JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a screen reader for Windows computers, developed by Freedom Scientific, a Vispero brand. This page provides a general, product-specific overview of JAWS for educational purposes. It is not a clinical recommendation, and it does not suggest that JAWS is appropriate for every person who is blind or has low vision. Selection of a screen reader for a specific individual should be based on an individualized assessment of that person's needs, existing skills, and environment.

What JAWS Is

JAWS stands for Job Access With Speech. It is a screen reader for Windows developed by Freedom Scientific, a Vispero brand. JAWS provides speech output and Braille output for information displayed through supported Windows applications, allowing users to navigate and interact with a computer without relying on the visual display.

Who May Benefit

JAWS may be used by people who are blind, have low vision, or otherwise have vision loss that makes visual computer access difficult. As with any assistive technology, whether JAWS is a good fit for a particular individual depends on that person's needs, technology environment, and preferences, and should be determined through an individualized evaluation rather than a general recommendation.

Windows Compatibility

JAWS is designed for Windows. Current versions of JAWS support Windows 11 and Windows 10, along with several Windows Server editions; older Windows versions may require an earlier JAWS release. Check Freedom Scientific's official documentation for current system requirements before installing.

Cost and Licensing

JAWS is commercial software. Freedom Scientific provides current license, trial, upgrade, and purchasing information on its official website; because pricing and license options can change, this page does not state a specific price. Review Freedom Scientific's official site for current licensing details.

Download and Source Information

JAWS should be downloaded only from Freedom Scientific's official website, linked in the Authoritative Resources section below. Downloading screen reader software from unofficial or third-party sources is not recommended, since it cannot be verified as unmodified or safe.

Basic Setup Considerations

Installing JAWS may involve steps such as activation, choosing a keyboard layout (Desktop or Laptop), adjusting speech settings, configuring a refreshable Braille display when one is used, and setting startup preferences. These options can be adjusted during installation or later in JAWS settings.

Quick Start and Stop

Start: JAWS does not require a single universal start shortcut. A user can assign a keyboard shortcut to the JAWS desktop icon, such as Control+Alt+J, start JAWS through Windows, or configure JAWS to start automatically.

Stop: In the Desktop keyboard layout, press Insert+F4 to shut down JAWS. In the Laptop keyboard layout, press Caps Lock+F4. If JAWS is configured to ask for confirmation before closing, a confirmation dialog may appear before JAWS exits. These JAWS shutdown commands are different from Alt+F4, which normally closes the active Windows application rather than JAWS itself.

Basic Navigation Concepts

Many JAWS commands use the JAWS modifier key together with other keys. In the Desktop keyboard layout, the JAWS modifier is commonly INSERT; in the Laptop keyboard layout, it is commonly CAPS LOCK. Basic navigation concepts include Tab and Shift+Tab to move among interactive controls, arrow-key navigation, heading navigation on webpages, links lists and heading lists, and Say All to have JAWS read continuously, which can be interrupted at any time. JAWS Help and command-search resources can help a new user find specific commands. The exact commands available depend on the JAWS version and the application being used; consult Freedom Scientific's official keystroke documentation for a complete reference.

Common Accessibility Use Cases

JAWS is commonly used for tasks such as reading and navigating webpages, accessing documents, using email, working in Windows applications, and operating a computer primarily by keyboard. JAWS may also be used with a compatible refreshable Braille display by people who read braille.

Limitations and Considerations

Like any screen reader, JAWS's compatibility can vary by application, website, browser, software version, and configuration, and some training and practice may be needed to use it effectively. JAWS is commercial software, and licensing requirements should be reviewed before purchase or deployment. JAWS is one of several screen reader options available for Windows. It is not presented here as clinically prescribed, as appropriate for every person with visual impairment, or as endorsed by any professional certification held by AssistiveTechnology.org or its reviewers, and this page does not represent the position of any school district or employer. Selection of a screen reader for a specific individual should be based on an individualized assessment.

Authoritative Resources

Freedom Scientific: JAWS Documentation

Freedom Scientific: JAWS Downloads

Freedom Scientific: JAWS Hotkeys

Freedom Scientific: JAWS Headquarters