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Google Drive With Screen Readers

by | Nov 16, 2023 | Internet | 0 comments

Overview

Google Drive is a cloud-based file storage and synchronization service developed by Google. It allows users to store files in the cloud, access them from various devices, and share them with others. Here’s an overview of the key features and functionalities of Google Drive:

File Storage:

Google Drive provides users with free cloud storage space, with a limited amount of storage available for free (usually around 15 GB). Users can purchase additional storage if needed.

File Synchronization:

Google Drive offers synchronization across multiple devices. This means you can access your files from a computer, smartphone, or tablet as long as you have an internet connection.

File Types:

It supports a wide range of file types, including documents, spreadsheets, presentations, images, videos, and more. Google’s suite of productivity tools, such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, are seamlessly integrated.

Collaboration:

Google Drive is designed for collaboration. Multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, with real-time changes being visible to all collaborators. Users can leave comments, suggest edits, and track changes.

Sharing:

You can easily share files and folders with others, whether they have a Google account or not. You can set different access levels, such as view-only, comment, or edit, and you can also control who has access to the file.

Version History:

Google Drive automatically tracks changes made to documents and allows you to revert to previous versions. This feature is especially useful when multiple people are collaborating on a document.

Offline Access:

Google Drive offers offline access to files, allowing you to work on your documents even when you don’t have an internet connection. Changes made offline will sync when you reconnect.

Security:

Google Drive takes security seriously. It offers robust data encryption, two-factor authentication, and various security features to protect your files and data.

Search:

Google’s powerful search engine is integrated into Google Drive, making it easy to find files using keywords and filters.

Mobile Apps:

Google Drive has mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices, making it convenient to access and manage your files on the go.

Integration:

It integrates seamlessly with other Google services like Gmail and Google Photos, allowing you to attach files from Google Drive to emails or store photos and videos automatically.

Third-Party Apps:

Google Drive supports third-party apps and extensions that can enhance its functionality. These apps can be used to edit, convert, or automate tasks related to your files.

File Organization:

You can create folders and subfolders to organize your files efficiently. Google Drive also provides features like file and folder colors and shortcuts to help you stay organized.

Backup and Sync:

Google Drive can be used to back up important files and folders from your computer, ensuring that your data is safe in the cloud.

Accessibility:

Google Drive is accessible via web browsers on desktop computers and through dedicated apps on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Google Drive is a versatile tool that’s widely used for personal and professional purposes, making it easy to store, collaborate on, and share files and documents in the cloud.

 

How to use google drive with screen reader?

Google Drive is designed to be accessible to users with disabilities, including those who rely on screen readers. Here are some tips on how to use Google Drive with a screen reader:

1.Use a Compatible Screen Reader: Make sure you are using a screen reader that is compatible with Google Drive. Popular options include JAWS (for Windows), NVDA (for Windows), Voiceover (for macOS and iOS), and Talkback (for Android).

2.Access Google Drive: Go to the Google Drive website (drive.google.com) using a web browser of your choice, such as Google Chrome, which tends to work well with screen readers.

3.Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts. Google Drive provides a set of keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate and perform various actions more efficiently. You can access these shortcuts by pressing ? while in Google Drive.

4.Screen Reader Compatibility Mode: Some screen readers offer a compatibility mode specifically designed for Google Drive. Check if your screen reader has such a mode and enable it for an optimized experience.

5.Use Headings: When you navigate through your files and folders, headings are typically used to identify different sections. Use your screen reader’s heading navigation commands to quickly jump to sections of interest.

6.Collaboration: If you’re collaborating with others, your screen reader should announce changes made by collaborators in real-time. You can also navigate through comments and suggestions using your screen reader’s navigation commands.

7.Accessibility Settings: Google Drive has accessibility settings that you can adjust to enhance your experience. These settings include options for screen reader support and high contrast mode. To access them, click on the gear icon (Settings) and choose “Accessibility settings.”

8.Learn Your Screen Reader’s Commands: Finally, make sure you are familiar with the commands and shortcuts specific to your screen reader. Different screen readers have different key combinations for navigation, reading, and interacting with elements.

By following these tips and leveraging your screen reader’s capabilities, you should be able to effectively use Google Drive to manage your files, collaborate with others, and take advantage of its features while ensuring accessibility. Additionally, Google is committed to improving accessibility in its products, so you may see ongoing improvements in this area.

 

Opening Google Drive

Using Browser

Open your browser.

  1. Press Ctrl + L to move to the address bar.
  2. Type drive.google.com.
  3. Press Enter.

Using Google Drive App on Windows

  1. Press Windows key.
  2. Type “Google Drive”.
  3. Press Enter when Google Drive app is heard.

If Google Drive for desktop is installed, it may also appear in File Explorer as Google Drive.

 

Signing In to Google Drive

  1. After Google Drive opens, move to the Email or Phone edit field using Tab.
  2. Type your Gmail address or phone number.
  3. Press Tab until “Next” button is reached and press Enter.
  4. Type your password in the password field.
  5. Press Tab to the “Next” button and press Enter.

