Freedom Scientific Training Podcast

Discover the latest innovations in accessibility technology with Freedom Scientific's webinar on 'New Features of JAWS, Fusion, and ZoomText 2025.' Join Liz and Rachel as they explore groundbreaking updates, including the AI-powered FS Companion, enhanced automatic language detection, and improved navigation for Epub books. Learn about multi-monitor functionality, app responsiveness, and the revolutionary Picture Smart AI Mouse Mode in Fusion, tailored for low-vision users. Whether you're navigating Microsoft Office, tackling visual challenges, or seeking seamless transitions in your workflow, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to elevate your accessibility experience.

In this episode, hosts Liz and Rachel welcome back special guest Dan Clark, a former Freedom Scientific employee and overall JAWS expert who continues to make an impact in the accessibility community through training resources and website auditing. Listeners will benefit from a comprehensive guide to Gmail's label system, learning how to create, organize, and manage labels for better email efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned JAWS user or new to accessibility tools, this episode is full of valuable tips and practical demonstrations.

In this episode of the Training Resources Podcast, host Ron Miller dives into the JAWS Dictionary Manager. Designed for teachers and assistive technology instructors, this session covers practical steps for correcting word pronunciations, handling abbreviations, and even setting audio cues within JAWS. Listeners will learn how to manage pronunciation across multiple applications, create language-specific rules, and share customized dictionary settings with students or colleagues. This hands-on guide is perfect for those looking to enhance accessibility and improve JAWS functionality in the classroom.

In this episode, we introduce you to FS Companion—a game-changing AI assistant designed to help JAWS users ask questions about JAWS-related tasks with ease and efficiency. Join hosts Liz and Rachel as they guide you through FS Companion’s practical applications, from adjusting voice settings and navigating Microsoft Office tools to setting personalized preferences within JAWS. Perfect for accessibility advocates, tech enthusiasts, and anyone looking to streamline their workflow with JAWS, this podcast is your fast track to mastering FS Companion.

In this episode, Liz and Rachel guide you through managing files in Microsoft Teams with JAWS. You'll learn how to access, upload, share, and collaborate on files, including navigating the Files panel, searching for documents, and opening files in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint directly. We also explore sharing PowerPoint presentations in a way that enhances accessibility for assistive technology users, ensuring everyone can fully participate in meetings. Whether you're collaborating in teams, channels, or chats, this episode will help you manage your files efficiently and inclusively.

In this episode, Ron Miller walks us through working with styles in Microsoft Word using JAWS. He coversessential formatting tips, including how to change font types and sizes, apply styles without affecting headings, and make localized changes to selected text. Ron also shares best practices for low-vision users, explains how to create bulleted and numbered lists, and provides keyboard shortcuts for faster formatting. Tune in to learn about setting multi-level lists, headings, and adjusting font colors to enhance your document’s organization and accessibility.

This episode of the Freedom Scientific Training Podcast, hosted by Ron Miller, focuses on using the F6 key to enhance productivity in Microsoft Office applications. Listeners will explore how the F6 key simplifies navigation across Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, offering practical tips for quickly moving between different panes and boosting efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned user or new to these tools, this episode provides actionable insights to improve your workflow in Office 365 applications.

In this episode of 20-Minute Tech Tips, Elizabeth explores how to access untagged PDFs in Adobe Acrobat Reader using JAWS. Learn key steps to configure Acrobat Reader for accessibility, differentiate between tagged and untagged PDFs, and effectively navigate documents with JAWS. Perfect for users looking to enhance their PDF reading experience.

In this episode, Rachel and Elizabeth provide a comprehensive guide on how to use Google Drive with JAWS, focusing on the web version. They cover key topics such as navigating Google Drive using keyboard commands, creating and managing files and folders, uploading and downloading files, and sharing and organizing content. The podcast also includes practical demonstrations of how to access keyboard shortcuts, manage documents, and customize accessibility settings for an optimized experience with JAWS.

In this episode, trainers Ron Miller and Jeff Bazer provide a comprehensive guide on using Picture Smart AI to analyze images in Excel spreadsheets. Whether learning about trends in sales data or exploring pivot charts, this episode equips JAWS users with tips to enhance productivity and extract valuable information from inaccessible visuals within spreadsheets.

This episode covers essential skills for teachers and assistive technology instructors using JAWS and Braille. Host Ron Miller guides listeners through configuring JAWS startup settings, including Braille preferences, status cells, and flash messages. He also explains the importance of Braille literacy and demonstrates Braille Study Mode, a tool that helps users identify Braille symbols and contractions. The episode offers practical tips to enhance Braille teaching, empowering both instructors and students with independence and literacy skills.

