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JAWS Script Writing

While JAWS performs optimally within many computing environments and applications, special “script files” need to be written to provide enhanced accessibility if the original program has not necessarily been designed with accessibility in mind. For example, when using JAWS within an unknown environment, any one of the following examples may apply:

• Buttons which are available to the Mouse user are unable to be activated with the keyboard

• Warnings or important messages appear on screen which do not speak automatically

• Information is presented in columns on the screen but there is no easy way to browse through the data

• Braille output on a compatible Braille display is not present.

A set of scripts is a bridge between JAWS and the application. The program is not changed in any way but rather the scripts help JAWS to extract the information from the application so as to present the user with a comfortable working environment with both speech and Braille output.

We have years of experience in the area of JAWS script writing for individuals, companies and organisations including Government departments and major call centres. Scripts can be created for an entire application or part of it, and can be written for a group of Employees or on an individual bespoke basis. Our company is frequently asked to create JAWS scripts for very challenging environments including complex databases, terminal emulator-based programs, audio production environments, content management systems, and so on.

The functionality of the script files could:

• Increase productivity by providing single command functions to carry out complicated multi-step processes.

• Significantly increase ease of use by creating key or event-driven commands to bring items of interest into view. Improve functionality by creating unique custom features.

• Enhance access to non-standard applications so as to ensure all Controls speak their type, state, field name and field data.

• Ensure complex data comprising such items as different coloured texts, labels and columns of information are presented within the JAWS Virtual Viewer for closer inspection and line by line analysis. (The Virtual Viewer is a flat linear environment available to present information to a visually impaired user which might otherwise be difficult to interpret).

• Make use of contextual voices, Braille messages and/or sound to emphasise items of importance.

All scripts developed by our company are created in line with published guidelines and are backed up by easy-to-understand help documentation, together with making good use of the JAWS Hotkey Help and Context Sensitive Help facilities.

What is a JAWS Scripting Assessment?

If within the workplace a visually impaired person is unable to access a specific program or environment, his or her employer may wish to request that we carry out a JAWS Scripting Assessment. A Technical Consultant will:

• Visit the company or organisation on site.

• Install JAWS onto a computer meeting the required specification if it has not previously been installed.

• Work through all required aspects of the application using the JAWS speech and/or Braille components to ascertain the current level of functionality provided.

• If the scripts are for an individual, discuss in detail with him or her what functionality they would like to have as the staff member for whom the access is being created must be part of the process.

• Create a full report stating how JAWS performed within the various application components, how the JAWS script files we propose to create could improve upon the current functionality and how many days of consultancy time would be required to undertake the work.

To enquire about JAWS Scripting Assessments, please Contact Us.

JAWS Scripts for Sale

From time to time, and if demand for an application exists, we may create script files for sale at a very low cost. Our iTunes Accessible Interface to ensure JAWS is compatible with Apple’s iTunes product is an excellent example.

If you have a suggestion for a program for which JAWS script files could be created, please Contact Us.

To find out more about JAWS follow this link to our JAWS Page.