JAWS Training from Freedom Scientific

JAWS® screen reading software for Windows is a powerful accessibility solution that reads information on your screen using synthesized speech. JAWS provides many useful commands that make it easier to use programs, edit documents, and read Web pages. With a refreshable braille display, JAWS can also provide braille output in addition to, or instead of, speech. An array of versatile features and customizable options lets you tailor JAWS for your individual needs and preferences.

Freedom Scientific provides many different forms of JAWS training. Take advantage of our FREE training materials or come to one of our workshops.

Getting Started with JAWS

Since JAWS version 7.0, full copies of JAWS now include the "Getting Started with JAWS" audio cassette. It explains the fundamentals of using JAWS on your computer. You'll also learn how to use FSReader to access the more detailed Basic Training and other DAISY training materials included with JAWS. The new version of "Getting Started with JAWS" that ships with JAWS has been improved and expanded from 76 minutes to more than 110 minutes of instruction. In addition, learn about some of the new features of JAWS like the JAWS Startup Wizard, installation of RealSpeak™ Solo synthesizers, play and pause audio with FSReader in the background, and more! Other newly covered topics include JAWS authorization, installation, activation, and "What's in the Box?" Visit the JAWS MP3 files section on the training downloads page to download your copy of the Getting Started audio modules today!

Basic Training for JAWS in DAISY and MP3 Formats

Our popular Basic Training lessons can now be downloaded from the Web! Beginning with JAWS 6.0, Basic Training is also available on the JAWS program CD. The Basic Training is updated to the latest shipping JAWS version on a regular basis. Check here for the latest version! You can also receive the JAWS Basic Training by requesting the JAWS demo CD from your local dealer or from the Freedom Scientific Sales Department (1-800-444-4443 or 1-727-803-8000).

The DAISY version contains narrated audio and text, as well as practice files. Click this link to go to the JAWS DAISY files section on the training downloads page.

The Basic Training is also available in MP3 files. Download and extract them to the folder of your choice on your computer. The audio files were extracted from our JAWS Basic Training DAISY book for those of you who wish to listen to them in an alternate format. For example, you could put them on a portable MP3 player, or perhaps burn them to a CD for easy listening. Click this link to go to the JAWS MP3 files section on the training downloads page. If you want the whole text and any associated practice files (where available), please choose the JAWS DAISY files link above to go to the correct section of the training downloads page.

Install the JAWS Basic Training from the JAWS Program CD

Beginning with JAWS 7.10, there is a "Training Materials" button in the JAWS install dialog box that gives you a list of DAISY books on the JAWS CD. When you insert your JAWS program CD, press TAB to move to the "Training Materials" button and activate it by pressing SPACEBAR. When you activate this button, you get a group of checkboxes that allow you to select which books to install and an OK button that, when activated, does it all for you automatically.

Keystrokes for JAWS in HTML and PDF Format

Visit the miscellaneous training files section for JAWS on the training downloads page to get a list of JAWS Keystrokes in either HTML or PDF format.

Surf's Up! Surfing the Internet with JAWS

Learn how to surf the Internet using JAWS. Teach yourself how to get the most out of the World Wide Web. Visit the Surf's Up! Surfing the Internet with JAWS & MAGic section of the training downloads page to go to the live site to practice and learn or choose the link to download a copy of Surf's Up to install on your local hard drive. This is great for training situations where Internet access is not available!

Scripting Manual and the Freedom Scientific Developer Network (FSDN)

Selecting the Script Manager The JAWS Help system provides a great place to start learning how to write basic scripts. Freedom Scientific also provides a Basics of Scripting Manual you can download from the link to the training downloads page below. With this guide, you can learn more about writing scripts for Freedom Scientific products. Also be sure to check out our Script Writing workshops offered in Saint Petersburg and also available at your location.

The Basics of Scripting manual has been updated to coincide with the latest versions of JAWS. You will also find a few new sections along with a new chapter on Windows program structure. Learn about the basics of Windows hierarchy as well as how to use the Home Row Utilities in JAWS to explore Windows applications. The new sections include:

Nested If Statements
Compound If Statements
Looping
Windows Hierarchy
Reassigning Window Classes
The Home Row Utility
Customizing an Unknown Application
Debugging Script Files

The Freedom Scientific Software Developer Network (FSDN) contains a list of all the script functions that are built into JAWS screen reading and MAGic® screen magnification software. It also supports the latest PAC Mate features and several popular Pocket PC applications developed by and for Freedom Scientific. You may want to read through the Basics of Scripting Manual before tackling the FSDN.

Download the Basics of Scripting Manual and FSDN on the training downloads page.

Archives of Prior Versions of Training Materials

The training archives contain older material, but you may still find them useful. For the most recent materials, please check the DAISY and MP3 materials on the main training pages. Visit the archives section of the training downloads page for prior versions of our training materials.