Operating Newsela with a Keyboard

Student Users

The student experience in the Newsela web app is entirely navigable with a keyboard and screen reader, including:

  • Main menu navigation

  • The navigation at the top of the site (e.g. library, news, and text set menus) 

  • Student Activities 

  • Lexile level 

  • Power Words definitions in the article 

  • Sign In / Sign Up experience 

  • Student homepage and assignments 

  • Student Binder and Word Wall

All Users

Our homepage includes a “Skip To Content” button. This button allows keyboard users to skip over the menu at the top of the site and go directly to the articles on the homepage.

To start using keyboard operation, and to view the button, load the Newsela homepage and press the “tab” key twice. You can then use the tab key to navigate through the homepage.

Background section

If you are having trouble using the keyboard to navigate the Newsela homepage, you may need to adjust your settings. Try the instructions below based on your browser and operating system. If you are still having trouble, email accessibility.feedback@newsela.com.

Firefox on Mac:

  • Go to your computer’s System Preferences.

  • Click “Keyboard.”

  • Click “Shortcuts.”

  • Under “Full Keyboard Access,” enable “All Controls.”

  • Restart Firefox and reload Newsela.

Safari on Mac: 

  • Go to Preferences in the Safari menu.

  • Click on “Advanced.”

  • Under Accessibility, check “Press Tab to highlight each item on a webpage.”

  • Restart Safari and reload Newsela.