In this episode of 20-Minute Tech Tips, you'll learn effective ways to find and use keyboard commands across different applications and operating systems. Whether you're using JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion, or just prefer keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow, this episode covers essential tips to access, search, and master these commands. From navigating the JAWS key options to finding shortcuts in Microsoft Word or Google Workspace, this episode is packed with practical advice to enhance your tech efficiency.

This podcast demonstrates how to create, modify, and use templates in Microsoft Word effectively with JAWS. Ron Miller, from the Vispero training department, explains what a template is and how it can streamline document creation by maintaining consistent formatting and styles. We also discuss the variety of templates available in Word, including those provided by Microsoft, and how to navigate and customize them for specific needs. The episode includes a step-by-step guide on creating a simple template and tips for ensuring accessibility and usability, particularly when dealing with complex elements like tables.

Portable Document Format (PDF) files are commonly used to share documents across platforms. These documents are widely used and often required in school and employment settings. They can include text and visuals such as images, charts, and tables to convey information.

In this webinar recording, we provide an overview of the Acrobat Reader interface, discuss accessible versus inaccessible PDFs, and provide tips on how to create accessible PDFs. We’ll show you how to:

• Install and set up Acrobat Reader
• Set preferences and accessibility settings
• Open PDFs in a web browser or Acrobat Reader
• Navigate and save a PDF
• Use JAWS Convenient OCR to read inaccessible PDFs

This week's podcast provides an in-depth tutorial on using various cursors in JAWS. Liz discusses how JAWS Cursors function in both desktop and laptop keyboard layouts.

Key Points Covered:

1. JAWS Keyboard Layouts: Liz explains how users can switch between desktop and laptop layouts, emphasizing the use of the Caps Lock key as the JAWS key in laptop mode.

2. PC Cursor: The system cursor used in text-based applications like Microsoft Word, allowing users to navigate and edit documents.

3. Virtual PC Cursor: This cursor is used primarily on web pages and HTML documents, simulating the PC cursor to enable navigation and reading. It can be turned off in specific scenarios, like when using Google Docs.

4. JAWS Cursor: This cursor allows users to explore parts of the screen that the PC cursor cannot reach, providing additional information and enabling mouse functionality without moving the system focus.

5. Practical Commands: Liz demonstrates various keystrokes and commands to activate and use these cursors effectively, ensuring users can manage different scenarios where JAWS might not automatically choose the best cursor.

In this episode of "Teaching Resources with Ron Miller," we will explore the following topics:

Making a Teams Call

Starting a Video or Audio Call

Answering a Teams Call

Answering a Teams Call with Video Disabled or enabled

Answering a Teams Call When focus is in another application

Joining a Zoom meeting from an invitation email or calendar appointment

Adjusting Zoom audio settings

Selecting a speaker

Select a microphone

Muting/unmuting microphone in a Zoom meeting

Disabling/enabling meeting alerts in Zoom

Identify who is speaking in Zoom

Raising and lowering hands in Zoom

Leaving a Zoom meeting

Opening, reading, and closing meeting paricipants list

Chat panel

Sending chats

Reading chats

In this episode of "20 Minute Tech Tips," we discuss the enhancements made to the Picture Smart AI feature in the July update of JAWS 2024. Picture Smart AI describes image content using AI technology like, ChatGPT and Claude. One significant addition is the "all-in-one" command, which simplifies obtaining image descriptions by recognizing the context of the file or application in focus. We demonstrate using these commands on different types of images, such as files, PowerPoint slides, and web graphics, highlighting how the tool adapts to various contexts.

Listen in to improve your online shopping experience with the Picture Smart AI feature in JAWS. We’ll provide an overview of the feature, discuss new enhancements, and show you how to navigate popular shopping sites, search for products, and generate image descriptions to gain deeper insights about products. In addition, you’ll learn how to:

• Get image descriptions when searching for products via search engines and on shopping sites
• Filter results according to your specifications
• Gain valuable details about products, such as the color or pattern of a shirt or the layout of the control panel in an electronic device
• Add a product to the shopping cart and check out
• Locate required fields to fill out during the checkout process

Are you looking for ways to navigate and manage Zoom meetings more efficiently with JAWS? Listen in to part two of this session of “Schedule and Manage Zoom Meetings with JAWS.”

We’ll show you how to perform several meeting-related tasks. Learn how to:

• Manage chat
• Share screen content
• Use Picture Smart AI to describe shared content
• Manage participants
• Use Face in View to verify camera setup

Elizabeth Whitaker and Rachel Buchanan

Are you looking for ways to navigate and manage Zoom meetings more efficiently with JAWS? Listen in to part one of this session of “Schedule and Manage Zoom Meetings with JAWS.”

