Word Processing & Shortcuts

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 27, 2025
Students should be able to perform the following tasks independently using keyboard commands:

Word Processing Task

Document Management
  • Open word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs)
  • Create a new document
  • Save, rename, and close files
  • Open existing documents
Navigation & Editing
  • Move the cursor using arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down
  • Use Backspace and Delete to remove text
  • Cut, copy, and paste text (Ctrl + X, C, V)
  • Undo/Redo actions (Ctrl + Z, Ctrl + Y)
  • Move by word, sentence, or paragraph
  • Insert and delete text within a document
Formatting
  • Bold, italicize, or underline (Ctrl + B, I, U)
  • Center or align text (Ctrl + E, L, R)
  • Create bulleted or numbered lists
  • Adjust line spacing and indentation
  • Use headings and paragraph styles
Proofreading & Printing
  • Use spell check (F7 in Word)
  • Navigate to the top (Ctrl + Home) or bottom (Ctrl + End) of a document
Print (Ctrl + P) or emboss if using a braille embosser​

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts to Teach

Here are essential Windows keyboard shortcuts that enhance word processing and overall productivity:
  • New document: Ctrl + N
  • Open document: Ctrl + O
  • Save: Ctrl + S
  • Print: Ctrl + P
  • Copy / Cut / Paste: Ctrl + C/X/V
  • Undo / Redo Ctrl + Z / Y
  • Bold / Italic / Underline: Ctrl + B/I/U
  • Select all: Ctrl + A
  • Find text: Ctrl + F
  • Go to top / bottom of document: Ctrl + Home / End
  • Move by word or paragraph: Ctrl + Arrow Keys
  • Select text: Shift + Arrow Keys
  • Switch between open apps: Alt + Tab
  • Run spell check: (Microsoft Word) F7
Many word processing platforms (Word, Docs, Pages) use similar shortcuts. Reinforce cross-platform use for skill transfer.

Supplementary Skills: Basic Internet Use

To build digital literacy alongside word processing:
  • Open and navigate a web browser
  • Type URLs or search terms in the address bar
  • Navigate between links using Tab and Enter
  • Use Ctrl + T to open new tabs, Ctrl + W to close them

Instructional Materials & Support

  • Provide reference sheets of shortcut keys during lessons (e.g., laminated cards or digital handouts).
  • Encourage daily practice using meaningful tasks: journaling, essays, note-taking, homework.
  • Visit the VI AT Printables page to download shortcut key guides.
  • For a full and up-to-date list of shortcuts, refer to Microsoft’s keyboard shortcuts guide.
​Provide quick reference forms or guides for keyboard shortcuts to assist students during instruction. Encourage students to practice regularly and reinforce learning through hands-on activities

ECC Instruction

Teaching Strategies
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development
Alternative Communication
Emergent Literacy
​Access Print
​Access Environmental Print
Pre-Braille 
Braille Code
​​Braille Formatting
​Braillewriter​​Slate & Stylus​​Tactile Graphics​Nemeth Code​Access Classes​Abacus ​Organize​​Study Skills​Time Management​​​​Listening Skills
Assistive Technology
Social Skills
Self Determination
Self Determination Skills
Sensory Efficiency
Sensory Input
​​​Sensory Areas & Rooms​​​Auditory ReadinessVisual Efficiency Skills​Optical Device Instruction​Tactual Efficiency​Tactile Readiness ​
Independent Living
Personal Care
Hygiene & GroomingPersonal HealthHousehold Skills
Shopping & Consumerism
  • Shopping
  • Grocery Stores
  • Grocery Shopping
  • Expiration Dates
Eating & Table MannersClothing IdentificationTelephone
  • Telephone Use
Food PreparationMoney & Budget
  • ​Money & Budget
  • Money Management
  • Receipts​
  • Payment Methods
  • Buying or Packing Lunch
  • Personal Belongings
  • Paying with Checks
  • Interpret a Warranty
  • School Fundraisers
  • Housing Decisions
  • Paying Bills
  • Vending Machine Purchase
Service Agencies
  • Service Agencies
​Safety
  • General Home Safety
  • Emergencies
  • Evacuations
  • Seeking Shelter
  • Accidents & First Aid
  • Internet Safety
  • Safety
  • Using Locks
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
Career & Vocational
Job AwarenessMaintain Job
  • Address Employer Concerns
  • Maintain Employment
  • Following School Rules
  • Work Related Skills
  • Assuming Responsibilities