Function keys located in the top row of the keyboard provide shortcuts to frequently used commands. There are twelve function keys on a PC’s keyboard. These keys may be combined with other keys such as the CTRL key, ALT key or Shift Key. Shortcut keys are useful tools in every day computing. Many shortcut keys are incorporated into screen reader commands such as JAWS and NVDA.
Teacher Hint: Understanding and using these shortcut keys will help you and your student better understand screen reader commands!
The image below lists the Function keys and their uses. Here is an accessible, printable version of the Function Keys chart.
For more posts about shortcut keys and why we should teach shortcuts to students with visual impairments, see:
https://www.perkins.org/sites/elearning.perkinsdev1.org/files/Function%20Keys.docx
By Diane Brauner