Google Slides screen-reader support adapts the editor for working with assistive technology. Enable it before evaluating keyboard navigation or slide announcements. The setting is part of an accessible editing workflow; it does not automatically repair unclear reading order or missing alternative text in the presentation.
Enable the editor setting
On a computer, open Tools > Accessibility settings. Check Turn on screen reader support and close the dialog. Google’s general editor guidance gives this menu route and platform-specific shortcuts for reaching it.
Use the recommended application model
Follow the official configuration advice for your screen reader and browser. Slides is a web application, so normal document browsing commands and application interaction can behave differently. Identify the canvas, filmstrip, speaker notes, and top controls before making content changes.
If a shortcut does not work, check keyboard focus and the assistive technology’s mode before assuming the presentation is broken. Use Google’s platform-specific shortcut guidance rather than applying Windows combinations unchanged on a Mac.
Verify with real content
Navigate a short presentation and listen to slide titles, object descriptions, and text. Check alternative text for meaningful images and inspect the order in which objects are encountered. Use Braille support according to the documented needs of your setup rather than enabling every option automatically. Record the browser and screen-reader combination actually tested. Successful activation confirms that the editor setting is enabled; it is not independent proof that the entire deck or every exported format is accessible. Check the active keyboard layout when shortcuts differ unexpectedly.
References
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 3, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.