Updated as of September 5, 2024
JAWS® Screen Reading Software
JAWS is screen-reading software that is both rich and robust. Freedom Scientific provides a wealth of resources for JAWS users. From traditional guides and shortcut sheets to YouTube videos and MP3s, Freedom Scientific allows you to pinpoint your training needs and get the information to fill those needs efficiently and for FREE!
JAWS Voice Assistant
In 2021, JAWS added a Voice Assistant, Sharky. By using the wake word “Sharky,” users can make JAWS perform a wide variety of commands. This additional means of operating JAWS opens screen-reading software to individuals who cannot use a QWERTY keyboard effectively (or at all).
For some, Voice Assistant will be a bridge to keyboard use or an additional tool to use in conjunction with keyboard commands. For others, Voice Assistant provides screen-reading accessibility to those who are physically unable to use keyboard commands or who cannot rely on memorizing those commands.
For more information about the JAWS Voice Assistant function, check out the JAWS Voice Assistant Information Bridges Resource Library entry. Please also explore the JAWS Voice Assistant Voice Commands Bridges Resource Library entry for a list of JAWS Voice Assistant commands.
JAWS Touch Gestures
Recently, JAWS has added the ability to perform some commands via the touchscreen of a computer. Note: JAWS Touch Gestures are non-visually accessible. They focus on the action (taps, flicks, rotators, etc.) rather than any specific place on the screen.
At this point, JAWS Touch Gestures are limited to navigation, text reading, and speech settings, but those commands can be a great place to start using JAWS. Check out JAWS Touch Gestures for the current list of touch gestures.
Basic JAWS training materials
- Pick which parts you need on the JAWS Getting Started page, where materials are available for download in DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System), MP3, and HTML formats for you to listen to or read at your convenience.
- Download the complete JAWS Basic Training that contains the entire Basic Training in MP3 and HTML format, as a ZIP file that you can extract to any location on your computer.
- Surf’s Up is a series of self-guided lessons that teach you to read and navigate the web using JAWS.
JAWS training videos
- The Freedom Scientific Training YouTube channel contains dozens of videos (most 2-4 minutes long) to help you learn/remember how to do specific tasks in JAWS. Consider subscribing to this channel so that you will get notice of future uploads.
- JAWS Playlist
More advanced JAWS training materials
- With Additional JAWS Training, discover tips and tricks for JAWS features (like Convenient OCR and Research It) as well as advanced skills, including using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and JAWS in Tandem mode. These lessons are available for download in both DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) and MP3 format.
JAWS reference materials
ZoomText® Screen Magnification Software
ZoomText is powerful screen magnification software with many advanced features that put you, the user, in control of what the computer screen displays and how you navigate it. Additionally, ZoomText has some basic screen reading capabilities.
Basic ZoomText training materials
ZoomText reference materials
Fusion® Screen Reading AND Screen Magnification Software
Fusion combines both JAWS and ZoomText to provide access to both screen reading and screen magnification. Many resources for Fusion are found in the JAWS and ZoomText sections above. Here are some Fusion-specific resources:
Basic Fusion training materials
Fusion reference materials
Contact the Bridges Helpdesk for More Information
- Our Accessible web form
- Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
- Text: Send to: (410) 357-1546
- Voice mail: Call (410) 357-1546, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.