Access VoiceOver in the STC computing labs

Overview

The steps below explain how to access VoiceOver, a screen reader software available in the macOS STC computing labs.

Access VoiceOver

1. Because no screen reading software is running by default when you start working on macOS computers in the STC labs, you will need to launch VoiceOver by pressing the Command-F5 keys.
2. Once VoiceOver is running at the login screen:
   1. Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete to get to the login screen.
   2. Enter your username and then press Tab.
   3. Enter your password and then press Enter.
3. A long pause will occur while your information is loaded, which can take between one to two minutes.
4. You should arrive at the desktop after logging into the computer, but VoiceOver will not be on.
5. Press the Command-F5 keys to turn on VoiceOver.
6. You will be greeted by the "Welcome to VoiceOver" window. VoiceOver will provide audio information about how to proceed, but you can also:
   • Press V if you want to start using VoiceOver.
   • Press Spacebar to launch the tutorial for learning VoiceOver.
7. To make sure you have full keyboard accessibility and additional information on VoiceOver, refer to the VoiceOver basics guide.
8. At this point you can start using VoiceOver on the macOS computer in the STC lab.

Log off the computer

1. Leave VoiceOver running and close all other open applications.
2. Press Control-fn-F2 keys to put focus on the Apple option in the menu bar.
   • If the command doesn't work, press Control-fn-F3 to put focus on the Dock, and then press Control-fn-F2 to get focus on the Apple option in the menu bar.
3. Press Control-Option-Spacebar to open the Apple menu.
4. Press the down arrow until you get to the Log Out [Username]… option, and then press Spacebar.
5. A window will appear asking if you want to quit all applications.
   • There is a checkbox named "Reopen windows when logging back in". If you leave VoiceOver running and the checkbox is checked when you log off, VoiceOver will start back up the next time you log into the same computer.
6. Press the Tab key until you get to the Logout button, and then press Spacebar to log off the computer.

Learn more

For a full listing of keyboard commands for VoiceOver, see VoiceOver Commands and Gestures.