Job Access With Speech (JAWS)

What does JAWS mean?

JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a screen reader developed by Freedom Scientific that enables individuals who are blind or visually impaired to access and interact with digital content on Windows computers. It converts on-screen text into synthesized speech or outputs it to a refreshable Braille display, facilitating navigation through applications, websites, and documents.

How does JAWS work?

JAWS operates by interpreting the information displayed on the screen and conveying it audibly through speech synthesis or tactilely via Braille displays. Users navigate using keyboard commands, allowing them to:

• Read and compose documents and emails
• Browse the internet and interact with web content
• Fill out forms and access various applications
• Utilize features like OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to read inaccessible PDFs or images

JAWS supports various applications, including Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and major web browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

Job Access With Speech (JAWS) plays a critical role in digital accessibility by:

• Empowering independence: Enabling users with visual impairments to independently perform tasks such as reading, writing, and web browsing.
• Enhancing employment opportunities: Providing the tools necessary for individuals to engage in professional environments effectively.
• Promoting inclusive design: Encouraging developers to create accessible digital content compatible with screen readers.
• Access ingenuity

Its widespread adoption makes it a standard tool in educational and professional settings.