I think there is a misunderstanding in your statement. It is already well known that the Microsoft Office Ribbon is accessible to screen reader users. That is not what the Virtual Ribbon Menu is about. If the Ribbon were not already accessible, then the feature would be called an “Accessible Ribbon Menu,” not a “Virtual Ribbon Menu.” The Virtual Ribbon Menu is simply an additional navigation option. It provides another way to explore the Ribbon, its groups, and its commands. For many beginners and users who are still learning Microsoft Office, this can make it much easier to understand what options are available and where they are located. I also would not describe it as an “unnecessary diversion.” Something that is unnecessary for one user does not mean it is unnecessary for everyone. Some users may prefer standard Ribbon navigation, some may prefer keyboard shortcuts, and others may find the Virtual Ribbon Menu much easier. That is precisely why it is an optional feature. Keyboard shortcuts are useful, but they are not the same thing as a Virtual Ribbon Menu. It is not practical to expect every user to remember a separate shortcut for every command. Similarly, not every user can easily remember where every option is located within the Ribbon. This is where the Virtual Ribbon Menu can be particularly helpful, especially for beginners. If you personally do not find the Virtual Ribbon Menu useful, that is absolutely fine. You do not have to use it. But I don't think it is appropriate to call it an unnecessary feature for everyone. Those who find it useful can use it, and those who don't can simply ignore it. I also feel that small optional features like this should not become the subject of an unnecessary debate. If everyone starts sharing their own opinions about such a small feature, the discussion can continue indefinitely, with more and more messages from different users. Ultimately, it is very simple: it is an additional choice, not a requirement. Let the users decide whether they want to use it or not. Thank you.
Sumit On Sat, Aug 29, 2026 at 12:31 PM 'Ejaz Ahmed Shah' via AccessIndia < [email protected]> wrote: > Ribbons in Microsoft Office are quite accessible for screen reader users. > JAWS wants to creates unnecessary diversions like Virtual Ribbons for its > users. > On 29/08/2026 6:55 am, BHAWANI SHANKAR VERMA wrote: > > Good add on and presentation. but, once it is activated I am unable to > move from home to insert, layout, etc. > > > On 8/24/2026 8:24 PM, Sumit Mahto wrote: > > Hi Everyone, > If you use Microsoft Office with a screen reader, you may already be > familiar with the Virtual Ribbon Menu in JAWS. It provides a convenient way > to navigate through Ribbon options, making it easier to move between > commands and remember where different options are located. > Now, a similar approach is available for NVDA users as well. In this > video, I have explained in detail how to use the Virtual Ribbon Menu in > NVDA with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, > and Outlook. > The video explains: > • > What the Virtual Ribbon Menu is and how it works. > • > How it helps make Ribbon navigation easier. > • > How to use the Virtual Ribbon Menu with NVDA. > • > How to navigate and locate different Ribbon commands more efficiently. > • > Why this method can be useful for users who regularly work with Microsoft > Office. > • > How the experience compares with using the Virtual Ribbon Menu in JAWS. > If you are an NVDA user who works with Microsoft Office, this video > provides a detailed guide to understanding and using this feature. > Watch the video here: > https://youtu.be/Ig-gIRcb_Go?si=u6ggFx9H7lLmoNVN > > > > Sumit > -- > Disclaimer: > 1. 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