Pass Through Keys - Zoomtext - JAWS -

Using the Pass Through Keys in Zoomtext and JAWS

If you are using a magnifier or a screenreader regularly, sooner or later, you are going to discover a keystroke conflict. This is when the access tech layer intercepts the keys that you are really trying to send through to the underlying application you are working in.

Now while it is possible to remap hotkeys this can be a tricky operation because, in correcting one keystroke, you may unwittingly create another conflict. Or, you may end up having to create a keystroke combination that requires such deft finger acrobatics that it becomes a real pain to use. But, instead of remapping keystrokes, a simpler option is to use the built-in pass through keys.

Using a pass through feature does mean you create a bit of extra work for yourself, in that you have another keystroke to use first, but it might save you any potential remapping hassles. To find out about whether the AT you are running actually has a pass through key feature, check the built-in Help system and try it out if it does.

For all you Zoomtext and JAWS users out there, let's go through the keystrokes you need here:

• JAWS: INSERT 3
• Zoomtext: ALT PAUSE

So, if you are using Zoomtext and trying to use a keystroke in another application, you use the pass through key first (ALT PAUSE) then use the keystroke that is conflicting. That second keystroke, because you used the pass through key, will now be "passed through" to the underlying application - your AT will be strictly hands-off.

Note that the pass through keystroke will only work for the keystroke you use immediately - if you happen to mess it up you'll have to use the pass through key again.

Until next time... now, where exactly is the Pause key again...