True 32-bit Application

JAWS Standard (Jaws) takes full advantage of all the power and sophistication available in Windows NT and 95/98, including the multi-processing and multi-threading capabilities evident in all true 32-bit applications. This means faster response, even with software voice synthesizers such as Keynote GOLD Multimedia. Jaws also supports Microsoft Speech API so you can use JAWS with software synthesizers like DECtalk Access32 and FlexTalk.

Supports Microsoft's Active Accessibility

Jaws supports Active Accessibility in Windows 95/98. If you need to use the latest applications that have built-in Active Accessibility like the Office 97 Suite or Internet Explorer, Jaws is already enabled for them.

Works in an MS-DOS Window

All the power of Jaws is available in an MS-DOS window. No longer is there a need to switch to an MS-DOS screen reader to run MS-DOS applications.

JAWS Help System

The process of learning new computer systems and applications that run on those operating systems just got a lot easier with JAWS for Windows. Most new users of JAWS find it intuitive and easy to master. However, JAWS also furnishes a fully developed help facility that is always available with the touch of your keyboard. You can access JAWS help through the JAWS Help menu or directly from your keyboard.

Press INSERT+H to get instant help for the JAWS hot keys or Windows short cut keys available in the current dialog window.

Press INSERT+F1 to hear a description of the current focus item. You hear the identity of the active window, instructions on using the available options, and help on maneuvering within the window.

Lets you hear what keys you are pressing. Press INSERT+1 to enter Keyboard Help mode. With each keystroke you hear a description of its function with a brief synopsis.

Lets you have instant access to all JAWS for Windows help including the user manuals and other printable documentation provided for your reference purposes.

You can customize any of the JAWS for Windows standard settings for the current application or across all applications. Jaws comes with various utility managers to help you accomplish this.

This manager lets you browse and change JAWS keys for any application or all applications. Each key assignment is accompanied by a description of its function.

This manager lets you give meaningful names to the graphics displayed on your screen and help you to recognize graphics on your screen.

This manager lets you store special pronunciations for the current application or across all applications by changing default pronunciations to words or phrases.

The configuration manager lets JAWS for Windows give you the utmost flexibility to "hear" the screen in a personally tailored manner. You can change the way things are spoken and how much is spoken; change the verbosity, screen echo, graphics verbosity, punctuation, and numbers.

This manager lets you create screen boundaries and then have that area monitored for automatic reading of all, highlighted or no text. You can assign a frame to a key so that you can read the area on demand. This feature is available on an application basis or across all applications.

This manager lets you modify Jaws standard scripts or create your own to accommodate even the most difficult, non-standard Windows applications.

Jaws uses the industry standard SSIL and supports Microsoft's Speech API (SAPI). You can use JAWS with software synthesizers while the Control Panel "knows" the capabilities of each synthesizer and takes advantage of each. Most common speech synthesizers are supported including KeyNote, DECtalk PC, Accent, Apollo, Audapter, DoubleTalk, Infovox, Echo, Sounding Board and others.

Support for Refreshable Braille Displays

The Braille support lets JAWS send output to any of the most popular Braille displays along with the standard speech output. Because Windows 95/98 is such a visual and spatial environment, adding a Braille display greatly enhances the learning process as well as the overall effectiveness of speech-oriented screen readers.

HumanWare's Braille Window  is the only braille display solely dedicated to work with Jaws. Six command keys, configured like six Braille-writing keys, enable you to control many Jaws functions directly from the Braille display, eliminating the need to continuously return to the computer’s keyboard. Easy-to-learn and remember mnemonics are used for programming the Braille keys. For example, brailling the character "B" causes the Braille display to jump to the BOTTOM of the active screen. Brailling a "T" moves the display to the TOP, "D" goes to the DESKTOP, "M" for MENU BAR, "N" to announce/display the NAME of the current window, and so on.

The Braille Window also includes 5 additional status cells to monitor vital information like cursor location. Special touch cursor buttons above the status cells are programmable, increasing the functionality of using Braille to expand the power of Jaws. Numbers, complex screens, computer code and spreadsheets all become more understandable and accessible!

Custom Scripts for More Than 40 Applications

JAWS for Windows has been customized and configured or more than 40 applications.

Cassette Tape Tutorial

Training tapes are provided to help the visually impaired computer user get a basic foundation not only in Jaws but in the Windows environment as well.

Look for the complete JAWS for Windows software package in the form of a "timed evaluation" that can be used for 60 days from the date of installation and may be converted to permanent (licensed) software through a simple telephone procedure.

The package comes complete with EVERYTHING included in a fully functional product; five-cassette training tutorial, easy-to-use manuals and software disks. This will allow you to evaluate the FULL product in the comfort of your own home (or office) with all the tools necessary to make a decision!

We appreciate your interest in JAWS for Windows!