We’ll show you how to perform several meeting-related tasks. Learn how to:

• Schedule and join a meeting
• Access keyboard commands and settings

Elizabeth Whitaker and Rachel Buchanan

In this Tech Tip, we provide a detailed walkthrough of the Microsoft Store. We explain how to use JAWS to access and navigate the store, search for apps, and utilize various features. We also cover the types of content available, including apps, games, and AI tools, and describe different ways to access the store, such as through the desktop shortcut, taskbar, and Windows search. Additionaly, we also discuss navigating with the PC cursor and virtual PC cursor. This episode includes step-by-step instructions on signing in, managing settings, updating apps, and using the search function to find specific apps or categories.

Listen in once again as Ron Miller discusses how JAWS users can utilize the Microsoft Search tool to enhance the Microsoft 365 Experience. Part one is also available if you haven't listened yet!

Listen in as Ron Miller discusses how JAWS users can utilize the Microsoft Search tool to enhance the Microsoft 365 Experience. Discussion topics include search in Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint. Part two is coming soon!

In this episode of "Teaching Resources with Ron Miller," we will explore the following topics:

Navigating the Microsoft Teams Interface

Reading and Composing Chat Messages in Teams

Joining Meetings in Teams

Scheduling Meeting in Teams

In this podcast episode, Ron Miller provides detailed guidance on how to use Microsoft Word's features to organize files efficiently. The discussion begins with creating folders directly within Word, which many users typically do via File Explorer. Ron then explains the process of handling unsaved documents when Word crashes or closes unexpectedly. Get to know Word’s auto-recovery system and how to navigate the recovery dialog to restore unsaved documents.

You are walked through the steps to locate auto-recovered files, emphasizing the need to save these files promptly to avoid data loss. For advanced users, Ron explains how to find the default location of auto-saved files on a Windows 11 system, using keyboard shortcuts to navigate the Word options dialog.

This episode is a practical guide for both novice and experienced Word users, aiming to minimize data loss and improve file management practices within the application.

20 Minute Tech Tips is back with another episode on Picture Smart AI. This time, we're showcasing the new Chat feature, and demonstrating how conversing with Picture Smart AI can help you fine tune your description results!

Freedom Scientific Unveils Revolutionary PictureSmart AI for JAWS – Transforming Accessibility with AI-Powered Image Descriptions Announcing the launch of PictureSmart AI, a groundbreaking feature in the JAWS screen reading software that leverages artificial intelligence to provide detailed descriptions of images. (St. Petersburg, Florida – March 06, 2024)Freedom Scientific, a leading provider of assistive technology for individuals with vision impairments, is proud to announce the launch of PictureSmart AI, a groundbreaking feature in the JAWS screen reading software that leverages artificial intelligence to provide detailed descriptions of images. This innovative update marks a significant leap forward in accessibility technology, offering never before seen support for visually impaired users navigating digital content with screen reading technology. Empowering Users with AI Technology PictureSmart AI, found in JAWS and as part of Fusion, represents a major enhancement over its prior version, utilizing advanced AI algorithms to analyze and articulate what’s in images, including those found on web pages, in emails, or within screenshots. This feature is designed to address the challenges visually impaired users face when encountering graphical content, transforming the way they access and interact with digital information. “This feature is more than just an innovation; it’s a gateway to untapped potential, allowing our users to use JAWS to interact with images and graphics in ways previously unimaginable,” said Ryan Jones, Vice President of Software and a JAWS user himself. “By weaving the latest AI technologies into JAWS, we are not just enhancing user experience; we are redefining what’s possible in accessibility. PictureSmart AI is a significant step forward in our commitment to empowering individuals with vision impairments to navigate the digital world with the same ease and depth as everyone else. We are excited to see how this technology will open new doors for our users, fostering greater independence and enriching their digital interactions.” Breaking Down Barriers With PictureSmart AI, JAWS users can now explore a whole new world of digital content. From detailed descriptions of charts and diagrams to social media posts to insights into screenshots of application windows, PictureSmart AI removes the longstanding barrier between visually impaired users and graphical information, ensuring everyone can fully participate in the digital age. “In our initial testing phase, we’ve observed an incredible range of applications by our users,” remarked Roxana Fischer, Product Manager for Blind and Low Vision Software. “The introduction of PictureSmart AI has empowered them to embark on activities previously out of reach, from exploring family photos to actively participating in screen-shared presentations and even navigating complex diagrams at school. This diversity in usage underscores the transformative potential of PictureSmart AI.” Innovation Inspired by Users The development of PictureSmart AI underscores Freedom Scientific’s commitment to innovation driven by user needs. By harnessing the power of AI, Freedom Scientific aims to enhance screen reading technology further, enabling users to navigate the digital world with greater ease and confidence. Availability and Continuous Improvement PictureSmart AI is available in the March update of JAWS and Fusion version 2024. Visit the JAWS 2024 release notes to learn more and see examples. Freedom Scientific is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring PictureSmart AI evolves to meet the needs of our diverse user base

Are you new to using Microsoft OneNote with JAWS? Need a way to create notes and keep up with important information? Then check out our latest episode. We’ll provide an overview of the OneNote interface, plus show you how to organize, manage, and share notes to improve collaboration and productivity.

