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General Inquiry: Assessment Lab NVDA Screen Reader is Inaccessible to the Blind

Hello. I am a completely blind software engineer attempting to gain some applied skills credentials in hopes of increasing my chances of finding a new job. I checked the accessibility offerings for the applied skills assessment labs, and while I do see that the virtual machine has NVDA installed, the instructions on how to activate include a screenshot and directions to "locate the NVDA icon on the desktop".


I need a screen reader because I am blind. That means I cannot "see" this icon or activate it with the mouse without audio feedback. I tried loading up a lab and my keyboard inputs produce no result other than the word "blank" - meaning there is nothing NVDA (running on my personal computer) can detect. Therefore, this accessibility feature is inaccessible to the people who need it most.


I don't know where else to report this as there are no links to report bugs or accessibility issues, so hopefully someone that can escalate this to those who can implement a solution - like a keyboard shortcut in the virtual machine that will activate NVDA - will see this.

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Hi Sabelyn,


Thank you for contacting the Microsoft Community.

I understand that you are requesting an accommodation, and I recognize how important it is for you to participate in the assessment lab. Please rest assured that I am here to provide you with the necessary information to address your concern.

Please be advised that for users requiring screen reader support, the NVDA screen reader will be available during the lab session.

Upon launching the lab, you will be prompted to log into the virtual machine. To access the login credentials, expand Step 1: Log into the virtual machine to view the Username and Password.

Once logged in, you may launch the NVDA screen reader. Detailed instructions can be found by selecting the arrow next to NVDA (Screen Reader) Setup & Access.

Screenshot of NVDA menu

Expand the NVDA (Screen Reader) Setup & Access by selecting the arrow. Instructions will appear. Locate the NVDA icon on the desktop. Open NVDA.

Screenshot of access menu

After doing so, you’ll hear a chime and NVDA instructions.

Screenshot of instructions menu

In addition, for those who need additional time, you will be prompted to extend lab time in 15-minute increments, up to one hour, approximately 10 minutes before the lab time expires. If you need extra time, select Yes. This will give you a total of three hours to complete the assessment lab. You do not have to request this additional time prior to starting the lab.

For detailed information, please consult the Applied Skills assessment lab accommodations | Microsoft Learn.

I look forward to your response. Please note that if no response is received after three business days, the case will be closed and locked. After the case is locked, we will no longer be able to respond. Thank you. 

Best regards,

Julie_L07
Forum Moderator
Support Period: Monday – Friday (Excluding Holidays)
Hours to Respond: 24 Business Hours

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Wow, I got exactly what I expected: a reply indicating that my post was not read and copy / pasting the help article I stated I've already gone through.

I'm clearly wasting my time - as usual - but I can't log into the VM if my screen reader can't access it and I can't activate NVDA if I can't see the icon.

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Hi Sabelyn,

Thank you for your time and effort in providing feedback. Apologies for the confusion caused by the information I provided.

To help identify a better way to turn on NVDA in the lab, I’ve forwarded the issue to our support team. Once I receive their response, I’ll provide you with an update.

In addition, I noticed that you rated our previous response as unhelpful. I understand this may be due to the information provided or the challenges you faced while attempting to take the assessment. I’ll make sure to get back to you with an answer once I receive an update. In the meantime, if the low rating was for a different reason, I’d appreciate it if you could let me know.

We appreciate your understanding on this matter.

Please expect an update within 3-5 business days or as soon as we hear back from our Support Team.

Best regards, 

Julie_L07
Forum Moderator
Support Period: Monday – Friday (Excluding Holidays)
Hours to Respond: 24 Business Hours

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Question Info

Last updated June 19, 2025 Views 32 Applies to: