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JAWS & other Screen Readers

is a software package used extensively by blind and low-vision users. It鈥檚 a screen reading program that can read aloud anything on your computer screen including your web browser.

Thanks to JAWS (and other screen readers), individuals with visual impairments can use a computer: write documents, explore the Web, etc.

Accessibility programs such as JAWS, and other assistive technologies, highlight the positive impact of technology, as they allow individuals with disabilities equal access to society. In this case, assistive technologies allowed a blind student to complete his Ph.D. at McGill.

As a WMS Instructor,
I learned a few things from supporting this student with their accessibility needs. When observing a person using a screen reader for the first time, you quickly realize that the mouse we use to navigate our computers is quite useless in this context, as there is no way for a blind user to know where the cursor is on the screen. Navigation is therefore performed using the keyboard鈥檚 arrows and various function keys. Text is read out to users on-the-fly and users thus know where the cursor is located on the screen.

Structuring Headings

When designing accessible webpages, it is important to make use of headings (heading 2, heading 3, etc.) instead of simply formatting your text to look like a heading. Doing so will help a screen reader user more easily make sense of your page. One of the most common functions in the JAWS screen reading program is a feature that quickly reads out page headings听allowing a quick听jump to the appropriate section.

ALT text & Images

One source of frustration for screen reader users is the omission听of alternative text for images and other visual content.

is an option in HTML when using images, that allows creators to include descriptive text. This text is read out by screen reading software to users, so they have an understanding of what the image is about. If you do not include alt text, these users miss out on the information in the visual content.

Creating Accessible PDFs

Another source of frustration in this context is encountering PDFs that are published 鈥渁s an image鈥�. When you open a PDF and it is impossible to select any of the text within it, you鈥檙e most likely dealing with an inaccessible PDF.

When screen reader听users encounter such a document, they have to do additional work using a companion application to make the PDF readable by the software. This is time consuming and it does not always work. Thus, the best practice should always be to make sure the PDFs are accessible to begin with.

There are some strategies one can use to create accessible PDFs:

1. Microsoft, for instance, has an ;
2. Adobe Acrobat Professional includes an option to .

Accessibility Services at McGill

Refer to the following听in-depth articles on the topic:

1. Web accessibility made simple
   - Part I听
2. Web accessibility made simple
   - Part II听
3. Web accessibility made simple
   - Part III听
4. Web accessibility made simple
   - Part IV

Additional Resources

If you believe an is present on a given McGill website or application听please report it via the following form:

Accessibility videos

McGill YouTube alternatives for Closed Captioning:

• The McGill Office 365 Stream video sharing platform听can generate听closed captions of recordings.
• The includes a closed captioning option.
• Academic lectures uploaded via the include closed captioning.
• Closed captions can also be generated manually using .

Linkedin Learning courses

The following to all regular Academic,听Administrative听Support and Trades Staff.