Google Docs has a native mobile application for Android devices. The Google Docs Android app is easy to download and use and compatible with a wide range of screen readers and braille devices. This short guide will discuss using Google Docs on Android devices with screen readers and braille devices.
Using Google Docs with TalkBack
First, you need to enable the TalkBack option on your Android device. To do so, press and hold both volume buttons on your device for three seconds.
Alternatively, go to the “Settings” option on your device, select “Accessibility,” turn on “Use Talkback,” and select “OK.” If you have Google Assistant, simply say, “Hey Google” and “Turn on TalkBack” to enable this option.
TalkBack supports many languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, and many more. To select a language, swipe down and right to open the TalkBack menu. Once open, go to “Text to Speech Settings,” select “Language,” and choose the language you want.
Once the TalkBack feature is enabled, use the following tips to access, edit, and share your documents.
How to find a document
Once you open the Google Apps app on your device, you will find several options, including:
New document menu – Use an existing template or create a new blank document.
Navigation drawer – The Navigation drawer is located at the top left and provides access to the documents under the “Recent” menu and the “Shared with me” menu.
Search – Search for documents.
Open document – Open documents that are stored on your device or Google Drive.
More options – Explore other options like “Add New,” “Sort By,” “Refresh,” and more.
How to read a document
Open the Google Docs app, move the browser focus to the document you want to read, and double-tap. You can start reading the document by swiping right.
Swipe up or down to navigate the document by characters, words, or paragraphs. To navigate the document by lines, go to “More options” and choose “Print layout.” Swipe up or down to hear the “navigate by line” option. Once enabled, swipe right and continue reading the document.
How to edit a document
Open the Google Docs app, move the browser focus to the document you want to edit, and double-tap.
Move the browser focus to the “Edit” button and double-tap again. Once the “Edit” feature is activated:
- Swipe left, right, up, or down to explore the buttons and menus.
- Move the browser focus to the document, swipe up and right, and open the local context menu to control the cursor or adjust the granularity of the document.
- Use the on-screen keyboard by dragging your fingers over the keys. Whenever you need to enter a key, just lift your finger.
Be aware that TalkBack voices the password characters that you enter. It can be a problem when you are with other people. To turn this feature off, go to “Speak passwords” and turn it off. Once disabled, you will only hear the characters you enter if your headphones are connected to the device.
Similarly, screen readers announce whenever someone accesses or leaves your document. If you find this feature distracting, you can turn it off by going to “More options” and choosing “Mute entries and exits.”
Using Google Docs on Android with braille devices
The Google Docs Android app is fully compatible with braille devices, and you do not have to change any settings to read, edit, and share documents.
Final words
Using Google Docs on Android devices with screen readers can be slightly more challenging than on a computer – due to the smaller screen size and the lack of peripherals. By taking the aforementioned steps, you can overcome the hurdles and use Google Docs on your mobile device more effectively.
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