JAWS - Explaining the JAWSkey system
Problem
Customers new to JAWS screen reader may be puzzled by the terminology used in the help system about the JAWS key.
Applies to
- JAWS
- Fusion
Resolution
Although primarily aimed at JAWS customers, those using Fusion who particularly keyboard and speech output focused may find this information useful if they expect to transition to using a screen reader.
What is the JAWS Key
Previous to JAWS Windows screen readers tried to use the existing modifier keys (CONTROL+ALT or ALT+SHIFT with various letter keys to expose their functionality to users. This approach was not always very successful because:
- The hotkeys were difficult to remember/press correctly.
- The hotkeys would sometimes clash with those of application software.
To avoid such difficulties the developers of JAWS chose to co-opt an existing little used key as a special screen reader specific modifier key. When this key is key used as a chord with other keys it provides access to many screen reader specific functions. For example pressing JAWSKey+T can be used to read the title of an application window. To accommodate different computer systems without having to change too many hotkeys the JAWS key is present for both laptop and desktop keyboard layouts so although the JAWS key changes the reset of the keystroke does not.
JAWS key locations
Since there can be major differences between a desktop keyboard and the typically smaller area allowed on a laptop the latter do not usually feature a separate number pad. The laptop keyboard layout was devised to accommodate this particular scenario. Although a small number of reading keys are slightly different on a laptop keyboard, most JAWS keyboard commands have equivalent laptop counterparts and many are essentially unchanged except for the physical location of the JAWS as determined by the Desktop or Laptop layout currently in use.
On Desktop keyboards
When set to desktop layout JAWS designates the number pad INSERT key as its special key. Blind customers may locate it on a desktop keyboard by carefully exploring along the bottom row of the keyboard on the right hand side of a desktop keyboard. To locate the number pad itself first find the the inverted T cluster of arrow keys. To the right of that there will be a small gap then are three more keys. The long key on the left of the three keys is the 0 key. When the number lock is turned off this key becomes the INSERT key which JAWS will utilise as it's JAWS key.
For those assisting a JAWS/Fusion user the below illustration will help to locate the INSERT key which doubles as 0 when the number lock is turned on. The number keys also double as arrow keys so that when using INSERT with any of the number pad arrow keys text reading can be carried out using just one hand.
On laptop keyboards
Since laptop keyboards do not always feature a number pad JAWS comes equipped with a laptop mode which utilises the CAPSLOCK key as its special JAWS key. Outside of switching to block capitals this key is little used and even when used as a JAWS key a quick double press is all that is required to toggle CAPSLOCK on or off rather than the single press. For those assisting JAWS users below illustration shows the location of the CAPSLOCK key which becomes the JAWS Key.
See JAWS hotkeys for further information.
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