In this Training, Ron Miller will discuss:

JAWS Command search

JAWS Find Command

Virtualize The Current Window

JAWS Speech History

JAWS Utility Folder

Listen in to our new series, 20 Minute Tech Tips. Hear Elizabeth Whitaker as she demonstrates a few powerful tips for Searching in Gmail.

For more tips for transitioning from Basic HTML to Standard view in Gmail, check out our previous training: https://www.freedomscientific.com/webinars/transitioning-from-basic-html-view-to-standard-view-in-gmail-with-jaws/

In this Training, Ron Miller will discuss:

Using the JAWS Help System

Screen Sensitive Help

Keyboard Help

App specific Help

Hotkey Help

Windows Key Help

––

The JAWS® Training page is your one-stop source for finding free training materials, in a variety of formats, and on a range of topics.

https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/jaws/

Are you new to Google Docs and JAWS? Want to learn how to write, edit, and navigate documents more efficiently? Then check out our podcast. We’ll provide an overview of the Docs layout, demonstrate powerful features to help you create and manage documents more efficiently, and show you keyboard shortcuts to increase productivity.

https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/freewebinars/

In this short demo, Elizabeth Whitaker demonstrates file navigation and search within the newest version of Microsoft Teams (April 2024).

Ron Miller demonstrates the Speech History Feature in JAWS. JAWS Speech History gives you the ability to review the last 500 announcements that were spoken by the speech synthesizer. If you miss one or more messages spoken by JAWS, you can press INSERT+SPACEBAR, followed by H to open a Results Viewer window containing up to the last 500 announcements spoken by the synthesizer. When the Speech History window opens, you are placed on the line containing the most recent announcement.

Do you use Microsoft Teams at home, work, or school? Need tips for navigating the new Teams with JAWS? Listen in to us and our special guest, Brett Humphrey from Microsoft for, “An Introduction to the New Teams with JAWS.”

We’ll provide an overview of the Teams interface and show you how to:

• Navigate to different views and panes
• Use keyboard commands to perform important tasks
• Navigate teams and channels more efficiently
• Locate recent activities in the activity feed
• Access Help and search for commands

Our training series for teachers and assistive technology instructors serves as a guide to use when teaching JAWS. Through its targeted lessons, quizzes, and a multitude of free resources, you will gain new skills to help you train your students and clients. Listen as Ron Miller gives a tutorial on how to read and edit text in JAWS. (Part 1 also available)

For more Teaching Resources, you can visit https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/teachers/

Listen in to our new series, 20 Minute Tech Tips. We're excited to kick off this new monthly podcast with a dive into Picture Smart AI, an all new feature in JAWS and Fusion as of March 2024.

Freedom Scientific Unveils Revolutionary PictureSmart AI for JAWS – Transforming Accessibility with AI-Powered Image Descriptions Announcing the launch of PictureSmart AI, a groundbreaking feature in the JAWS screen reading software that leverages artificial intelligence to provide detailed descriptions of images. (St. Petersburg, Florida – March 06, 2024)Freedom Scientific, a leading provider of assistive technology for individuals with vision impairments, is proud to announce the launch of PictureSmart AI, a groundbreaking feature in the JAWS screen reading software that leverages artificial intelligence to provide detailed descriptions of images. This innovative update marks a significant leap forward in accessibility technology, offering never before seen support for visually impaired users navigating digital content with screen reading technology. Empowering Users with AI Technology PictureSmart AI, found in JAWS and as part of Fusion, represents a major enhancement over its prior version, utilizing advanced AI algorithms to analyze and articulate what’s in images, including those found on web pages, in emails, or within screenshots. This feature is designed to address the challenges visually impaired users face when encountering graphical content, transforming the way they access and interact with digital information. “This feature is more than just an innovation; it’s a gateway to untapped potential, allowing our users to use JAWS to interact with images and graphics in ways previously unimaginable,” said Ryan Jones, Vice President of Software and a JAWS user himself. “By weaving the latest AI technologies into JAWS, we are not just enhancing user experience; we are redefining what’s possible in accessibility. PictureSmart AI is a significant step forward in our commitment to empowering individuals with vision impairments to navigate the digital world with the same ease and depth as everyone else. We are excited to see how this technology will open new doors for our users, fostering greater independence and enriching their digital interactions.” Breaking Down Barriers With PictureSmart AI, JAWS users can now explore a whole new world of digital content. From detailed descriptions of charts and diagrams to social media posts to insights into screenshots of application windows, PictureSmart AI removes the longstanding barrier between visually impaired users and graphical information, ensuring everyone can fully participate in the digital age. “In our initial testing phase, we’ve observed an incredible range of applications by our users,” remarked Roxana Fischer, Product Manager for Blind and Low Vision Software. “The introduction of PictureSmart AI has empowered them to embark on activities previously out of reach, from exploring family photos to actively participating in screen-shared presentations and even navigating complex diagrams at school. This diversity in usage underscores the transformative potential of PictureSmart AI.” Innovation Inspired by Users The development of PictureSmart AI underscores Freedom Scientific’s commitment to innovation driven by user needs. By harnessing the power of AI, Freedom Scientific aims to enhance screen reading technology further, enabling users to navigate the digital world with greater ease and confidence. Availability and Continuous Improvement PictureSmart AI is available in the March update of JAWS and Fusion version 2024. Visit the JAWS 2024 release notes to learn more and see examples. Freedom Scientific is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring PictureSmart AI evolves to meet the needs of our diverse user base

