Support Article
Unable to navigate to read only UI elements using NVDA
SA-1831
Summary
With Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) screen reader, accessibility users are unable to navigate to sections of the UI that are read only using the keyboard. The screen reader is able to vocalize these read only labels/fields only with a mouse over.
Error Messages
No Error Messages
Steps to Reproduce
1. Install accessibility framework/ruleset
2. Install open source screen reader (NVDA screen reader - http://www.nvaccess.org/download/)
3. Create section with nothing but labels and read only fields with values
4. Attempt to navigate to labels/fields using the keyboard
Root Cause
The root cause of this problem is software use/operation error. If you use the TAB key for navigation, that will only work for "actionable" or "focusable" elements on the form. It won't work for non-actionable read only UI elements. If you mock up a sample HTML and run it outside of PRPC, turn NVDA/JAWS screenreader ON. It behaves the same, it reads out only actionable elements when you use TAB.
Resolution
Use the Up/Down arrow keys for the screenreader to be able to navigate through all the elements on the form editable/read only.
Published January 31, 2016 - Updated October 8, 2020
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