# JAWS

> computer screen reader software

**Wikidata**: [Q1676557](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1676557)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JAWS_(screen_reader))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jaws-q1676557

## Summary
JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a proprietary computer screen reader software developed by Freedom Scientific that converts text and images into speech or Braille for visually impaired users. It runs exclusively on Microsoft Windows operating systems and has been continuously developed since its inception, with the latest stable version being 2026.2602.49 released in February 2026.

## Key Facts
- JAWS is a proprietary screen reader software developed by Freedom Scientific
- It runs exclusively on Microsoft Windows operating systems
- The software has multiple stable versions including 16.0.4350 (2015), 2019.1906.10 (2019), 2020.2004.66 (2020), 2022.2110.36 (2021), and 2026.2602.49 (2026)
- JAWS includes its own proprietary scripting language called JAWS Scripting Language
- The software is available in multiple languages including Arabic, Catalan, Czech, German, Greek, English, Spanish, Basque, Persian, and French
- JAWS has 23 Wikipedia sitelinks across different language editions
- The software is copyrighted and distributed under a proprietary license

## FAQs
### Q: What is JAWS used for?
A: JAWS is used as assistive technology that converts text and images on computer screens into speech or Braille output, enabling visually impaired users to access and interact with digital content on Windows computers.

### Q: Who developed JAWS?
A: JAWS was developed by Freedom Scientific, a company that specializes in creating assistive technology solutions for people with vision impairments and learning disabilities.

### Q: What operating systems support JAWS?
A: JAWS operates exclusively on Microsoft Windows operating systems and is not compatible with macOS, Linux, or mobile platforms.

## Why It Matters
JAWS represents one of the most widely adopted and comprehensive screen reader solutions in the assistive technology market, fundamentally transforming how visually impaired individuals access digital information and participate in the modern workplace. Since its development, JAWS has enabled millions of users worldwide to independently use computers for education, employment, and personal tasks that would otherwise be inaccessible. The software's continuous evolution with regular updates and new versions demonstrates its critical role in keeping pace with technological advancements and maintaining compatibility with modern applications and web standards. JAWS has become an essential tool for workplace accommodation, educational access, and digital inclusion, helping to bridge the accessibility gap in an increasingly digital world.

## Notable For
- Industry-leading screen reader with decades of continuous development and refinement
- Proprietary scripting language that allows extensive customization and automation of tasks
- Multi-language support across 10 different languages, making it accessible to global users
- Regular major version releases approximately every 1-2 years, ensuring current technology compatibility
- Integration with Freedom Scientific's broader ecosystem of assistive technology products

## Body
### Technical Architecture
JAWS operates as a comprehensive accessibility layer between the Windows operating system and the user, intercepting and interpreting graphical user interface elements, text content, and application controls. The software employs sophisticated text-to-speech engines and supports multiple Braille display devices simultaneously, allowing users to choose their preferred output method or use both in combination.

### Scripting Capabilities
The JAWS Scripting Language provides users and developers with the ability to create custom scripts that enhance or modify the software's default behavior. These scripts can automate repetitive tasks, improve compatibility with specific applications, or add specialized functionality for particular workflows. The scripting system has contributed to JAWS's longevity by allowing the community to extend its capabilities beyond the core features provided by Freedom Scientific.

### Version History and Development
The software has maintained a consistent release schedule with major versions typically numbered by year and month of release. Each version introduces compatibility updates, new features, and improvements to existing functionality. The version numbering convention (e.g., 2026.2602.49) indicates the year (2026), month (02), and build number (49), providing clear identification of the software's development timeline.

### Market Position
As one of the most established screen readers in the assistive technology market, JAWS has maintained significant market share despite competition from free alternatives like NVDA and built-in solutions like Windows Narrator. Its comprehensive feature set, extensive scripting capabilities, and long-term support have made it particularly popular in professional and educational environments where reliability and customization are paramount.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS)
2. [JAWS Downloads](https://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS)
3. [Source](https://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013