The new Split Braille feature in JAWS 2024 gives Braille display users powerful new functionality, including the ability to view content from different locations on the same Braille line using one of several types of views. When a Split Braille view is active, your Braille display is split into two halves, or regions. Additionally, two vertical lines are displayed between the two regions to show the separation. The use of the Split Braille feature is not restricted to displays of a certain size. It will work with Braille displays of any length though using it with smaller displays may be less beneficial.

https://support.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew

The new Split Braille feature in JAWS 2024 gives Braille display users powerful new functionality, including the ability to view content from different locations on the same Braille line using one of several types of views. When a Split Braille view is active, your Braille display is split into two halves, or regions. Additionally, two vertical lines are displayed between the two regions to show the separation. The use of the Split Braille feature is not restricted to displays of a certain size. It will work with Braille displays of any length though using it with smaller displays may be less beneficial.

https://support.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew

Our training series for teachers and assistive technology instructors serves as a guide to use when teaching JAWS. Through its targeted lessons, quizzes, and a multitude of free resources, you will gain new skills to help you train your students and clients. Listen as Ron Miller gives a tutorial on how to read and edit text in JAWS. (Part 2 coming soon)

For more Teaching Resources, you can visit https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/teachers/

Are you looking for ways to navigate and customize your Outlook Calendar with JAWS more efficiently? Then listen to part two of our podcast, Ten Tips for Customizing Your Outlook Calendar with JAWS. Check out part one if you haven't!

https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/freewebinars/

Are you looking for ways to navigate and customize your Outlook Calendar with JAWS more efficiently? Then listen to part one of our podcast, Ten Tips for Customizing Your Outlook Calendar with JAWS. Part Two coming soon!

https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/freewebinars/

Learn how to save, customize, and access default settings in ZoomText!

ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users. Magnifier/Reader enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, echoes your typing and essential program activity, and automatically reads documents, web pages, email.

https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/software/zoomtext/

2024 marks the 200th anniversary of braille. To celebrate, we are held a special event to commemorate the major milestones that make up the history of braille. Join us and some very special guests as we discuss how braille is used at home, in school, and in the workplace. We also share stories and ideas that illustrate the crucial role braille continues to play in all facets of our daily lives.

https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/freewebinars/archivedwebinars/

The new Split Braille feature in JAWS 2024 gives Braille display users powerful new functionality, including the ability to view content from different locations on the same Braille line using one of several types of views. When a Split Braille view is active, your Braille display is split into two halves, or regions. Additionally, two vertical lines are displayed between the two regions to show the separation. The use of the Split Braille feature is not restricted to displays of a certain size. It will work with Braille displays of any length though using it with smaller displays may be less beneficial.

We have more Split Braille training headed your way, so stay tuned! https://support.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew

The new Split Braille feature in JAWS 2024 gives Braille display users powerful new functionality, including the ability to view content from different locations on the same Braille line using one of several types of views. When a Split Braille view is active, your Braille display is split into two halves, or regions. Additionally, two vertical lines are displayed between the two regions to show the separation. The use of the Split Braille feature is not restricted to displays of a certain size. It will work with Braille displays of any length though using it with smaller displays may be less beneficial.

We have more Split Braille training headed your way, so stay tuned! https://support.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew

The new Split Braille feature in JAWS 2024 gives Braille display users powerful new functionality, including the ability to view content from different locations on the same Braille line using one of several types of views. When a Split Braille view is active, your Braille display is split into two halves, or regions. Additionally, two vertical lines are displayed between the two regions to show the separation. The use of the Split Braille feature is not restricted to displays of a certain size. It will work with Braille displays of any length though using it with smaller displays may be less beneficial.

