Instructions
Section 9.1: Macros
Macros are created in Excel using VBA code. They are accessible and can be run on a keyboard. However, screen readers are a bit finicky with them. When macros are accessed via the Developer tab on the Ribbon using only the keyboard, JAWS and NVDA do read the titles of each macro. But NVDA only reads the description of the first macro on the list (if there are multiple ones) — and not the others, even when you navigate to them, and JAWS doesn’t read the description at all. Therefore, it’s important to provide complete details about each macro within the body of the Excel document. Each macro must have a meaningful name that matches its function. One other thing to mention is that there is no text alert confirmation that a macro has run successfully. But, you will receive a text alert if there is an error within the macro.
To make your macros accessible, follow these steps.
Each macro must have a clear and complete description of what it does.
Each macro must have a clear title that indicates its function.
A keyboard shortcut must be assigned to each macro.
The keyboard shortcuts or “hot keys” assigned to a macro must not match an existing short cut.
Users must be alerted that macros are being used in a document. They should know how many of them there are, the name, description, and hotkey of each macro.
Hot Keys Example
Instructions to adding a keyboard shortcut.
Go to the Developer Tab.
In the Code section, click Record Macro.
In the Record Macro box, create a name for your macro that is meaningful to what your macro does. In the Shortcut Key, type in the key you want to activate the macro. In Store Macro in: Choose “This Workbook” or the workbook you want the macro stored in. In description, explain what your macro does.
Click OK.
CTRL C is already used in Excel as a hot key for copying. This cannot be used for another function.
CTRL R is not used for anything in Excel, so it is safe to use for a macro.
Hot Key Description Example
