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JAWS (Jaws Access With Speech)

by | Nov 3, 2023 | Screen Readers | 0 comments

Overview

JAWS, or Job Access With Speech, is a screen reader developed by Freedom Scientific. It is the most popular screen reader in the world, and is used by people with blindness or visual impairments to access computers and the internet. JAWS is available for Windows only.

JAWS works by reading aloud the text and other information that is displayed on the computer screen. It can also be used to control the computer with keyboard commands.

Key Features of JAWS:

  • Speech output: JAWS uses a speech synthesizer to read aloud the text and other information on the screen. Users can choose from a variety of voices and accents.
  • Braille output: JAWS also supports braille output, for users who have refreshable braille displays.
  • Keyboard commands: JAWS can be controlled using a variety of keyboard commands. This allows users to navigate the screen, read text, and interact with applications without having to use a mouse.
  • Application support: JAWS supports a wide range of applications, including Microsoft Office, web browsers, and many other popular programs.
  • Customization: JAWS is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the software to their individual needs and preferences.

JAWS is a powerful and versatile screen reader that can be used by people with all levels of experience. It is a valuable tool for people who are blind or visually impaired, and can help them to access information and technology on an equal basis with others.

Benefits of using JAWS:

  • Independence: JAWS allows users to access computers and the internet independently, without having to rely on the assistance of others.
  • Productivity: JAWS can help users to be more productive at work or school, by enabling them to read and write documents, browse the web, and use applications without having to look at the screen.
  • Accessibility: JAWS helps to make computers and the internet more accessible to people with blindness or visual impairments. This can open up new opportunities for employment, education, and leisure.

Basic Navigation:

Basic navigation on a desktop computer using the JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reader involves using various key commands to interact with the operating system, applications, and documents. Here are some fundamental JAWS navigation commands:

Desktop Navigation:

  1. Read Current Item: To read the item currently in focus (e.g., an icon on the desktop), press Insert (or the JAWS key) + Down Arrow.
  2. Navigate Between Items: Use the Up Arrow and Down Arrow keys to navigate between items on the desktop.
  3. Open Item: To open an item (e.g., a file or folder), press Enter.
  4. Activate Context Menu: To open the context menu for an item, press the Applications key (usually located between the Right Ctrl and Right Alt keys) or Shift + F10.
  5. Minimize/Maximize Windows: To minimize or maximize windows, press Windows Logo Key + Down Arrow or Windows Logo Key + Up Arrow, respectively.

File Explorer (Windows Explorer) Navigation:

  1. Open File Explorer: Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate Folders and Files: Use the Up Arrow, Down Arrow, Right Arrow, and Left Arrow keys to navigate through folders and files.
  3. Open Folders: To open a folder, press Enter.
  4. Go Back: To go back to the previous folder, press Backspace.
  5. Select Items: To select items (e.g., files or folders), press the Spacebar.

Web Browsing (Using a Web Browser):

  1. Open a Web Browser: Launch your preferred web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).
  2. Navigate Web Pages: Use standard web navigation commands within the browser:
    • Tab and Shift + Tab to navigate between links, form fields, and other interactive elements.
    • Enter to activate a link or button.
    • Ctrl + L to move the focus to the address bar for typing URLs.
    • Ctrl + T to open a new tab.
    • Ctrl + W to close the current tab.
    • Insert or JAWS key + Down Arrow: Read current line or element.
    • Tab and Shift + Tab: Navigate between focusable elements.
    • JAWS key + Spacebar: Toggle JAWS speech on/off.
    • JAWS key + J: Open the JAWS settings center.

Advanced JAWS Commands:

  1. JAWS Key + V: Open the JAWS Quick Settings dialog, where you can adjust speech and braille settings.
  2. JAWS Key + F2: Open the JAWS Manager, which allows you to configure settings for various applications or websites.
  3. JAWS Key + Z: Access the JAWS Zoom functionality to magnify the screen for low-vision users.
  4. JAWS Key + T: Toggle the JAWS Tandem feature for remote assistance and support.
  5. JAWS Key + F7: Open the JAWS History Viewer to review and navigate through a list of recently spoken items.
  6. JAWS Key + Spacebar, then S: Activate the Speech Viewer, which displays spoken text for easy review.
  7. JAWS Key + F1: Open the JAWS Help menu for access to comprehensive documentation and training resources.
  8. JAWS Key + Spacebar, then O: Activate the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) function, which can be used to read text from images or inaccessible PDFs.

Accessing JAWS Settings:

Press the JAWS key + F2 to open the JAWS Manager.

Navigate through the options to access settings.

Common JAWS Settings:

  • Basic Settings: Adjust voice parameters, verbosity, and speech and sound schemes.
  • Braille Settings: Configure braille display options if you are using one.
  • Web Settings: Customize web browsing behavior, including links and forms.
  • Application Settings: Configure JAWS behavior for specific applications.
  • Voice Settings: Choose and customize voices and synthesizers.
  • Commands: Customize keyboard shortcuts and JAWS-specific commands.
  • Verbosity Settings: Fine-tune what JAWS announces and how it announces it.