JAWS screen reader offers a variety of cursors that allow blind users to navigate and interact with different types of content more effectively. Each cursor has its specific role, enabling users to access information, move between elements, and interact with applications in various ways. Understanding how to use these cursors—such as the PC cursor, JAWS cursor, Virtual PC cursor, and more—can greatly enhance navigation, making it easier to explore screens, web pages, and documents. Mastering these tools provides more independence and control over the user experience, ensuring smoother and more efficient interactions with digital environments.
JAWS screen reader provides several cursors to help blind users navigate and interact with content effectively. Each cursor serves a different purpose, and knowing how to use them can improve navigation. Here’s an overview of how to use the different JAWS cursors:
All Those JAWS Cursors: Enhancing Navigation
1. PC Cursor
- Purpose: This is the default cursor and follows the system focus.
- How to Use: Use the keyboard to navigate the screen as a sighted user would, moving between menus, forms, or buttons. This cursor interacts directly with the application.
2. JAWS Cursor
- Purpose: It simulates mouse movement and allows you to navigate the screen freely without being tied to the system focus.
- How to Use: Use the number pad to move the JAWS cursor. The “5” key on the number pad reads the item under the cursor. Use this cursor to explore screen elements or access parts of the screen that may not be reachable with the PC cursor.
3. Virtual PC Cursor
- Purpose: Primarily used in web browsers and documents to read content as if it were in a virtual document.
- How to Use: Navigate with standard keyboard commands, such as arrow keys, or use quick navigation keys (like “H” for heading or “F” for form fields). The Virtual PC Cursor treats the content as a text-based document, allowing easy access to web and document elements.
4. Invisible Cursor
- Purpose: Works similarly to the JAWS cursor but remains invisible. It’s useful when you don’t want to disturb the system focus.
- How to Use: Move this cursor with the number pad keys without affecting other cursors, such as the PC cursor. This is often helpful for reading content while leaving the active focus elsewhere.
5. Touch Cursor
- Purpose: Designed for touch screens, it allows for navigating and interacting with touch gestures.
- How to Use: Utilize touch gestures on a touch screen to control JAWS. This is ideal for tablets or laptops with touch screens, making the experience more interactive.
6. Routing and Review Cursor
- Purpose: Used for reviewing content on a braille display and routing the cursor to specific points.
- How to Use: On a braille display, you can move the review cursor to read through text or route the PC cursor to a specific point by pressing routing buttons on the display.
By mastering these cursors, a JAWS user can efficiently navigate various environments, whether it’s desktop applications, web pages, or documents, enhancing both productivity and accessibility. Using proper touch-typing methods on keyboard allows great freedom and ease.
Let us know how we can help you: Contact US: TechVisionTraining@yourtechvision.com