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JAWS Screen Reader

JAWS (Job Access with Speech) is a software package designed to allow blind or visually impaired computer users to access information, which is stored on a computer or on the Internet.

The package allows you to :

• freely browse the web
• read or write e-mail messages
• re-calculate spreadsheets, access information in a database
• read books and pdf files

You can use JAWS whether you are a beginner or an expert computer user. There are several types of help menus to suit the skill of the user. JAWS will speak the help options for you.

JAWS uses an integrated voice synthesizer and your computer's sound card to output the content of your computer screen to speakers.

JAWS also outputs to refreshable Braille displays. With JAWS it is possible to listen to various languages apart from English i.e. German, Spanish and Italian.

Starting JAWS automatically

Jaws can be loaded so that it will run automatically every time the computer is switched on. This can be done by following these simple steps:

To open JAWS manually -

1- Open the start menu (short cut: CTRL + ESC)

2 - Choose the JAWS item to start the program.

3 - Press INSERT+J to activate JAWS.

4 - Press ALT+O to open the Options menu, then press ENTER to open the Basics dialogue box.

 

 

Demo of Jaws

To hear & view Jaws in action see the below clip -

Important Jaws Keystrokes

You will need to learn the JAWS keystrokes. Some of the important keystrokes are:

• Say character: NUM PAD 5
• Say prior character: LEFT ARROW
• Say word: INSERT+NUM PAD 5
• Say line: INSERT+UP ARROW
• Say prior paragraph CRTL+UP ARROW
• Say next paragraph CTRL+ DOWN ARROW
• Say font: INSERT+F
• Say window title: INSERT+T
• Jaws cursor: NUM PAD MINUS
• Jaws window: INSERT+J

 

Download a demo & online help

Jaws screen reader is available to download for a free 30 day free trial. The link below will begin this download -

Free Jaws 30 day trial

 

Freedom Scientific have produced an extensive knowledge base to support Jaws. If you have a topic that you need help with try the online support at -

http://www.freedomscientific.com/support.asp

Also see thee quick start guide at -

http://www.freedomscientific.com/PDF/visionloss/manuals/Jaws-Quick-Start-Guide.pdf (PDF)

 

If you have any furhter questions plewase contact teh Asssitive Technology officer - Andrew Costello at

01 - 8962903 or by mail at atic@tcd.ie