JAWS Screen Reader

Job Access With Speech - Professional Screen Reader for Windows

$1,095

Full License

Windows

Platform

Industry

Standard

What is JAWS?

JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is the most widely used screen reader for Windows, developed by Freedom Scientific. It's the industry standard screen reader for accessibility testing and is used by millions of blind and visually impaired users worldwide to access computers and the web.

JAWS converts on-screen text and interface elements into synthesized speech or Braille output, allowing users with visual impairments to navigate Windows, applications, and websites using keyboard commands. For accessibility professionals, JAWS is essential for testing how websites and applications are experienced by screen reader users.

JAWS is considered the gold standard for accessibility testing because it's the most commonly used screen reader in corporate and government environments. Many accessibility requirements and WCAG success criteria are specifically tested using JAWS to ensure compatibility with the most popular assistive technology.

While JAWS is commercial software ($1,095 for a full license), it offers a 40-minute demo mode that resets when you restart the computer, making it accessible for testing purposes. Many organizations purchase JAWS licenses specifically for their accessibility testing teams.

Key Features

Speech and Braille Output

High-quality text-to-speech with multiple voices
Braille display support for refreshable Braille devices
Customizable speech rate, pitch, and voice selection
Verbosity levels for detailed or concise announcements

Navigation and Browsing

Virtual cursor for reading web content without mouse
Quick navigation keys (headings, links, landmarks, forms)
Table navigation and reading modes
List navigation and form field navigation

Web Browsing

Full support for modern web standards (HTML5, ARIA)
Virtual PC cursor for reading web pages
Smart navigation for complex web applications
Support for all major browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

Customization

Extensive configuration options
Custom scripts for specific applications
User profiles and settings management
Keyboard shortcut customization

Essential JAWS Keyboard Shortcuts for Testing

Master these keyboard shortcuts to efficiently test accessibility with JAWS:

Basic Navigation

Insert + Down Arrow: Read from cursor position
Insert + Up Arrow: Read previous line
Ctrl: Stop speech
Insert + F7: List all links on page
Insert + F6: List all headings

Quick Navigation

H: Next heading
Shift + H: Previous heading
L: Next link
Shift + L: Previous link
F: Next form field
Shift + F: Previous form field
B: Next button
Shift + B: Previous button

Landmarks and Regions

R: Next landmark/region
Shift + R: Previous landmark/region
Insert + Ctrl + R: List all landmarks

Tables

T: Next table
Shift + T: Previous table
Insert + Ctrl + T: List all tables
Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Keys: Navigate table cells

Using JAWS for Accessibility Testing

JAWS is essential for testing WCAG compliance and ensuring websites work for screen reader users. Here's how to use it effectively:

Install and Configure: Install JAWS and configure speech settings to your preference. Use the demo mode (40 minutes) or purchase a license for extended testing.

Navigate with Keyboard: Test all functionality using only keyboard navigation. Ensure all interactive elements are reachable and operable without a mouse.

Check Announcements: Listen to how JAWS announces page elements. Verify headings, links, buttons, form fields, and dynamic content are announced correctly.

Test Forms: Navigate through forms and verify labels, error messages, and instructions are announced. Check that required fields and validation errors are clear.

Verify ARIA: Test ARIA attributes (roles, states, properties) to ensure they're announced correctly. Verify live regions announce dynamic content updates.

Document Issues: Note any problems with navigation, announcements, or functionality. Document specific WCAG violations found during testing.

Pricing and Licensing

JAWS Pricing Options:

Full License (Home/Professional):$1,095
Annual Upgrade Plan:$95/year
Demo Mode:Free (40 min sessions)
Educational Discount:Available (contact vendor)

Testing Tip: The 40-minute demo mode resets when you restart your computer, making it practical for testing sessions. Many accessibility professionals use this for regular testing workflows.

JAWS vs Other Screen Readers

Screen Reader	Cost	Platform	Best For
JAWS	$1,095	Windows	Professional testing, corporate environments
NVDA	Free	Windows	Budget-conscious testing, personal use
VoiceOver	Free	macOS/iOS	Mac/iOS testing, Apple ecosystem
Narrator	Free	Windows	Basic testing, Windows built-in

JAWS remains the industry standard for professional accessibility testing, though NVDA is increasingly popular due to being free and regularly updated.

Best Practices for JAWS Testing

Test with Latest Version: Keep JAWS updated to test with the most current version used by real users
Use Virtual Cursor: Test web content using JAWS Virtual PC Cursor mode, which simulates how users actually browse
Test Multiple Browsers: Test in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox as JAWS behavior can vary by browser
Check Verbosity Settings: Test with different verbosity levels to ensure content is accessible at all announcement levels
Document Specific Issues: Note exact announcements, navigation problems, and WCAG violations found
Combine with Other Tools: Use JAWS alongside automated tools (axe, WAVE) for comprehensive testing

Find Jobs Requiring JAWS Testing

Looking for accessibility jobs that require JAWS? Browse our latest opportunities.

Last Updated: January 2025