JAWS - A windows control fails to speak in a third-party application

JAWS - A windows control fails to speak in a third-party application

Problem

When using third party app one or more controls in the software do not read properly with JAWS screen reader. 


Applies to

  1. JAWS
  2. Fusion

Detail

When using the Windows operating system or Microsoft applications in the vast majority of cases JAWS will be able to read the control in focus either because it is a standard Microsoft Windows control or special support has been developed to deal with that class of control.  In third-party apps standard windows controls may not be used and may give rise to failure to read them because JAWS does not know how to access their information.

Resolution

Please review the information below to attempt to troubleshoot non-reading windows controls.


Method 1 - Using prompt creator

The JAWS prompt create feature can be a help in some situations allowing an end user to provide a custom prompt for a control that does not speak well.  Beware however, this may not work in all situations.  Some information about the control must be programmatically unique for JAWS to distinguish it uniquely from others nearby.  

  1. Open your app and navigate to the control whose prompt does not speak, then press JAWSKey+F2.
  2. Down arrow to "prompt create" and press ENTER.
  3. You will then be able to provide the label to speak when you get to that control and press ENTER.
  4. After that you will be prompted for what you wish to see in Braille on a Braille display when you reach the control, do the same as above and press ENTER.
  5. Finally you will be asked to provide a tutor message, this is optional but you can put something in there as a helpful reminder and press ENTER.


Method 2 - Seek external solutions

Where prompt create fails try the approaches below:
  1. Contact the app developer for an update to their app which may fix the issue.  If the problem area is a particular website the developer may be able to fix things their end.
  2. Where organisations use a custom app lodge a ticket with the company who develops or maintains the app.  .
  3. Where prompt create or the developer is unable to help there is some scope to configure JAWS to work with the custom app.  A scripting service exists for these types of situations.  Please contact Sight & Sound Technical Support to discuss whether JAWS scripting may help, email support@sightandsound.co.uk or call 01604 798 000 for our support line.

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