What’s irritating about Windows 11 for someone who is visually impaired

Jerry Berrier
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    As a JAWS user, I’ve found a couple of very irritating things about Windows 11.

    On the taskbar, you can no longer use first-letter navigation to find a specific item.

    I decided to switch my default browser from Edge to Chrome the other day, and I have yet to figure out how to do it.

    There are YouTube videos explaining all of the steps needed, but I have not gotten it to work.  It was very easy to do in Windows 10.

    I can think of only one positive to mention.  Office dictation is great in Windows 11. In Word, you just hit Windows-h to start it.

    Ironically, the same command does not seem to work in Outlook.


    About the Author

    This article was authored by Jerry Barrier, Assistive Technology Specialist on the New England Low Vision and Blindness Training Team.

    Jerry has worked in the field of assistive technology for over 20 years. He spent six years as assistant manager at the Verizon center for customers with disabilities, followed by seven years as an assistive technology consultant specializing in work with Deafblind consumers. Most recently, he ended a nine-year stint at the Perkins School for the Blind in the field of assistive technology.

    Jerry is past president and current secretary of the Bay State Council of the Blind, and past president of VIBUG, a long-standing Boston-based group of technology users.

    His interests include audio production, accessible web design, and “birding by ear”.  He has consulted on numerous accessibility projects with Mass Audubon and continues a long-standing working relationship with that organization.

    If anyone is in need of training for their student, senior, co-worker or veteran, please contact New England Low Vision and Blindness to schedule a personal consultation.  You can call our toll-free number 888-211-6933 or email us at info@nelowvision.com.

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    To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, contact a Technology Specialist at New England Low Vision and Blindness today. You can call our toll-free number 888-211-6933 or email us at info@nelowvision.com and we will be happy to help.

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