Hello everyone. I’d like to introduce you to an NVDA add-on called Zoom Enhancements for NVDA. In short, it allows you to customize the alerts you get while in Zoom meetings and makes it easier to jump in and out of remote control sessions.
Note: This add-on was created when Zoom’s built-in accessibility was more limited. Zoom has since improved its native accessibility features significantly. That said, the add-on still provides useful customization options that go beyond what Zoom offers natively, especially for fine-tuning alert behavior. Check the add-on page or the GitHub repository for the latest compatibility info with your version of NVDA.
If you have the Add-on Updater for NVDA, you will be notified whenever an update to this add-on is available.
Authors: Mohamad Suliman, Eilana Benish
Keyboard Shortcuts for Controlling Alerts in Meetings
NVDA+Shift+A: Cycles between different modes of reporting alerts. The following modes are available:
Report All Alerts: All alerts are reported as usual.
Beep for Alerts: NVDA will play a short beep for every alert displayed in Zoom.
Silence All Alerts: NVDA will ignore all alerts.
Custom Mode: You can customize which alerts you want and which you don’t. This can be done using the add-on’s settings dialog or by using the keyboard shortcuts below.
Custom Alert Toggle Shortcuts
These shortcuts are most useful when Custom Mode is turned on:
NVDA+Ctrl+1: Participant Has Joined/Left Meeting (Host Only)
NVDA+Ctrl+2: Participant Has Joined/Left Waiting Room (Host Only)
NVDA+Ctrl+3: Audio Muted by Host
NVDA+Ctrl+4: Video Stopped by Host
NVDA+Ctrl+5: Screen Sharing Started/Stopped by a Participant
NVDA+Ctrl+6: Recording Permission Granted/Revoked
NVDA+Ctrl+7: Public In-meeting Chat Received
NVDA+Ctrl+8: Private In-meeting Chat Received
NVDA+Ctrl+9: In-meeting File Upload Completed
NVDA+Ctrl+0: Host Privilege Granted/Revoked
NVDA+Shift+Ctrl+1: Participant Has Raised/Lowered Hand (Host Only)
NVDA+Shift+Ctrl+2: Remote Control Permission Granted/Revoked
NVDA+Shift+Ctrl+3: IM Chat Message Received
Note: You need to leave “reporting all alert types” checked in Zoom’s accessibility settings so that the add-on functions as expected.
Opening the Add-on Settings
NVDA+Z opens the add-on dialog box. Note: this only works when a Zoom window is focused.
From this dialog box, you can:
See which alerts are announced and which aren’t.
Select the types of alerts you want to be announced.
Choose your alerts reporting mode.
Save custom changes.
Remote Control
After remote control permission is granted, press NVDA+O to move the focus in and out of the remote controlled screen. Note that the focus should be on one of the meeting controls to be able to remote control the other screen.
Related Zoom Articles
For more on getting the most out of Zoom meetings, check out my other Zoom articles:
What Can You Do in a Zoom Meeting
FAQ
Does the Zoom Enhancements add-on still work with the latest NVDA?
The add-on has been tested through NVDA 2024.x. Check the add-on page or GitHub repository for the latest compatibility info before installing.
Do I still need this add-on now that Zoom has improved its accessibility?
Zoom has improved its native accessibility significantly, but this add-on gives you fine-grained control over which meeting alerts NVDA announces. If you find Zoom meetings noisy with too many notifications, this add-on is still very useful.
Does the add-on work with JAWS?
No. This is an NVDA-specific add-on. It won’t work with JAWS or other screen readers.
How do I install the add-on?
Download the Zoom Enhancements add-on and open the file. NVDA will guide you through the installation. Restart NVDA when prompted.
Does custom alert mode only work in English?
As of the last documented update, custom alerts only work in English.
Conclusion
The Zoom Enhancements for NVDA add-on gives you control over the noise level in your Zoom meetings. Whether you want to hear every alert, just a beep, or pick and choose exactly which notifications come through, this add-on has you covered. Combined with Zoom’s own improved accessibility features, NVDA users have a solid meeting experience.
Qapla!