We have more Split Braille training headed your way, so stay tuned! https://support.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew

The new Split Braille feature in JAWS 2024 gives Braille display users powerful new functionality, including the ability to view content from different locations on the same Braille line using one of several types of views. When a Split Braille view is active, your Braille display is split into two halves, or regions. Additionally, two vertical lines are displayed between the two regions to show the separation. The use of the Split Braille feature is not restricted to displays of a certain size. It will work with Braille displays of any length though using it with smaller displays may be less beneficial.

We have more Split Braille training headed your way, so stay tuned! https://support.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew

The new Split Braille feature in JAWS 2024 gives Braille display users powerful new functionality, including the ability to view content from different locations on the same Braille line using one of several types of views. When a Split Braille view is active, your Braille display is split into two halves, or regions. Additionally, two vertical lines are displayed between the two regions to show the separation. The use of the Split Braille feature is not restricted to displays of a certain size. It will work with Braille displays of any length though using it with smaller displays may be less beneficial.

We have more Split Braille training headed your way, so stay tuned! https://support.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew

The new Split Braille feature in JAWS 2024 gives Braille display users powerful new functionality, including the ability to view content from different locations on the same Braille line using one of several types of views. When a Split Braille view is active, your Braille display is split into two halves, or regions. Additionally, two vertical lines are displayed between the two regions to show the separation. The use of the Split Braille feature is not restricted to displays of a certain size. It will work with Braille displays of any length though using it with smaller displays may be less beneficial.

We have more Split Braille training headed your way, so stay tuned! https://support.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew

Celebrate National Braille Literacy Month with us as we take a deep dive into the Split Braille feature in JAWS 2024. We take an extensive look at the new functionality it provides and discuss ways it can help boost productivity. Learn about practical scenarios for using it in views such as:

• Buffered Text
• Annotations
• Attribute Indicators
• Speech History
• Translation Split
• JAWS Cursor
• Window Text
• Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams application-specific views

The new Split Braille feature in JAWS 2024 gives Braille display users powerful new functionality, including the ability to view content from different locations on the same Braille line using one of several types of views. When a Split Braille view is active, your Braille display is split into two halves, or regions. Additionally, two vertical lines are displayed between the two regions to show the separation. The use of the Split Braille feature is not restricted to displays of a certain size. It will work with Braille displays of any length though using it with smaller displays may be less beneficial.

We have more Split Braille training headed your way, so stay tuned! https://support.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew

Our training series for teachers and assistive technology instructors serves as a guide to use when teaching JAWS. Through its targeted lessons, quizzes, and a multitude of free resources, you will gain new skills to help you train your students and clients. Listen as Ron Miller speaks on FS Reader and JAWS Basic training in this part two.

For more Teaching Resources, you can visit https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/teachers/

Changes are coming in 2024 to Google Gmail. Learn about them now by streaming Part 2 of this pre-recorded training, “Ten Tips for Transitioning from Basic HTML View to Standard View in Gmail with JAWS, Part 2.”

In part 2, we’ll dive deeper into the Gmail interface, and show you how to:

• Navigate and read messages
• Compose, reply to, and forward messages
• Navigate and create labels
• Move and delete messages
• Search for messages
• Attach files
• Download and open attachments
• Empty the trash
• Turn Conversation View on/off
• Show/hide the Side Panel

Changes are coming in 2024 to Google Gmail. Learn about them now by streaming or downloading this pre-recorded training, “Ten Tips for Transitioning from Basic HTML View to Standard View in Gmail with JAWS, Part 1.”

In this session, you’ll learn about:

• When Google is discontinuing Basic HTML View
• Techniques for navigating Gmail in Standard View with JAWS
• Overview of the Standard View interface
• Benefits of using Standard View
• Overview of Gmail terminology
• When to use the JAWS PC and Virtual PC cursors
• Access Settings and turn on Gmail keyboard commands
• Navigate the interface and use keyboard commands to access Labels, messages, and more
• Access a list of available commands

In this episode of Ask Sharky, we close out Sharkvember by going over the shortcuts that we highlighted during the month of November. Listen in as Elizabeth Whitaker shows these shortcuts in action.

We’ll provide an overview of the software, plus discuss:

• Face in View: This new feature in JAWS and Fusion helps you focus your camera before participating in a video call. JAWS helps you center your face, look directly at the camera, ensure adequate lighting, and include or exclude people or items from the view.
• Split Braille: This JAWS feature enables you to view content from two applications or locations by splitting a line of content on your braille display. For example, you could simultaneously view buffered text and annotations. Two vertical lines separate the content.
• Inverted Mouse Pointer Scheme: This ZoomText and Fusion feature inverts the pointer and background colors, making the pointer easier to locate. When moving the mouse pointer over a black background, for example, the pointer turns white. The contrast helps you locate the pointer while the text remains visible.
• Single Wedge Cursor Enhancement: This new ZoomText and Fusion feature displays a single triangle below the cursor, making the cursor easier to locate.

