JAWS - Add a desktop hotkey to start JAWS

JAWS - Add a desktop hotkey to start JAWS

Problem

A user would like to set up a way to independantly start JAWS from the Windows desktop if it is not currently running. 


Applies to

  • JAWS
  • Fusion


Resolution

You can set up the JAWS desktop icon to have a shortcut key to start the JAWS screen reader.  Doing this allows a blind user to start the application independyly if it is not currently running.  This may be partricularly helpful where a computer is shared with a sighted colleague who may not always restoire JAWS after they have finished with the system.

Using the keyboard

  1. Press Windows+D to focuz on the windows desktop.
  2. Press letter J repeatedly until you arrive at the versino of JAWS to have the hotkey created.
  3. Then press ALt+ENTER to open the properties window.
  4. Then press TAB to reach the shortcut key edit box.
  5. Then enter a singfle letter that is going to be used with the modifiers alt and control, for example the letter J.
  6. Then press TAB key to reach the Apply button and press SPACEBAR on it.
  7. On systems with User Account Control enabled you may have to press TAB to reach the Yes button and press SPACEBAR on it to complete this change.
  8. Then press ENTER to close the dialogue.

Using the mouse

  1. Click to minimize all windows so the desktop is in view.
  2. Right click the JAWS icon for the version intended for the shortcut tobe added.
  3. In the context menu choose Properties.
  4. In the shortcut dialogue click on the Shortcut Key edit box.
  5. Then press a single letter for the alt and control keys to be used with, form example J on the keyboard.
  6. Then click Apply to save the settings.
  7. On systems with User Account Control enabled you may have to click Yes button to complete this change.

Testing

  • To test the hotkey press ALT+CONTROL+J or any other letter that has been assigned to start JAWS or Fusion.
  • If at first it does not appear to work have the user hold down ALT and CONTROL first (eg. on keyboard on the left side) and then press the letter as well with ALT and CONTROL held down and then release all keys afterwards.

Solving problems

Below are some ideas to help solve problems where the hotkey does not appear to start JAWS or Fusion.

  • If the hotkey does not work right click the icon to see if the hotkey has actually been assigned in the properties dialogue.
  • If there are multiple icons for JAWS or Fusion right click those and ensure no hotkey is set elswhere for an earlier version. Either eliminate the other hotkey assignment or delete thos other icons leaving only the version to be started on the desktop.