QuickBooks FAQs

QuickBooks 2016, 2017, 2018 for Windows, which includes QuickBooks Pro, QuickBooks Premier, and QuickBooks Enterprise, have been the primary focus to date. Other QuickBooks products will be looked at as we gain momentum.

No. Internal development cycles did not allow enough time to implement the necessary changes in all components of QuickBooks 2018. QuickBooks is over 20-years old and uses several different programming technologies. Accessibility changes are being made where they have the most impact in the product and affect the most common processes used by most users. Future updates and upgrades will include more accessibility changes.

The accessible version of the program provides access to the major work flows for day-to-day operation of QuickBooks. These work flows include creating estimates, purchase orders, sales receipts, inventory tracking, Inventory Management, invoice creation, and more. Users can also enter and pay bills and write checks. Future QuickBooks updates and upgrade releases will expand accessibility in other areas of the program as they become available.

Yes. Many of the changes made to the system make other areas of QuickBooks easier to use, though you may run into controls or screens that don’t work as well as they need to. Less commonly used areas such as Payroll may still have usability issues, but are scheduled as priorities that will be taken up in 2018.

The screen readers currently supporting QuickBooks 2016 include Jaws for Windows Window Eyes, and to a lesser extent, NVDA. Each of these manufacturers has access to the accessible components and development is underway on scripts or apps that work with QuickBooks 2018 in order to improve overall usability. Users of JAWS 15 or higher, currently will experience the greatest level of access for those running QuickBooks 2016 and above.

No. Older versions of QuickBooks will not work with screen readers. We urge consumers to use the most recent version of QuickBooks in order to enjoy the maximum usability and accessibility possible. In some cases, if you install the QuickBooks 2018 scripts for your screen reader while using an older version of QuickBooks, it will be harder to use the Quickbooks than before.

Yes. The scripts will load, but you will find it more difficult to work with older versions of QuickBooks.

Current versions of QuickBooks, scripts for the Jaws screen reader, a User Guide, as well as 60 plus self-paced virtual training lessons in MP4; are available through the MBS store. Purchasing the QBWD program, or the User Guide and Virtual Lessons include the Jaws scripts at no additional charge. Purchases can be made directly from the MBS Store with a credit card or a purchase order.

If QuickBooks for Windows has already been purchased, the Jaws scripts can be acquired by purchasing the User Guide and Virtual Lessons from the MBS store. Windows Eyes 9 users can install the accessibility add on from within WE.

QuickBooks 2018 is updated regularly with service packs. These service packs are label R1, R2, etc. If you buy a retail boxed version; be sure to update the installation to the most current service pack available.

The QuickBooks 2018 user interface is significantly different than versions prior to 2015 QuickBooks. If you have a specific work-around for required tasks you’ve been using in earlier versions, we strongly recommend you use QuickBooks 2018 with the sample data provided and confirm that you will be able to perform your critical tasks prior to completely switching over to the new version of the program. Some user interface changes in QuickBooks 2018 may break work-around techniques you’ve been using with earlier versions.

Once you convert your company file to QuickBooks 2018 and add data you will not be able to revert back to an earlier version. We recommend backing up your data from the earlier version and don’t enter any live data until you are sure you want to make the upgrade. If QuickBooks 2018 does not allow you to perform critical tasks you require, you can always use your older data file and keep using your earlier version of QuickBooks. If you decide to switch back to an earlier version of QuickBooks after you’ve entered live data you will need to re-enter any new data into your older version of QuickBooks.

QuickBooks 2018 has incorporated even more accessibility changes as we continue to build accessibility protocols into our development process. Intuit’s goal is to continue to improve accessibility to the QuickBooks family of products.

You may use Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Initial inquiries can be directed to QBSupport@myblindspot.org and any inquiries that cannot be answered internally at My Blind Spot will be directed to the appropriate individuals at Intuit.

NVDA QuickBooks Accessibility Initiative