Ron Miller demonstrates some tips on how to use an exciting new feature in JAWS 2024, Face in View.

Video calls have become a standard form of communication in the workplace, in schools, and in personal relationships. Before joining a video call, you want to make sure your setup is right and the camera is correctly focused on you. The new Face in View feature helps with this by alerting you to key visual details like:

• Is my face centered in the view?
• Am I looking directly at the camera?
• Is the lighting adequate?
• Are there additional items in the picture??

To activate Face in View, press the layered keystroke, INSERT+SPACEBAR, followed by F, and then O. Once enabled, Face in View continually monitors your face position and the lighting level. If anything changes, such as tilting your head left or right, or a decrease in brightness, you are automatically alerted. When focused in the Face in View application window, you can also use TAB or the ARROW keys to review information such as the position of your face in the picture, the current brightness level, and the camera in use.

Note: Face in View is not currently available during an active video call as it needs complete access to the camera.

Our training series for teachers and assistive technology instructors serves as a guide to use when teaching JAWS. Through its targeted lessons, quizzes, and a multitude of free resources, you will gain new skills to help you train your students and clients. Listen as Ron Miller speaks on FS Reader and JAWS Basic training.

For more Teaching Resources, you can visit https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/teachers/

Ron Miller from Freedom Scientific's very own training team demonstrates how to navigate Gmail in Standard View within JAWS. 

For more resources on using Gmail in Standard View with JAWS, you can reference our 2021 training on the same subject https://www.freedomscientific.com/webinars/using-jaws-with-gmail-in-standard-view/

In this new series, listen as Freedom Scientific's Ron Miller presents various JAWS Teaching resources in a convenient audio format. You can find more content related to teaching on Freedom Scientific's Teaching Resources Page. https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/teachers/

Absorbing all the features of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion can be a daunting task. When you add to that the nuances of G Suite, Microsoft Office, and other apps in your toolbox, a few hints would come in handy for both you and your students.

Are you looking for ways to navigate Microsoft Office applications more efficiently? Want to know where to locate commands when you need them? Listen in to our prodcast, “An In-Depth Look at the Microsoft Office Ribbon and JAWS.”

We’ll provide an overview of the ribbons in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, plus show you how to:

• Navigate the ribbon tabs and locate commands
• Customize the ribbon
• Add frequently used commands to the Quick Access Toolbar

Are you new to Google Slides? Want to read, edit, and create presentations more effectively with JAWS?  We’ll provide an overview of navigating Google Slides with JAWS, plus show you how to:

- Turn on accessibility settings and explore the Accessibility menu - Open and navigate a presentation - Create and save a new presentation - Insert and delete slides - Add content to a slide - Edit and format content on a slide - Access Google Slides keyboard commands

In this advanced JAWS lesson, you can refine your online shopping skills.

Also, don't forget about the Next Big Thing contest! Your team could win up to $3,000!

https://www.freedomscientific.com/nextbigthing/

Get ready for a deep dive into the “Next Big Thing” Contest, where you have the power to help shape the future of JAWS and ZoomText! And guess what? There’s a chance to bag a $1000 Amazon gift card. We’ve done our best to make the submission process a breeze. We’re on a search for software feature ideas that give the user experience a boost and we want you with us. Your opportunity to jump in and be part of the excitement is here!  

From September 5 to October 16, 2023. You have the opportunity to contribute your visionary ideas to our software products.

Individuals or teams of up to three people, all aged 18 or above, are welcome to submit their entries. 

Create a three-minute video presentation outlining your software feature idea. Your submission should address the following points:

1. Introduction – Introduce yourself or your team, and let us know who’s behind the brilliance! 
2. Feature Idea – All the details you can think of! Share the details of your software feature idea for JAWS or ZoomText.
3. How It Helps – Break it down! Tell us the magic of how your feature helps users who are blind or have low vision.
4. Impact – Dream us the big picture! Pull out the crystal ball and reveal the potential impact to the community of people who use JAWS and ZoomText.

To enter the contest, complete the submission form below. Provide your details as described above and share a link to your three-minute video presentation. To share the link to your video, first upload it to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or YouTube. 

Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, relevance, and potential impact on accessibility. Finalists will be contacted by October 23, 2023. The top three submissions will receive a five-year software license of Fusion, JAWS, or ZoomText and will have the opportunity to present their ideas at the “Sharkvember, Next Big Thing” event on November 14, 2023.  

Each individual participating in the winning submission will be awarded a grand prize of a $1,000 Amazon gift card. 

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to help shape the “Next Big Thing” in JAWS and ZoomText. Your innovative ideas can play a pivotal role in enhancing accessibility for everyone. Dive into the contest, share your vision, and be part of the future of accessibility with us. 

