Navigating both an inaccessible and accessible Microsoft Word document using JAWS:

Have you ever wondered how a person who is blind/low vision navigates a computer screen? While there are many assistive technologies available, this video highlights JAWS, a screen reader that enables users to access digital content through text-to-speech.

In this demonstration, you’ll explore the difference between an inaccessible and accessible Word document. Watch as a student encounters challenges when content is not properly labeled, and see how these barriers affect her ability to understand the material. Using only keyboard commands, she navigates through the document’s elements, offering valuable insight into the importance of designing with accessibility in mind.

 

Navigating an accessible webpage using JAWS:

In this demonstration, a student navigates the SUNY Buffalo State University- Student Accessibility Services webpage. Notice how she moves through the content with ease, clearly understanding the information presented. Because the page is thoughtfully structured with accessibility in mind, each element is properly organized and labeled, creating a seamless and inclusive user experience.