Make title and content changes to the "Screen reader checklist"

Description

I'd like to make some edits and changes to the screen reader pages in the research section of the Platform website.

For this page: https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/research-design/screen-reader-checklist

I want to split up a long page, make some additions to the two pages and page titles.

Tasks

[ ] Split the page into two. The first page is called: "Preparing for research with screen readers" See below for content. The second page "Screen reader instructions and troubleshooting during research" See below for content.
[ ] Adjust content for each page.

Changes summarized:

Updates page titles to better reflect some of the content available on the page
Add a note about the iOS screen getting stick in safe driving mode, and how to get it out of that.
Add a note about users getting stuck in the Zoom menu on iPads and how to get out of that.
Add a note about some iPads getting frozen when using Zoom, and advice for dealing with that.

Preparing for research with screen readers content:

Screen reader users do not navigate in the same way that sighted users do. Typically, they navigate by keyboard using a combination of mainstream key commands and those specific to their screen reader.

### Preparing for research

* **Watch the first 25 minutes of this [introduction to screen readers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0m7VEHoXMI&t=61s)** by Deque.

* **Become familiar with screen reader shortcuts** during your pilot session with an accessibility specialist

### [](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/research-design/screen-reader-checklist#Screenreaderchecklist-Doduringfacilitation "Copy to clipboard")Do during facilitation

* **Wear headphones** to prevent the user’s screen reader from echoing back to them (this can be very distracting).

* **Ask how the participant accomplishes tasks.** Screen reader users can navigate from heading to heading, get a list of links organized alphabetically, use the tab key to navigate to links and form controls, and search within the page for keywords, among other methods. It may not be immediately obvious or visible, so it’s ok to ask for clarification.

* **Send links through email or text** instead of Zoom’s built in chat feature. They will be faster to access than the Zoom chat which may be hard to find if it's their first time using it.

### Don't during facilitation

* **Don’t ask the participant to slow down the speed of their screen reader** (reading rate). It won’t be natural to the participant and can be frustrating to advanced screen reader users who may be used to listening and navigating at a fast pace. If you can’t keep up with the screen reader, **ask them to explain what their screen reader announced post-task** instead.

* **Don’t rely on visual cues** such as “click here” or “look for the blue button.”

* **Don’t interrupt or talk over the participant** while they complete tasks. Screen reader users need to be able to hear their screen reader in order to complete tasks. Speaking over their screen reader may result in delaying or resetting the task.

Screen reader instructions and troubleshooting during research content:

## Desktop screen readers

### Setting up a screen share

* We want to confirm your internet speed before we set up the screen share. Have you received any alerts from Zoom on having a low internet bandwidth or connection speed?

  * \[If so, be prepared to facilitate without screen share\]

* Tab to the “Screen share” button and activate it with your space key.

* Tab or navigate past the “basic, advanced, and files” tab menu items and find “Share entire screen.” It should be the first item in the list of windows or applications to share. Use your space key to select it.

  * \[If the user gets lost in the list or mentions arrow keys aren’t working\]

    * If your arrow keys aren’t working as expected, it’s because this list has two rows. You’ll need to use your up and left arrow keys to return to the beginning of the list where you should have access to share the entire screen.

* Tab to “Share sound” and use your space key to select it. This will let us hear your screen reader.

* Tab to “Share” and use your space key to select it to start the screen share.

### Common problems during screen share set up

* \[If you don’t hear the screen reader\] We can’t hear your screen reader. Are you using headphones, hearing aids, or other technology? If so, would you be able to comfortably use your computer without that device so we can hear your screen reader? If not, that’s perfectly OK.

  *   \[If no, switch to think out loud facilitation\]

* \[If you can’t see the window you need, like a google chrome window\] You’ve started your share, but we can’t see the window you’re on right now.

  * \[Windows might be minimized\]: Use Windows Key + Shift + M to maximize all your windows or use Command + Tab to select the window you want to maximize and then use Windows Key + Up Arrow to maximize it.

* * *

## iOS VoiceOver

[VoiceOver screen share setup demo (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_qMQdP9zqQ)

### Joining Zoom instructions (send by email or provide guidance on the call)

* We’ll send you a link to open on your phone through your preferred communication method of \[text/email\] before the scheduled interview time.

