[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "Can%20you%20give%20me%20step%20by%20step%20instructions%20on%20using%20the%20scheduling%20assistint%20in%20outlook%20clasic%20using%20JAWS"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide for using the **Scheduling Assistant** in **Outlook (classic)** with **JAWS** screen reader. By \u201cclassic,\u201d I mean Outlook for Windows (not Outlook on the web\u2019s \u201cnew\u201d version). These instructions are based on Microsoft\u2019s accessibility documentation and JAWS support guides. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### Before You Begin\n\n- Make sure you\u2019re using a version of Outlook that supports Viewing Attendees\u2019 availability (i.e. part of Microsoft Exchange / Microsoft 365).  \n- Ensure JAWS is running and configured to work with Outlook. (Settings like verbosity, report formatting, etc., may affect what you hear.)  \n- If you see prompts about \u201cnew Outlook\u201d vs \u201cclassic Outlook,\u201d confirm you\u2019re in the classic client. Scheduling Assistant features vary between versions. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### Step-by-Step: Scheduling a Meeting With Scheduling Assistant\n\n#### 1. Open a New Meeting Invitation\n\n- From anywhere in Outlook, press **Ctrl + Shift + Q**. This opens a blank Meeting Invite window. The focus should start in the **Subject** field. Listen for \u201cSubject edit.\u201d ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))  \n- If needed, use **Tab** or **Shift + Tab** to move between fields.\n\n#### 2. Add Attendees\n\n- Press **Tab** until you hear \u201cRequired\u201d or \u201cRequired attendees.\u201d Then type the names or email addresses of people you want to invite.  \n- As you type, suggestions may appear. Use **Down Arrow** to move through suggestions. Press **Enter** to select. Confirm name/email with **Ctrl + K** if your organization uses the address book. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n#### 3. Set Date and Time\n\n- Tab to the **Start date** field: type the date or use arrow keys (Up/Down) to adjust.  \n- Tab to **Start time**: similarly, type or use arrow keys.  \n- Then Tab to **End date** and **End time**, adjusting as needed. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n#### 4. Open Scheduling Assistant\n\n- Once you have attendees and initial date/time, press **Alt + X**. This opens the **Scheduling Assistant** view. You\u2019ll hear \u201cAll attendees status\u201d or similar, listing attendee availability. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n#### 5. Use AutoPick (Optional)\n\n- From the Scheduling Assistant, press **Alt + X**, then **A**, then **P** (Alt + X, A, P) to open the **AutoPick** menu. JAWS will tell you options like \u201cAll people and resources,\u201d \u201cAll people and one resource,\u201d etc. Use Down Arrow to navigate; press Enter to pick. AutoPick will propose the best time and announce times and attendee status. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n#### 6. Choose the Proposed Time or Manual Time\n\n- If AutoPick gives a suitable time, you can accept it. Press **Alt + S** to send the invite or **Alt + H** to go back and edit further.  \n- If you want to review other times instead, use AutoPick again (Alt + X, A, P) or manually move through time slots in the Scheduling Assistant grid using arrow keys. Each grid cell corresponds to a time period. JAWS may announce \u201cbusy\u201d or \u201cfree\u201d as you move. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n#### 7. Set Location (Optional)\n\n- Tab to \u201cLocation\u201d or \u201cLocation button.\u201d If your organization uses room resources, you can press Enter on the \u201cLocation button\u201d to open a room picker. Search for a room, Tab to the result, then Enter to select. If typing manually, Tab to the \u201cLocation, edit\u201d field. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n#### 8. Add Message/Agenda (Optional)\n\n- Tab until you hear \u201cMessage, editing.\u201d This is the body of the meeting invite. Type any details here: agenda, dial-in info, etc. JAWS should say something like \u201cEdit\u201d or \u201cMultiline edit.\u201d ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n#### 9. Send the Meeting Invitation\n\n- Once everything is set, press **Alt + S** to send. JAWS may confirm the send. The invite window will close and focus will return to the Calendar or previous view. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### Additional Tips / Keyboard Shortcuts With JAWS\n\n- **Ctrl + 2** : Switch to the Calendar view. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))  \n- Use **Tab** / **Shift + Tab** to navigate through all fields.  \n- Use arrow keys within Scheduling Assistant to navigate time slots and check availability.  \n- If you attach online meeting links (Teams/Skype), often there\u2019s a toggle or menu under **Alt + H**, then **T**, **M** (for Teams) or **O**, **M** (for Skype). ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me the exact version of Outlook you're using (e.g. \u201cOutlook 2016,\u201d \u201cOutlook 365 desktop,\u201d \u201cOutlook classic on the web\u201d), I can adjust the steps for your setup."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "outlook%20365%20desktop"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a detailed, up-to-date guide to using the **Scheduling Assistant** in **Outlook 365 desktop** with **JAWS**. These steps are based on Microsoft\u2019s official screen reader documentation and recent accessibility resources. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Step-by-Step Guide: Scheduling a Meeting with Scheduling Assistant & JAWS\n\nThese instructions assume you have a Microsoft 365 / Exchange account, and that JAWS is running.\n\n---\n\n### 1. Open Calendar View\n\n1. In Outlook, press **Ctrl + 2** to switch to **Calendar**.  \n   JAWS will announce something like \u201cWork week view, x items,\u201d depending on your settings. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 2. Create a New Meeting\n\n1. Once in calendar view, press **Ctrl + Shift + Q** to create a new meeting invitation.  \n   Focus should be in the **Title / Subject** field. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 3. Add Required Attendees\n\n1. Press **Tab** until you hear \u201cRequired, edit box\u201d (or something similar).  \n2. Type the name(s) or email address(es) of those you want to invite. Outlook usually provides suggestions; you can navigate suggestions with **Down Arrow**, then press **Enter** to select.  \n3. To resolve / confirm names, use **Ctrl + K**. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 4. Set Start and End Date/Time\n\n1. Tab to \u201cStart date\u201d field and type or use arrow keys to set the date.  \n2. Tab to \u201cStart time\u201d field and set via typing or Up/Down arrow keys.  \n3. Then set the \u201cEnd date\u201d and \u201cEnd time\u201d similarly. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 5. Open Scheduling Assistant\n\n1. After adding attendees and times (even tentative), press **Alt + X**.  \n   JAWS will announce something like \u201cAll attendees status,\u201d \u201cScheduling Assistant,\u201d or similar. This opens the grid view of free/busy. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 6. Use AutoPick to Suggest a Time (If Available)\n\n1. With Scheduling Assistant open, press **Alt + X, A, P** in sequence to open **AutoPick**.  \n2. Use **Down Arrow** to navigate the AutoPick options (e.g. \u201cAll people and resources,\u201d \u201cAll people and one resource,\u201d etc.).  \n3. Press **Enter** to accept an AutoPick option.  \n   JAWS will then announce the suggested date & time, and each attendee\u2019s availability. If you want, use Arrow keys to move through the attendee list. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 7. Choose a Time (Accept or Adjust)\n\n- If the suggested time works:\n  - Press **Alt + S** to send immediately.  \n  - Or press **Alt + H** to return to the meeting form for last edits. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n- If you want to find a different time:\n  - Use AutoPick again (Alt + X, A, P).  \n  - Or move around manually in the Scheduling Assistant grid: arrow keys to explore times, listening for \u201cBusy,\u201d \u201cFree,\u201d \u201cTentative,\u201d etc. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 8. Set Location (Optional)\n\n1. Tab until you hear \u201cLocation button,\u201d press **Enter** to open the room picker. Search, select a room, press **Enter**.  \n2. Alternatively, Tab until \u201cLocation, edit\u201d and type in a location manually. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 9. Add Body / Agenda\n\n1. Tab until JAWS says \u201cMessage, editing\u201d or \u201cEdit, multiline.\u201d  \n2. Type any additional details: agenda, dial-in info, notes. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 10. Make Recurring (Optional)\n\n1. Press **Alt + H, E** to open the Recurrence dialog.  \n2. Select pattern (daily, weekly, etc.) using keyboard: Alt + D (Daily), Alt + W (Weekly), etc. Use Tab / Shift-Tab and type numbers as needed. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 11. Make Meeting Online (Optional)\n\nIf your organization has Teams or Skype enabled:\n\n- Press **Alt + H, T, M** to add a **Teams meeting** link.  \n- Or **Alt + H, O, M** to use Skype. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 12. Send the Invite\n\n- When everything is ready, press **Alt + S** to send. Outlook will close the invite window and focus will go back to Calendar or previous view. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Tips & Common Issues\n\n- **Ensuring Scheduling Assistant is Visible on Ribbon**  \n  If you don\u2019t see the \u201cScheduling Assistant\u201d button in the ribbon when creating a meeting: Right-click the ribbon \u2192 \u201cCustomize the Ribbon\u201d \u2192 Ensure \u201cScheduling Assistant\u201d is checked under the Meeting tab / Appointment tab. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/602626/outlook-365-outlook-planning-assistent?utm_source=openai))\n\n- **Free/Busy Visibility**  \n  Attendee availability only works properly for others in your organization (Microsoft 365 / Exchange). For external people, you might only see \u201cBusy / Free\u201d without details.\n\n- **JAWS Verbosity & Modes**  \n  If you don\u2019t hear enough detail, adjusting verbosity or reading settings in JAWS may help with hearing things like \u201cFree,\u201d \u201cBusy,\u201d cell times, etc.\n\n- **Updates**  \n  Microsoft rolls out accessibility features gradually, so if your version doesn\u2019t yet support some features (e.g., AutoPick or detailed free/busy view), updating via Office-365 Current Channel may help. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-a-screen-reader-to-schedule-appointments-or-meetings-in-outlook-4003c262-540b-4461-96df-55939c270ba0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can send you a cheat-sheet of just the keyboard shortcuts for using Scheduling Assistant with JAWS, or adapt this for the latest version you have (if your Outlook shows slightly different wording)."
    }
]