Connecting a Focus Braille Display to a computer using JAWS screen reader enhances accessibility for blind and visually impaired users. The process of connecting a Connect Focus 40 Braille display allows users to interact with digital content through tactile feedback, improving independence and productivity. By following a few simple steps, you can seamlessly connect the Braille display via USB or Bluetooth and configure it in JAWS for optimal use. This guide provides an easy-to-follow approach for setting up your Focus Braille Display and ensuring smooth integration with JAWS.

Here are the steps to connect a Focus Braille Display to your computer using JAWS screen reader:

Connect Focus 40 Braille Display or other displays

  1. Power on the Focus Braille Display

Ensure the Focus Braille Display is fully charged and powered on before connecting.

  1. Connect the Display to the Computer

Use either USB or Bluetooth to connect the Focus Braille Display to your computer.

For USB: Plug the USB cable into both the Braille display and the computer.

For Bluetooth: Enable your computer’s Bluetooth and pair the Focus display in the Bluetooth settings.

  1. Enable Braille in JAWS

Open JAWS by pressing Insert + J. Then, press Alt + O to open the Options menu.

Press B to select Braille or use the arrow keys to navigate, then press Enter.

  1. Select the Braille Display

In the Braille settings window, ensure the “Focus” display is selected under the Default Braille Display dropdown.

If it’s not selected, use the arrow keys to choose “Focus” or manually type the model of the Braille display.

  1. Check Braille Display Connection

After selecting the correct display, click OK or press Enter to confirm the connection.

JAWS should now detect the Focus Braille Display. Braille output should appear, and the display keys will control JAWS.

  1. Configure Settings (Optional)

To further customize settings like verbosity and Braille output, go to Braille options via Insert + J, Alt + O, and B.

  1. Test the Connection

Use JAWS commands on your keyboard or the Focus Braille Display keys to navigate.

If the connection works, the Braille display will respond to the text output from the computer.

By following these steps, you should successfully connect your Focus Braille Display to a computer using JAWS.

Braille Display and Other Lessons

Quadratic Formulas with UEB Math or Nemeth and/or display with JAWS audio & MathCat

Complete Advanced Math with LaTex to finish math fast using Mathkicker.AI, JAWS, NVDA and/or display

Transcribe Math into Word documents for blind students using Math editor, Jaws and a Braille Display

Track Changes with Commands-inserting comments and editing work

Essential WORD keyboard commands for setting defaults

Excel line plot graph-copy to Word for Math

Complete an excel graph and copy into Word document with screen reader

Basic WORD JAWS commands with Typing Trick

Rebuild Microsoft Word Template when it is not working well

Other Focus Display lessons

By Dr Denise

I and my team have a passion for teaching blind and low vision children and adults how to become independent in all areas through the use of technology and other blind skills.