JAWS
Job Access With Speech.
Overview
JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a computer screen reader program for Microsoft Windows that allows blind and visually impaired users to read the screen either with a text-to-speech output or by a refreshable Braille display. While it is an assistive technology for end-users, it is an essential tool for developers and QA testers to perform manual accessibility testing and understand how their websites and applications are experienced by screen reader users.
✨ Key Features
- Text-to-speech output of screen content
- Refreshable Braille display support
- Extensive keyboard shortcuts for navigation
- Customizable settings for voice, speed, and verbosity
- Scripting language for advanced customization and application support
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Most widely used screen reader in corporate and government environments.
- Powerful scripting capabilities for compatibility with complex applications.
- Long-standing reputation and extensive feature set.
Unique Value: Provides developers and testers with the most authentic way to experience their digital products as a large segment of visually impaired users do, enabling crucial manual testing.
🎯 Use Cases (4)
✅ Best For
- Testing the accessibility of web pages and Windows applications for screen reader users.
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Automated accessibility scanning.
- Identifying visual issues like color contrast.
🏆 Alternatives
While free alternatives like NVDA exist, JAWS is often the required standard for testing in many enterprise and government contexts due to its market share and powerful features.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
- ✓ Phone Support
💰 Pricing
✓ 14-day free trial
Free tier: A free 40-minute mode is available for testing, which requires a restart after each session.
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