This article is for people who use a screen reader program such as Windows Narrator, JAWS, or NVDA with Microsoft 365 products. This article is part of the Microsoft 365 screen reader support content set where you can find more accessibility information on our apps. For general help, visit Microsoft Support.
Skype for Business includes accessibility features that make it easier for people with disabilities like limited dexterity or low vision to use the meeting and messaging app. For more information about accessibility settings and features that are platform-specific, see Set up your device to work with accessibility in Microsoft 365.
Notes:
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New Microsoft 365 features are released gradually to Microsoft 365 subscribers, so your app might not have these features yet. To learn how you can get new features faster, join the Office Insider program.
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For keyboard shortcuts, go to Keyboard shortcuts in Skype for Business.
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This topic assumes that you are using the built-in Windows screen reader, Narrator. To learn more about using Narrator, go to Complete guide to Narrator.
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This topic makes note of the JAWS functionality as well. To learn more about JAWS for Windows, go to JAWS for Windows Quick Start Guide.
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This topic assumes you are using this app with a PC. Some navigation and gestures might be different for a Windows phone or tablet.
In this topic
Get to know the Skype for Business layout
Using Skype for Business, you can schedule and conduct online meetings that include as many as 250 attendees. Plus, you can call colleagues and send messages to them. The elements included in the Skype for Business UI change based on the communication element you select: contacts, conversations, phone calls, or meetings.
If you’re a person with low vision or visual disabilities, or if you have limited mobility, build a mental model of the Skype for Business UI. The areas and specific elements of the UI are described in the table below.
Area |
Elements you'll find in this area |
First row: Menu bar or your personalized post |
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Second row: Information about you |
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Third row: A tab group that changes the information shown in the main area of the UI and options button |
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Variable number of rows: Information that corresponds to the tab you selected |
If you select the Contacts tab, the following information is shown:
If you select the Conversations tab, the following information is shown:
If you select the Phone tab, the following information is shown (if enabled for your account):
If you select the Meetings tab, the following information is shown:
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Last row: Information about your primary device |
Select Primary Device menu. Shows audio and video information about your primary device. |
Special considerations for Skype for Business
Change IM text size
If you want to change the size of text displayed in conversations, perform the following steps:
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In a conversation window, press the Tab key until you hear "More options button," and then press Enter. The More Options menu opens.
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To select the IM Text Display Size menu item, press T.
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To select the text display size you want, use the Down arrow key until you hear the size you want, and then press Enter.
Note: This changes the text size on your screen but not the size of the text in the message that you send.
Tip: To quickly move the focus back to your IM input area, press Ctrl+Shift+M.
Adjust screen reader volume when you initiate or receive a call
If you have Dolby audio controls on your computer, you may notice that the volume of the audible feedback from your screen reader decreases when you initiate or receive a call with Skype for Business. This is a known issue and is being addressed in Windows 10 for all audio-device manufacturers. However, until the fix is implemented for all devices, you can eliminate this volume decrease by using either of the following two methods:
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Attach external USB speakers. Non-USB speakers use your device’s built-in audio with the Dolby driver. Attach external USB speakers to your device, instead of using your device’s built-in speakers or speakers plugged into the headphone jack.
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Disable the Dolby feature of the audio driver. To access the Dolby feature, perform the following steps:
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In Windows 10, press the Windows logo key+I to open Settings, and type sound. Press the Down arrow key until you hear "Sound," and press Enter.
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In the Sound settings dialog box, press the Down arrow key until you hear your current audio device, and then press Alt+P to open the Properties.
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To open the Dolby tab, press the Tab key until you hear "Dolby," and then press the Right arrow key until you hear: "Selected, Dolby tab."
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Turn on teletypewriter (TTY) mode in Skype for Business
If you use a teletypewriter (TTY) device, to turn on TTY mode in Skype for Business, take these steps:
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In Skype for Business, to open the Options menu item on the Tools menu, press Alt+T+O. You hear: "Skype for Business, Options."
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Press the Down arrow key until you hear "Phones tab item,"and then press the Tab key until you hear: "Unchecked, Turn on TTY checkbox."
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To turn on TTY mode, press Spacebar. You hear: "Checked."
Operate Skype for Business with speech recognition
Speech recognition tools are helpful for people who have limited mobility and who need to use voice commands (rather than the keyboard or mouse) to operate Microsoft products, including Skype for Business.
You can use third-party speech recognition tools or the functionality called Speech Recognition, which is included with the Windows operating system. To enable Speech Recognition on your computer, refer to Use speech recognition.
See also
Use a screen reader to make or receive a call in Skype for Business
Use a screen reader to share your screen in Skype for Business
Keyboard shortcuts in Skype for Business
Basic tasks using a screen reader with Skype for Business
Set up your device to work with accessibility in Microsoft 365
Skype for Business on Mac includes accessibility features that make it easier for people with disabilities like limited dexterity or low vision to use the meeting and messaging app. For more information about accessibility settings and features that are platform-specific, see Set up your device to work with accessibility in Microsoft 365.
