Core Technology Skills for Screen Reader Users In the Workplace

This fact sheet provides a list of core technology skills that screen reader users need in the workplace, specifically for computer and mobile device use. The skills focus on Windows users. These skills were determined by expert opinion in a research study. The 22 experts were assistive technology specialists and employed screen reader users with work experience in other fields. Most experts had used screen readers in the workplace for many years.  

There are 347 core technology skills, organized by skill area: 304 are considered Foundational and 43 are considered Advanced. Foundational skills are needed by any entry-level worker whose job involves using a computer. Advanced skills may only be needed for certain jobs. There are 24 skill areas, plus prerequisites for learning the skills. Advanced skills are listed at the end of each category.

Prerequisites

• Touch typing without using vision for alphabetic keys, punctuation, and numbers with a minimum of 30 words per minute after calculating errors, with at least 90% accuracy.
• Ability to touch type function keys, six pack, Number Pad, command keys, and modifier keys (e.g. Shift, Control, Windows, Alt, FN, Command, Option)
• Perform keyboard commands using modifier keys
• Effectively use a smartphone or mobile device, including turning it on and off, opening and exiting apps, switching between open apps, locking or unlocking the screen, charging the device, using phone and voice mail features, text messaging, and enabling other core features
• Basic computer usage: power computer on and off, login to computer, connect power cord to charge/power the computer

Core Technology Skills