Downloading Google Spreadsheets with a Screenreader

I got an email from someone not too long ago asking for more details on how to download a spreadsheet from Google Docs using a screenreader. (Not going to tell you who it is, since I don't have their permission, but it was someone I really rather admire in the accessibility field. Got all giddy about it and everything, 'cuz I'm just like that.) Thought I'd post it here in case anyone else needs it.

Keep in mind that Google is saying they will have Docs (and the other Edu apps) accessible by Fall 2011, so this may not necessarily be a necessary procedure for long. Also, the nature of webapps being what it is, Google may change everything around in the next 10 minutes and this technique may no longer work. Your mileage may vary, yada yada yada.

Google Docs and Accessibility, Part 4: The Other Stuff

Other Stuff? What Other Stuff?
In the Google Docs app grouping at the time of this writing there are a few other capabilities: Drawings, Collections, and Forms. We're going to tackle all three today.

Google Docs and Accessibility, Part 3: Presentations

Here we are again, looking at the accessibility of Google Apps (the Presentations section, this time) and how it can both be a benefit and a barrier for students with disabilities. This has become quite a hot topic since my last post, as the National Federation of the Blind has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the inaccessibility of Google Apps for users with vision impairments. I will leave you (and the DOJ) to make your own judgements about what should happen in this case, but thought I'd mention it as we move along. After all, looking for information on this complaint is how some of you landed here to read this post. Quite a few of you, actually, according to Google Analytics.

Meanwhile, back at the farm...

Google Docs and Accessibility, Part 2: Spreadsheets

Google Spreadsheets has become much more feature-rich since its inception. It is now possible to do many of the things you'd do in Excel - including formulas and charts - with this free webapp. It has many of the same benefits and drawbacks that I highlighted last time about Google Documents. However, Spreadsheets does have some of its own unique benefits and barriers.

Google Docs and Accessibility, Part 1: Documents

Here's the dealio. Google Docs, at this point, incorporates word processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, and drawings. It's a big chunk 'o stuff, and frankly, I doubt anyone's got the patience to read through a blog post that covers the accessibility of them all. Today's post will tackle just Documents, the word processing portion of Google Docs. I'll get to the others in turn. (If you have a burning desire to hear about one of them next, just drop me a note in the comments!)