Notes:
-
New Microsoft 365 features are released gradually to Microsoft 365 subscribers, so your app might not have these features yet. To learn how you can get new features faster, join the Office Insider program.
-
For keyboard shortcuts, go to Keyboard shortcuts in Skype for Business.
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This topic assumes that you are using the built-in macOS screen reader, VoiceOver. To learn more about using VoiceOver, go to VoiceOver Getting Started Guide.
In this topic
Get to know the Skype for Business on Mac layout
Using Skype for Business, you can schedule and conduct online meetings that include as many as 250 attendees. Plus, you can call colleagues and send messages to them. The elements included in the Skype for Business UI change based on the communication element you select: conversations, meetings, phone calls, or contacts.
If you’re a person with low vision or visual disabilities, or if you have limited mobility, build a mental model of the Skype for Business UI. The areas and specific elements of the UI are described in the below table.
Area |
Elements you'll find in this area |
First column: Main navigation group |
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Second column: a pane that lists the items related to each item on the main navigation group |
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Third column: a pane showing the details of the item selected in the second column. |
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By default, Skype for Business on Mac starts with the Contacts tab selected.
Display conversations in separate windows
By default, Skype for Business on Mac shows all instant message (IM) conversations of a contact in another pane in the same window. However, you may prefer to manage conversations when they are in a separate window. You can change the setting in Preferences.
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To go to Preferences, while in Skype for Business, press Command+, (comma).
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When opening the Skype for BusinessPreferences for the first time, the General tab is selected by default. You hear: “General, selected, button.”
Tip: To move between the tabs, press the Tab key. To select a tab, press Control+Option+Spacebar.
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If needed, press the Tab key until you hear “Show Conversations in Separate Windows, unchecked check box.” To select the option, press Control+Option+Spacebar.
Switch sounds on or off for incoming messages and calls
Sound effects for incoming messages notify you of a new instant message or an incoming call. Notifications for calls and messages are on by default. You can change the settings in Preferences.
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To go to Preferences, while in Skype for Business, press Command+, (comma).
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Press the Left or Right arrow key, or the Tab key until you hear: “Notifications, button.” Then press Control+Option+Spacebar.
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Press the Left or Right arrow key, or the Tab key until you hear the option you want:
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“Play sounds related to calls" to switch sounds for calls on or off.
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“Play sounds related to messages" to switch sounds for messages on or off.
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"Stop notifications while sharing screens" to switch notifications on or off during screen sharing.
To select or deselect an option, press Spacebar.
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Navigate using the keyboard
With VoiceOver turned on, make sure Quick Nav is on, too. The Control and Option keys are called the “VoiceOver keys,” or “Control+Option keys.” To enter VoiceOver commands, press and hold the Control+Option keys, along with one or more other keys.
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To navigate around the main window, press the Control+Option+arrow keys. You can also use the Tab key (to go forward) or Shift+Tab (to go backward) to navigate the window.
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To interact with items, press Control+Option+Shift+Down arrow key.
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To select and deselect an item, press Control+Option+Spacebar.
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To exit items, press Control+Option+Shift+Up arrow key.
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To browse within menus or lists, press the Up arrow key or the Down arrow key, and then, to make a selection, press Spacebar.
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To exit a menu or a list, press Esc.
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The application menu is located in the menu bar and it contains the menus and commands for Skype for Business for Mac. To access the menu bar, press Control+Option+M. You hear: “Menu bar, Apple.” Use the Right arrow key to browse through the menus: Skype for Business, File, Edit, Contacts, Conversations, Window, and Help. Press the Down arrow key to open a menu, and Up and Down arrows to browse through the items in a menu. To select an item, press Spacebar.
For more details, see Keyboard shortcuts in Skype for Business.
Use the VoiceOver Item Chooser
To easily navigate around Skype for Business, you can also use VoiceOver Item Chooser. To activate Item Chooser, press Control+Option+I. You hear: “Item Chooser-menu.” Then use the arrow keys to move in the menu and listen to the content.
Go to Skype for Business preferences
To open Preferences, press Command+, (comma). You hear “Preferences,” and the current tab name. Use Control+Option+an arrow key or the Tab key to navigate around the window to hear the options. To select or deselect an option, press Spacebar. To close Preferences, press Esc.
See also
Use a screen reader to make or receive a call in Skype for Business
Use a screen reader to share your screen in Skype for Business
Keyboard shortcuts in Skype for Business
Basic tasks using a screen reader with Skype for Business
Set up your device to work with accessibility in Microsoft 365
Skype for Business app for iPhone and iPad includes accessibility features that make it easier for people with disabilities like limited dexterity or low vision to use the meeting and messaging app. For more information about accessibility settings and features that are platform-specific, see Set up your device to work with accessibility in Microsoft 365.
Notes:
-
New Microsoft 365 features are released gradually to Microsoft 365 subscribers, so your app might not have these features yet. To learn how you can get new features faster, join the Office Insider program.
