Accessibility Tip: JAWS Volume Layer
Introduction
JAWS has had Layered Commands available since JAWS 2021 (maybe earlier). The purpose of Layered Commands is to allow the user as much functionality as possible without the need to use multiple fingers simultaneously across the keyboard.
In this tip, we’ll look at the Volume Layer and the new capability of splitting the JAWS speech.
Activating the Layered Commands
To activate the Layered Commands, press Insert + Space. There will be a higher pitched “pop” that lets the user know they are in the Command Layer and that JAWS is waiting for another command.
Some commands only require one keystroke after entered the Command Layer, but others have a secondary layer and another letter must be put in to perform a secondary action.
One example of a Layered Command with no secondary option is toggling JAWS spoken feedback between “Full Speech” and “Speech on Demand” by pressing Insert + Space then S.
An example of a Layered Command with a secondary option is the Volume Layer, which will be outlined below.
Using the Volume Layer
The Volume Layer has Secondary Layers:
Adjust JAWS Volume = J.
Adjust System Volume = S.
Adjust Sound Balance = B.
Cycle through the list of available sound cards = C.
Adjusting JAWS Volume
To adjust JAWS Volume:
Open the Command Layer by pressing Insert + Space
Press V to open the Volume Layer
Press J to adjust JAWS Volume
Use Arrow Keys to adjust volume by two percentage points. Use Page Up and Page Down Keys to adjust volume by ten percentage points.
When finished, press Enter.
Adjusting System Volume
To adjust system volume:
Open the Command Layer by pressing Insert + Space
Press V to open the Volume Layer
Press S to adjust the system volume
Use Arrow Keys to adjust volume by two percentage points. Use Page Up and Page Down Keys to adjust volume by ten percentage points.
When finished, press Enter.
Adjusting JAWS Balance
The user has the ability to adjust JAWS so that the screen reader can be heard in one ear and other system sounds or programs can be heard in the other. To do this:
Open the Command Layer by pressing Insert + Space
Press V to open the Volume Layer
Press B to adjust the balance
Press the Right Arrow Key to send JAWS speech to the right ear and audio from all other applications to the left, or the Left Arrow Key to do the opposite.
To restore the default balance, follow steps one through three above then press Up Arrow.
Select a Sound Card for Speech Output
When a user plugs in a headset or changes devices, JAWS can sometimes be directed to a speaker or headset other than the preferred device. This can happen when joining a Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet.
There is a new feature in JAWS 2022 that enables the user to choose the speech output device for JAWS. This permits the system sounds to go through to one device and the JAWS speech to go through to another.
Open the Command Layer by pressing Insert + Space
Press V to open the Volume Layer
Press C to access the Sound Card Layer
Press the Up and Down Arrow Keys to navigate the list of available sound devices. JAWS will attempt to utilize each sound card as you move focus to it, so there may be up to a ten second pause before the user hears JAWS come through the device. To choose the source in focus, press Enter.