Assistive Technology - Student Apps

Google Apps and Assistive Technology

The following information provides resources for interacting with the Google Apps platform for individuals using assistive technology. This information includes options for Princeton’s Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Docs apps.

As described below, third-party applications, such as Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail, may offer greater interoperability with assistive technology. Google currently maintains a full resource on Google products and accessibility.

Princeton Gmail

Princeton Gmail may be used through both the web interface or by configuring a third-party client application (e.g., Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail) to send and receive mail. If using the web interface, you may wish to review the keyboard shortcuts that are available.
For blind or visually impaired individuals using a screen-reader application, Google recommends the use of JAWS for Windows and Firefox or the Chrome browser with the ChromeVox screen-reader extension to best utilize the Gmail web interface.

Google Calendar

Calendar is best used through a third-party client application (e.g., Outlook, iCal) or in the Agenda view if using the web interface and assistive technology. If using the web interface, you may also wish to review the keyboard shortcuts that are available.

For blind or visually impaired individuals using a screen-reader application, Google recommends the use of JAWS for Windows and Internet Explorer 9 or the Chrome browser with the ChromeVox screen-reader extension to best utilize the Calendar web interface. At this time, the Agenda view is the most functional with screen-reader applications.

Google Docs

Google Docs provides a rich web-interface with customized keyboard commands for composing and editing documents in a collaborative fashion. For blind or visually impaired individuals using a screen-reader application, Google recommends the Chrome browser with the ChromeVox screen-reader extension to best utilize the Google Docs web interface. The combination of JAWS for Windows and Firefox web browser may be used but may not provide full support within the Google Docs interface.

Another option for individuals using Microsoft Office on Windows is to install the Google Cloud Connect add-in. Google Cloud Connect provides the option to synchronize your Google Docs documents while using Microsoft Office applications, such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, on the Windows platform. Individuals using assistive technologies and Microsoft Office applications may find the Google Cloud Connect add-in another method for creating and editing documents.

Questions or need assistance?

If you encounter any difficulties or have questions about using your assistive technologies with the Google Apps platform, including Princeton Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Docs, please let us know by calling the OIT Help Desk at 609-258-4357 or sending e-mail to helpdesk@princeton.edu.