Join Ron Miller in this pre-recorded Clubhouse session where he demonstrates different ways to utilize text and number processing in JAWS.

We’ll show you how to interact with ChatGPT on the web using JAWS

Are you looking for ways to navigate and manage Google Calendar with JAWS? If so, this podcast is for you. We’ll provide an overview of navigating Google Calendar with JAWS, plus show you how to:

• Create events, tasks, and appointments
• Access and change Settings
• Access a list of Google Calendar keyboard commands
• Change to a different view
• Go to a specific date
• Share your calendar
• Use add-ons

Listen to a couple of key improvements in ZoomText and Fusion that Freedom Scientific has made so far this year! 

True Center Tracking, Freeze View, and more enhancements to ZoomText are availalbe here: https://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/ZoomText/ZoomTextWhatsNew

Are you new to Windows 11? Looking for ways to manage applications and files more efficiently? In this session, we provide an overview of the Windows 11 interface, and show you how to:

• Access settings
• Create and manage folders
• Navigate File Explorer
• Navigate the Control Panel
• Add/remove applications
• Set default applications

https://www.freedomscientific.com/webinars/navigate-and-manage-windows-11-with-jaws/

Listen to this live recorded session of Ask Sharky, as we dive into updates to JAWS, Fusion, and ZoomText in 2023.

Browse our training content! https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/freewebinars/

In this pre-recorded Clubhouse session, listen as Liz demonstrates the formatting capabilities of Google Docs and how to utilize JAWS with them.

Click here to see our upcoming training schedule https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/trainingschedule/

You can tune into Ask Sharky two times a month, every second and fourth Tuesday!

Join Elizabeth Whitaker as we explore Adobe Reader with JAWS. This is a pre-recorded Clubhouse event. 

Find more great training content at https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/

Here are our upcoming webinars https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/freewebinars/

Excel is included in the Microsoft Office suite of applications and is widely used to organize, calculate, and analyze data in a spreadsheet. You can navigate data using a combination of JAWS, Windows, and Excel-specific keyboard shortcuts.

In this session, we show you ways to efficiently navigate and manage data in Excel more with JAWS. We’ll also provide an overview of Excel and show you how to perform various tasks using the keyboard. Tips include:

• Searching for Ribbon commands
• Accessing a list of available Excel and JAWS-specific keystrokes
• Editing cells
• Entering formulas
• Inserting Functions
• Formatting cells
• Monitoring cells
• Entering the date and time into a cell
• Selecting data
• Managing worksheets

In this live pre-recorded session, Elizabeth demonstrates how to utilize the email signature function in Microsoft Outlook with JAWS.

More Outlook Training Content Here: https://www.freedomscientific.com/webinars/microsoft-outlook-with-jaws/

Are you looking for tools to manage your web browsing experience in Chrome more efficiently? Want to learn about features that will improve organization and productivity? Listen in to “Tips for Improving Your Browsing Experience with Chrome and JAWS.”

We’ll discuss how to access Chrome settings and tools, plus show you how to:

• Access Chrome settings
• Organize and navigate tabs within a single window
• Access the Chrome Task Manager to view or end active processes
• Manage profiles and passwords
• Add Extensions to customize your browsing experience

Are you looking for ways to manage your Outlook inbox more efficiently with JAWS? Want to learn about features that improve organization and productivity?

In this session, we’ll show you how to create and manage folders, plus demonstrate how to:

• Organize messages using Categories
• Flag a message for follow up
• Simultaneously apply multiple actions to messages using Quick Steps
• Manage messages using Quick Actions
• Create Rules to specify message actions
• Reduce the number of messages in mail folders with the Conversation Clean Up feature

In this pre-recorded Clubhouse event, join Elizabeth and Cathy as they discuss a few tips that they personally employ to use JAWS to its full potential.

In this pre-recorded Clubhouse event, listen in as Rachel and Elizabeth give an overview of Smart Glance and how you can use it to shop online with JAWS.

In this pre-recorded Clubhouse event, Rachel and Elizabeth teach you how to best utilize Auto-Complete in Outlook with JAWS. 

For more training resources, visit https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/ 

In this pre-recorded Clubhouse session, listen as Cathly, Rachel, and Elizabeth discuss the power of Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge.

Visit https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/ for more resources for JAWS, Fusion, ZoomText, and more!

In this session, we provide an overview of the Teams interface, and show you how to manage chats, meetings, and files more efficiently. Tips include:

• Navigate to different areas in Teams using keyboard commands
• Read and manage chat messages
• Change your status
• Copy an entire chat
• Access files
• Attach a file to a message
• Download an attachment from a message
• Schedule a meeting
• Navigate the calendar and join meetings
• Access a list of keyboard commands in Teams