* Double-tap on that link to join the meeting through Zoom.

* Depending on whether and how you’ve used the Zoom app before, you may encounter:

  * The “Video Preview” page. If you are uncomfortable with having your video on, swipe to “Join without Video” and double-tap on it. If you are OK with having your video on, swipe to “Join with Video” and double-tap on it.

  * A prompt to allow access to your microphone and video. For microphone access, swipe to “Allow” and double-tap it. We do not need your video, so feel free to either swipe to “Allow” if you’re comfortable with being on camera or “Don’t Allow” if you are not comfortable. Double-tap to confirm your choice.

* Please wait until we (the meeting host) let you into the room. This should not take more than a minute if you’ve joined at the scheduled time.

* Upon joining the room, Zoom will provide the prompt “To hear others, please join audio.” Please swipe and double-tap "Wifi or Cellular Data." \[This button will be at the center of their screen.\]

### Setting up the screen share

* Have you shared your screen before on Zoom?

  * \[If no\] Please open your iPhone settings. Once you’re there, go to your control center. Then, find the “Insert screen recording” button and double-tap it to activate it. When you’re done, please return back to the zoom app.

* Swipe to or find the "Share content" button and double-tap it. A menu will appear. Swipe to the first option "Screen” and double-tap it. Swipe to the "Start Broadcast" button and double-tap it. You'll hear a counter "3, 2, 1" and the screen share will begin.

### Stopping screen share and link sharing

* If you need to stop sharing during this session you can navigate back to the Zoom app and double-tap “Stop Share.” It’s located where the “Screen Share” button originally was at the bottom center of your screen. A few moments after you stop sharing, an alert will appear letting you know you’ve stopped broadcasting. You can swipe to the “OK” button to dismiss the alert.

* We'll send links to your preferred \[email or text\] for the websites we'll be asking you to visit.

### Common problems during screen share setup

#### **If the participant says they can't find the sharing button or other controls.**

* Zoom allows you to swipe right when in a meeting to enable safe driving mode. This often interferes with iOS VoiceOver, which also allows you to swipe right to navigate. Ask the participant swipe left and try to search for the meeting controls again.

#### **If the participant is using an iPad, and it's not working**:

* Sometimes, Zoom will freeze up on iPads. It's a common problem that has happened in research sessions, even without using assistive technology like screen readers. Usually, the screen can be shared, but it will appear frozen. If that's the case, you can either ask the participant to switch to another device, pivot the session or reschedule.

* Sometimes participants may get stuck in a separate Zoom context menu. This happens with a four finger swipe to the left when in a meeting. The context menu will display various controls for the meeting like mute, audio settings, etc. Sometimes focus gets lost when this happens. Have the participant tap on the screen to restore focus, then they can swipe to the right to reach the Zoom button. Double tap that to navigate back to the meeting.

* Note about Zoom screen

#### **If the screen is black**

* We see a black screen right now. If you have screen curtain or other screen hiding tech running, please toggle it off if possible.

#### **If you don’t hear the screen reader**

* We can’t hear your screen reader. Are you using headphones, hearing aids, or other technology?

  * If so, would you be able to comfortably use your phone/desktop without that device so we can hear your screen reader? If not, that’s perfectly OK.

    * \[If no, switch to think out loud facilitation\]

* \[If not using headphones, hearing aids, or other technology\] Looks like you aren’t sharing your device audio.

  * \[If the visual screen reader focus is on “Everything on your screen…” message\] Please swipe right to “Screen Broadcast” and double-tap on it (this will close the modal). Then, swipe backward until you’re able to reach “Share Device Audio” and double-tap on it.

    * \[If this doesn’t work, focus may be trapped behind the modal\] Does your device have a physical button beneath the screen?

      * \[If yes\] Press that button. It should clear the overlay blocking the screen. Now, swipe backward until you reach “Share Device Audio” and double-tap on it.

         * \[If no\] Swipe up from the bottom of the screen. It should clear the overlay blocking the screen. Now, swipe backward until you reach “Share Device Audio” and double-tap on it.

    * \[If the visual screen reader focus goes to “You are sharing screen” behind the modal\] Does your device have a physical button beneath the screen?

