For most people, QuickBooks is a familiar tool for managing their finances. The software is designed for visual use, relying on point-and-click techniques for tasks such as generating invoices, writing checks, and reviewing reports.
But what about those who are blind, low vision, or print disabled?
Before 2013, managing finances with QuickBooks Desktop was a major challenge for blind users, especially those relying on screen readers. The software was not designed to be compatible with screen reading technology, making it difficult or impossible to complete key tasks such as writing checks, generating invoices, and reviewing financial reports.
I know this firsthand. To use QuickBooks Desktop, I had to combine ZoomText (screen magnification software) with JAWS (Job Access with Speech screen reader), but the experience was frustrating and inefficient. Navigating QuickBooks was a complex process, and I spent much more time than I should have completing simple bookkeeping tasks.
The Turning Point: MyBlindSpot’s QuickBooks Blind Scripts
In 2013, everything changed when MyBlindSpot, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on accessibility, introduced the QuickBooks Blind project. They developed a set of JAWS scripts specifically for QuickBooks Desktop, making it accessible for blind and low vision users. These scripts transformed the experience of using QuickBooks by enabling screen reader users to easily navigate the program with keyboard shortcuts.
Before the release of these scripts, blind QuickBooks users faced major barriers in performing even the most basic tasks. Now, thanks to QuickBooks Blind, blind users could access and utilize the software in a way that was previously impossible. Some of the tasks that became accessible included:
- Writing and printing checks
- Creating and sending invoices
- Managing accounts payable and receivable
- Running financial reports
- Organizing and tracking business expenses
The QuickBooks Blind scripts not only made QuickBooks Desktop accessible but also helped me become more efficient in managing my personal company, Mackey Enterprises, LLC. They also opened doors to leadership positions within the National Federation of the Blind (NFB):
- Affiliate Treasurer of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (2016–2018)
- Affiliate Bookkeeper for the NFB of New Jersey (2019–present)
- Affiliate Treasurer for the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania (2019–2024)
Accessibility in QuickBooks Online (QBO)
While QuickBooks Desktop required JAWS scripts for full accessibility, the cloud-based version, QuickBooks Online (QBO), is now built with accessibility features that are designed to work out of the box with screen readers. This development makes QuickBooks Online a great option for blind, low vision, and print-disabled users who prefer a more flexible, cloud-based solution.
Thanks to improvements made by Intuit in partnership with MyBlindSpot, QuickBooks Online has become fully compatible with popular screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver. This means users can now access their QuickBooks account through their browser and utilize a variety of bookkeeping features without additional tools or scripts.
For those who prefer QuickBooks Desktop, the QuickBooks Blind scripts are still necessary, but QuickBooks Online offers a more streamlined experience for users who rely on screen readers for day-to-day bookkeeping tasks.
Learn QuickBooks Blind with MyBlindSpot’s Virtual Lessons
To help blind users become proficient with QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Blind, MyBlindSpot offers over 60 Self-Paced Virtual Lessons. These lessons are designed to guide users step-by-step through key processes in QuickBooks, such as writing checks, managing invoices, and reviewing reports.
The virtual lessons cover essential tasks in QuickBooks Desktop and closely mirror the MyBlindSpot MBS User’s Guide, both of which were created by blind professionals with decades of experience in accessibility. The materials are based on 20 years of traditional documentation, ensuring that blind users receive training equivalent to that provided to sighted users.
Here are two example lessons:
Lesson 50 Writing a Check:
Lesson 56 Sending an Email Directly from an Invoice Screen:
These lessons are incredibly beneficial for individuals who want to master QuickBooks and build their confidence when using the software for personal or professional purposes.
Powerful Testimonials and More Resources
MyBlindSpot’s QuickBooks Blind project has been transformative for many users in the blind community. For an in-depth look at how QuickBooks Blind has changed lives, watch this powerful testimonial:
Additionally, for more lessons and detailed guidance on using QuickBooks with accessibility tools, check out the MyBlindSpot YouTube channel:
Visit MyBlindSpot on YouTube
To learn more about QuickBooks Blind, MyBlindSpot, and their commitment to making QuickBooks accessible for everyone, visit their official website:
www.myblindspot.org