-
This topic assumes that you are using the built-in iOS screen reader, VoiceOver. To learn more about using VoiceOver, visit Apple accessibility.
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This topic assumes that you are using an iPhone. Some navigation and gestures might be different for an iPad.
In this topic
Get to know the Skype for Business layout
After you start the Skype for Business app on iPhone, you'll find the following elements in the layout:
Note: Skype for Business chooses what to show based on recent activity. What appears on your device might vary.
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Your profile, Meetings button, Phone button for calls (if available for your account), and Contacts button.
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Search for contacts box.
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Upcoming heading (if you have any upcoming meetings).
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Recent heading, which lists any recent communications, including meetings.
See also
Use a screen reader to make or receive a call in Skype for Business
Use a screen reader to share your screen in Skype for Business
Basic tasks using a screen reader with Skype for Business
Set up your device to work with accessibility in Microsoft 365
Skype for Business app for Android includes accessibility features that make it easier for people with disabilities like limited dexterity or low vision to use the meeting and messaging app. For more information about accessibility settings and features that are platform-specific, see Set up your device to work with accessibility in Microsoft 365.
Notes:
-
New Microsoft 365 features are released gradually to Microsoft 365 subscribers, so your app might not have these features yet. To learn how you can get new features faster, join the Office Insider program.
-
This topic assumes that you are using the built-in Android screen reader, TalkBack. To learn more about using TalkBack, go to Android accessibility.
-
This topic assumes you are using this app with an Android phone. Some navigation and gestures might be different for an Android tablet.
In this topic
Get to know the Skype for Business layout
After you start the Skype for Business app on an Android phone, you'll find the following elements in the layout:
Note: Skype for Business chooses what to show based on recent activity. What appears on your device might vary.
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Your profile, Meetings button, Phone button for calls (if available for your account), and Contacts button.
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Search for contacts, or Search in the company directory box (depending on your account settings).
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Upcoming heading (if you have any upcoming meetings).
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Recent heading, which lists any recent communications, including meetings.
See also
Use a screen reader to make or receive a call in Skype for Business
Use TalkBack to share a presentation in Skype for Business for Android
Basic tasks using a screen reader with Skype for Business
Set up your device to work with accessibility in Microsoft 365
Skype for Business in Outlook on the web includes accessibility features that make it easier for people with disabilities like limited dexterity or low vision to use the messaging app.
Notes:
-
New Microsoft 365 features are released gradually to Microsoft 365 subscribers, so your app might not have these features yet. To learn how you can get new features faster, join the Office Insider program.
-
This topic assumes that you are using the built-in Windows screen reader, Narrator. To learn more about using Narrator, go to Complete guide to Narrator.
-
This topic assumes you are using this app with a PC. Some navigation and gestures might be different for a Windows phone or tablet.
-
When you use Skype for Business in Outlook on the web, we recommend that you use Microsoft Edge as your web browser. Because Skype for Business in Outlook on the web runs in your web browser, the keyboard shortcuts are different from those in the desktop program. For example, you’ll use Ctrl+F6 instead of F6 for jumping in and out of the commands. Also, common shortcuts like F1 (Help) and Ctrl+O (Open) apply to the web browser – not Outlook on the web.
In this topic
Get to know the Skype for Business layout
Skype for Business in Outlook on the web runs in Outlook on the web. There's the Microsoft 365 App Launcher in the top-left corner of Outlook on the web. To the right on the same ribbon is the Skype for Business button for launching Skype for Business.
When you first open the Skype for Business in Outlook on the web, the All contacts tab is active. This first of two tabs displays all of your Skype for Business contacts, listed in alphabetical order by first name. The second of the two tabs, the Online tab, lists the Skype for Business contacts who are currently online.
When you press Enter on a contact, you open a chat with that person. The Contacts pane is replaced with a chat pane. At the top of the chat pane is the contact’s name and status, in addition to the Add people button that lets you add more people to your chat. Below the contact's information are the messages sent in the conversation. At the bottom of the Skype for Business chat pane is the chat input field where you can type your message. The Emoticons icon is on the right-hand side of the chat input field.
There are three controls in the margin to the right. The Search Skype box lets you search Skype for Business for contacts. The Contacts button takes you to the Contacts panes. The New chat button lets you start a new conversation with one or more contacts on Skype for Business.
When you have active conversations ongoing, the participants’ icons appear below these three controls in the right margin.
In the bottom-right margin of the Skype for Business pane there are two additional items: the Toggle chat notifications icon and a Give feedback icon. The first turns the Outlook on the web chat notifications off or on. The second launches a feedback form in a new browser tab, where you can send a message to the Skype for Business team.
See also
Use a screen reader to send an Instant Message in Skype for Business
Use a screen reader to add people to your contacts in Skype for Business
Keyboard shortcuts for Outlook
Technical support for customers with disabilities
Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or questions related to accessibility, please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance. The Disability Answer Desk support team is trained in using many popular assistive technologies and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Please go to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find out the contact details for your region.
If you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user, please contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk.