursor—The main focus of the active program; is accessed by pressing Num Pad+ (the numeric keypad and the plus sign). AR System uses this cursor type.
  • JAWS Cursor—Corresponds directly with the mouse pointer; is accessed by pressing Num Pad - (the numeric keypad and the minus sign). AR System does not use this cursor type.
  • PC Cursor—Press Insert+Z to toggle the PC cursor on or off. When this option is off, you are in Forms mode. AR Systemdoes not use this cursor type.

Related topics

JAWS-settings-for-the-Web

JAWS-11-custom-settings

Most interactions on the Web use Forms mode or Non-Forms (Virtual PC Cursor) mode. By default, forms open in Non-Forms (Virtual PC Cursor) mode. In Non-Forms mode, the entire page is read when the form is initially displayed to provide an idea of the page layout. You can tab to the fields or press Insert+F7 to show a list of links. To type into an edit field, first press Enter, which puts you into Forms mode. You can then enter data into the field. You can continue to tab to fields to type in data. Press Num Pad+ to exit Forms mode.

As you traverse the fields in a form by using the Tab key, JAWS reads the field label and information about the field.

Forms mode

JAWS provides Forms mode, which allows you to enter data into edit fields. Using the default settings in JAWS, AR Systemforms open in Non-Forms (Virtual PC Cursor) mode. The entire page is read in this mode.

To go into Forms mode, press Enter in an edit field, press Enter in an option (radio) button, or press Enter in a check box. To exit Forms mode, press Num Pad+ (the numeric keypad and the plus sign). JAWS does not consistently read out the page.

As users tab through the fields in a form, JAWS reads each field label and information about the field.

 

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