Storyline 360 supports accessible navigation for learners using a screen reader or keyboard. As an author, you set the focus order on each slide to determine how screen readers read the content and how learners tab through interactive elements such as buttons, hotspots, and text fields.

Read on to discover how screen reader and keyboard-only users experience Storyline 360 courses designed with their navigation in mind. Then, learn about other Storyline 360 accessibility features specifically designed for assistive technologies.

• How Navigation Works

• Additional Accessibility Features

How Navigation Works

Once you’ve set the focus order, learners can navigate courses with a screen reader, a keyboard, or both. Learn more about how each method works below.

Screen Reader

Screen reader users navigate content with keyboard shortcuts, moving through text and interactive elements in the defined focus order. Here’s how:

• The arrow keys allow the learner to move through text and objects in the order you define.

• Tab and Shift+Tab let them move between interactive objects. 

• Pressing Enter or Space activates an interactive object.

Keyboard-Only

Keyboard-only learners move through courses by tabbing between interactive items. Here’s how:

• Tab and Shift+Tab let them move between interactive objects.

• Pressing Enter or Space activates interactive items.

• Learners can skip over text and images, since they are visible, reducing keystrokes.

Quick Keyboard References

The following common keyboard shortcuts work across different course elements:

• Pressing Tab or Shift+Tab to move between interactive elements

• Using the arrow keys to cycle through related controls, such as radio buttons, selects, and tabs

• Pressing the space bar to select or toggle items, such as radio buttons, checkboxes, and buttons

• Pressing Enter to activate controls, such as submit buttons and links

• Pressing Escape to close modals, tooltips, or other pop-ups

Pro Tip: The linked article details how accessible navigation works for multiple choice and multiple response questions.

Additional Accessibility Features

We’ve designed Storyline 360 to ensure that slide content is accessible and works consistently with assistive technologies. Here are some examples of those features.

• Screen readers don’t auto-read content. Learners decide when to read, avoiding overlapping audio with narration or video.

• Objects use semantic HTML. Text, headings, links, and lists are published with correct formatting, making them easier to read, navigate, and customize.

• Interactive elements are accessible. Radio buttons, hotspots, drop-downs, markers, and video controls can all be used with a keyboard and screen reader.

• Layers, lightboxes, and dialogs work reliably. Content is announced correctly, and focus moves automatically where needed.

By using these built-in capabilities and testing with assistive technologies, you can deliver courses that are both engaging and accessible for all learners.