      * \[If yes\] Press that button. It should clear the overlay blocking the screen.

        * \[If focus is on “you are sharing screen”\] Please swipe right to “Share Device Audio” and double tap on it.

          * \[If focus is anywhere else\] Please swipe backward to “Share Device Audio” and double-tap on it.

        * \[If no\] Swipe up from the bottom of the screen. It should clear the overlay blocking the screen.

          * \[If focus is on “you are sharing screen”\] Please swipe right to “Share Device Audio” and double tap on it.

          * \[If focus is anywhere else\] Please swipe backward to “Share Device Audio” and double-tap on it.

**If the participant is trapped looping through the video carousel and can’t find the Share Content button**

* Swipe back and forth until you hear “Displaying \[host name\]'s video” (or “Displaying \[host name\]'s avatar” if host has video off). Double-tap. Then, swipe right until you hear “Share Content” and double-tap.

**If the participant is trapped in the Zoom meeting info**

* \[This is a bug in the Zoom app, there’s no way for the participant to get out on their own\] I’m going to send you back to the waiting room for this Zoom meeting, then re-admit you. \[From the Participants list, open the three-dots menu and click “Put in Waiting Room.” Then, re-admit from the waiting room.\]

* * *

## Talkback Android

[TalkBack screen share setup demo (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQCmAGu8Tbs)

### [](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/research-design/screen-reader-checklist#Screenreaderchecklist-Joiningzoominstructions(sendbyemailorprovideguidanceovercall) "Copy to clipboard")Joining zoom instructions (send by email or provide guidance over call)

* We’ll send you a link to open on your phone through your preferred communication method of \[text/email\] before the scheduled interview time.

* Double tap on that link to join the meeting through Zoom.

* You may be prompted to choose how you want to open the Zoom link. Double tap on “Just once” or “Allow” depending on your preference under “Open with Zoom.”

* Please wait until we (the meeting host) lets you into the room. This should not take more than a minute if you’ve joined at the scheduled time.

* Upon joining, you’ll be prompted to join with wifi or cellular data. Double tap to activate.

### [](https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/research-design/screen-reader-checklist#Screenreaderchecklist-Settingupthescreenshare.1 "Copy to clipboard")Setting up the screen share

* Swipe to find the “share button” and double tap it. A menu will appear with a list of items. Swipe to “screen” and double tap it.

* You’ll be asked if you want to start recording or casting with Zoom. Swipe to “start now” and double tap it.

* If you haven’t given Zoom permission to record yet on your device, you’ll be prompted to give access to “display over other apps.” Swipe to find “Zoom” in the list and double tap it. Continue swiping to find “Allow display over other apps” and confirm it is “off.” Double tap it to turn it on.

* Return to your home screen and the screen share should begin.

### Stopping screen share and link sharing

* If you need to stop sharing during the session, you can find the “stop share” button at any time at the bottom left corner of your screen (press your finger down and drag it to the bottom left corner, it will be by “share audio” and “announcements”). You can also open the zoom app and find the “stop share” button where the “share” button was originally located.

* We'll send links to your preferred \[email or text\] for the websites we'll be asking you to visit.

### Common problems during screen share set up

* \[If the screen is black\]: We see a black screen right now. If you have screen curtain or other screen hiding tech running, please toggle it off if possible.

* \[If you don’t hear the screen reader\]: We can’t hear your screen reader. Are you using headphones, hearing aids, or other technology? If so, would you be able to comfortably use your phone/desktop without that device so we can hear your screen reader? If not, that’s perfectly OK.

  * \[If no, switch to think out loud facilitation\]

For https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/research-design/research-with-assistive-technology-users

After the bullet: "Write assistive technology-specific screener questions", add another bullet:

When planning your conversation guide, it can be a good idea to set up the screen sharing set up first after a few qualifying questions. This way, if you can't get the screen sharing working, you can choose to pivot the session. You could reschedule, cancel or pivot the session to suit your needs.

Relevant URLs

https://depo-platform-documentation.scrollhelp.site/research-design/screen-reader-checklist

Which type of team are you on? (Platform team, VFS team, or Leadership)

VFS Team

Both @briandeconinck and I are able to answer questions about this change.

department-of-veterans-affairs / va.gov-team