JAWS Screen Reader

Job Access With Speech (JAWS) is the world's most popular screen reader for Windows, used by millions of blind and visually impaired people. Testing with JAWS is essential for ensuring real-world accessibility.

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Tool Overview

Attribute Details
Developer Freedom Scientific (Vispero)
Tool Type Screen reader (assistive technology)
Platform Windows 10, Windows 11
Pricing $1,000+ (one-time license) / 40-minute demo mode (free)
Market Share Approximately 40-50% of screen reader users
Website freedomscientific.com/jaws
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What is JAWS?

JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a comprehensive screen reader that converts on-screen text and elements into synthesized speech or Braille output. First released in 1989, JAWS has been the industry standard for Windows screen reading for over three decades.

JAWS is widely used in professional environments, educational institutions, and government agencies. Many organizations specifically require JAWS compatibility in their accessibility requirements due to its market dominance and feature set.

For accessibility testing, JAWS represents how a significant portion of blind users will experience your website. Testing with JAWS helps identify issues that automated tools cannot detect, such as confusing navigation patterns, missing context, and poor reading order.

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Key Features & Capabilities

Core Functionality

  • Reads all on-screen text and interface elements aloud
  • Supports Braille display output
  • Multiple voice options and speech rate control
  • Customizable verbosity settings

Web Browsing Features

  • Virtual Cursor: Navigate web content in a linear fashion
  • Quick Navigation Keys: Jump between headings, links, forms, tables, and landmarks
  • Forms Mode: Automatically switches between browse and forms modes
  • Links List: View all links on a page in a dialog
  • Headings List: Navigate document structure quickly
  • ARIA Support: Full support for WAI-ARIA roles and properties

Browser Compatibility

  • Best performance with Chrome and Firefox
  • Good support for Microsoft Edge
  • Optimized for Microsoft Office applications
  • Supports most Windows applications
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Essential Keyboard Commands

Command Action
INSERT + DOWN ARROW Start reading from current position
CTRL Stop speech
H / SHIFT + H Next / Previous heading
1-6 Jump to heading level 1-6
TAB / SHIFT + TAB Next / Previous focusable element
F / SHIFT + F Next / Previous form field
T / SHIFT + T Next / Previous table
R / SHIFT + R Next / Previous landmark region
INSERT + F7 Open Links List
INSERT + F6 Open Headings List
INSERT + F5 Open Form Fields List
ENTER Activate link or button
INSERT + Z Toggle virtual cursor on/off

Note: INSERT refers to the JAWS key, which can be configured to be INSERT, CAPS LOCK, or both.

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Installation & Setup

Getting Started

  1. Download JAWS from the Freedom Scientific website
  2. Run the installer with administrative privileges
  3. Follow the installation wizard (audio prompts provided)
  4. Restart your computer after installation
  5. JAWS will start automatically and begin speaking

Demo Mode

JAWS can be used in demo mode for free with the following limitations:

  • 40-minute sessions (requires restart)
  • Full feature set available during session
  • No time limit on number of sessions
  • Ideal for accessibility testing

Recommended Settings for Testing

  • Set speech rate to a comfortable speed (INSERT + ALT + PAGE UP/DOWN)
  • Enable punctuation reading for detailed testing (INSERT + P cycles through modes)
  • Use headphones to avoid disturbing others
  • Consider using a Braille display for comprehensive testing
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What to Test With JAWS

Test Area What to Check
Page Structure Heading hierarchy, landmark regions, reading order
Images Alt text quality, decorative image handling, complex image descriptions
Links Link text makes sense out of context, destination is clear
Forms Labels read correctly, error messages announced, required fields identified
Tables Header associations, navigation within cells, data table structure
Dynamic Content Live regions announce changes, focus management after updates
Interactive Widgets Custom controls announced correctly, state changes communicated
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Quick Facts

Best For: Testing real-world screen reader experience on Windows

Skill Level: Intermediate (requires learning keyboard commands)

Time to Learn: 2-4 hours for basic testing

Output: Audio feedback (and Braille with display)

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Pricing

Demo Mode (Free)

  • 40-minute sessions
  • Full features available
  • Good for testing

JAWS License

  • Home: ~$1,000
  • Professional: ~$1,400
  • Software Maintenance Agreement (SMA) available
  • Volume licensing for organizations

Alternatives

Consider NVDA as a free alternative for testing.

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Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Industry standard for Windows
  • Excellent ARIA support
  • Comprehensive documentation
  • Strong technical support
  • Used by many real users

Limitations

  • Expensive license cost
  • Windows only
  • Steep learning curve
  • Demo mode has time limit
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Best Practices for Testing with JAWS

Before You Start

  1. Learn the Basics: Spend time learning JAWS commands before testing
  2. Close Your Eyes: Practice navigating without looking at the screen
  3. Use Latest Version: Keep JAWS updated for best browser support
  4. Test with Chrome/Firefox: These browsers have best JAWS compatibility

During Testing

  1. Test Complete Journeys: Navigate through entire user flows
  2. Check Reading Order: Does content make sense linearly?
  3. Verify Announcements: Are states and roles announced correctly?
  4. Test Dynamic Content: Are updates announced to users?

Testing Tip

Record your JAWS testing sessions to share findings with developers. This helps them understand exactly what screen reader users experience.

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