After signing in, Google Drive home page will open.

 

Main Areas in Google Drive

Google Drive mainly contains:
• New button
• Search box
• Navigation panel
• Files and folders list
• Storage information
• Settings and account buttons

Navigation Keys

  • Tab = Move forward
    • Shift + Tab = Move backward
    • Arrow keys = Move inside lists and menus
    • Enter = Open items
    • Esc = Close menus or dialog boxes

 

Opening Files and Folders

The files area in Google Drive behaves like a table or list.

  1. Press Tab until the files list is reached.
  2. Use Up/Down or Right/LeftArrow keys to move through files and folders.

Screen readers may announce:
File or folder name
Owner name
Date modified
File type

  1. Press Enter to open the selected file or folder.

 

Creating a New Folder

  1. Press Tab until “New” button is reached.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. Use Down Arrow to find “Folder”.
  4. Press Enter.
  5. Type the folder name.
  6. Press Tab until “Create” button is reached and press Enter.

 

Uploading Files

  1. Press Tab until “New” button is reached.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. Use Down Arrow to find “File upload”.
  4. Press Enter.
  5. File Explorer dialog box will open.
  6. Browse files using Arrow keys and Tab.
  7. Select the required file.
  8. Press Enter or activate the Open button.

Google Drive will upload the file automatically.

 

Uploading Folders

  1. Press Tab until “New” button is reached.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. Use Down Arrow to find “Folder upload”.
  4. Press Enter.
  5. Select the required folder from File Explorer.
  6. Press Enter.

 

Downloading Files

  1. Move to the required file using Arrow keys.
  2. Press Shift + F10 or the Applications key to open context menu.
  3. Use Down Arrow to find “Download”.
  4. Press Enter.

Browser download process will begin.

 

Renaming Files or Folders

  1. Select the required file or folder.
  2. Press Shift + F10 or Applications key.
  3. Use Down Arrow to find “Rename”.
  4. Press Enter.
  5. Type the new name.
  6. Press Enter.

 

Deleting Files or Folders

  1. Select the required file or folder.
  2. Press Shift + F10 or Applications key.
  3. Use Down Arrow to find “Move to trash”.
  4. Press Enter.

Deleted items move to Trash.

 

Restoring Files from Trash

  1. Press Tab until navigation panel is reached.
  2. Use Arrow keys to find “Trash”.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Select the required file.
  5. Press Shift + F10.
  6. Choose “Restore”.
  7. Press Enter.

 

Sharing Files or Folders

  1. Select the file or folder.
  2. Press Shift + F10 or Applications key.
  3. Choose “Share”.
  4. Press Enter.
  5. Type the email address of the person.
  6. Use Tab to move through permission options.
  7. Press Enter on Send button.

 

Changing Sharing Permissions

  1. Open Share dialog box.
  2. Use Tab to move through permission settings.
  3. Use Arrow keys to choose:
    Viewer
    Commenter
    Editor
  4. Activate Save or Done button.

 

Searching Files

  1. Press Tab until Search in Drive edit field is reached.
  2. Type file or folder name.
  3. Press Enter.

 

Starring Important Files

  1. Select the file or folder.
  2. Press Shift + F10.
  3. Choose “Add to starred”.
  4. Press Enter.

 

Opening Starred Files

  1. Press Tab until navigation panel is reached.
  2. Use Arrow keys to find “Starred”.
  3. Press Enter.

 

Moving Files Between Folders

  1. Select the file.
  2. Press Shift + F10.
  3. Choose “Move to”.
  4. Press Enter.
  5. Browse folders using Arrow keys.
  6. Select the required folder.
  7. Activate Move button.

 

Viewing File Details

  1. Select a file or folder.
  2. Press Shift + F10.
  3. Choose “View details”.
  4. Press Enter.

Screen readers may announce:
• File size
• Owner
• Date modified
• Sharing information

 

Managing Google Drive Settings

  1. Press Tab until Settings button is reached.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. Choose “Settings”.
  4. Use Tab and Arrow keys to move through options.

 

Refreshing Google Drive

  • Ctrl + R = Refresh page

 

Google Drive Keyboard Shortcuts

Opening Important Sections

  • g then n = Navigation panel
    • g then d = Drive
    • g then t = Trash
    • g then s = Starred

These shortcuts work when the cursor is in focus mode.

Press the first key and then the second key.

File Actions

  • a = Create new item
    • Shift + z = Add file to another folder
    • z = Move file
    • . = Open file details
    • / = Move to search box

Navigation

  • Up Arrow = Previous file
    • Down Arrow = Next file
    • Enter = Open file or folder
    • Spacebar = Select item

Selection

  • x = Select or unselect item
    • Shift + Up Arrow or Shift + Down Arrow = Select multiple items

Other Useful Shortcuts

  • Shift + ? = Open keyboard shortcuts help
    • Ctrl + A = Select all files
    • Delete = Move selected item to Trash
    • Esc = Close menus or dialog boxes