General Resources for Windows Based Screen Readers  

The resources below are not specific to any one Windows based screen reader. They contain resources and information that can be used with JAWS, NVDA, Narrator, or other screen reading technology. 

• Screen Reader Savvy YouTube Playlist - 2024 Refresh

This playlist contains eight videos addressing the basics of using a Windows based screen reader. Topics include but are not limited to the differences between NVDA and JAWS screen readers, adjusting screen reader settings, basic Windows commands, word processing, and simple internet navigation. Each video in the playlist has a downloadable copy of the presentaiton handout. 

• Carroll Center for the Blind: Download the Windows Screen Reader Primmer Third Edition 

This digital download contains PDF and Word versions of the primmer as well as a complete 562 page Word document.  One of the included folders includes practice documents.  Note that you MUST complete a form to download the zipped folder.

• Hadley: Using Outlook with a Screen Reader Series

• Hadley: Using Word with a Screen Reader Series

• Hadley: Getting Online with a Screen Reader Series 

• Hadley: Google Docs with a Screen Reader Series

JAWS

Note: These resources assume you are using the most recent version of Windows and JAWS. 

Documentation from Freedom Scientific

• JAWS Product Page

• Freedom Scientific Main Training Site Including Links to Podcasts, Tutorials, etc.

• JAWS Training Containing Downloadable Resource Documentation 

• JAWS Training and Resources for Teachers

• JAWS Teaching/Training Modules 

• Surf’s Up: Surfing the Internet with JAWS Lessons 

• JAWS Keystrokes (.pdf)

• JAWS Keystrokes (.html)

• Braille Display Input Commands (.html)

• JAWS Quick Start Guide (.pdf)

• JAWS Quick Start Guide (.html)

• JAWS Help System (.zip file)

Note: After unzipping and saving the help files, select JFW.CHM to launch the primary help file.

• JAWS Tandem Quick Start Guide

• JAWS Tandem FAQs

• What's New in JAWS - Updates according to the latest JAWS release

Resources from Around the Web

• Dsurf Blog: - Contains short JAWS lessons/tutorials on settings in Windows 11, JAWS Preferences, and other topics.  There is a lot of free content, but also resources available for purchase.

• JAWS Tips for Teachers - This resource points out six great, and often underutilized, strategies when using JAWS.

• JAWS Tip: OCR Directly to a Word document with JAWS and Fusion 2021

• JAWS Tip: Use JAWS Command Search

• Perkins Paths to Technology: Tips on Getting Started with JAWS

YouTube Short Videos and Playlists

• Freedom Scientific YouTube Playlists

• JAWS YouTube Playlist Containing over 100 Different Bite-sized Mini-Lessons

• JAWS YouTube Playlist of Quick Tips (under three minutes each)

Webinars and Podcasts

Note: The resources listed are specific to using and learning JAWS, not using JAWS in conjunction with other software.  Please see resources listed on the Using Mainstream Products with Assistive Technology Page to learn more about using JAWS with other products including Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and more.

• Teaching Web Navigation with Surf’s Up - Main page with access to several instructional videos.

• APH Webinar: JAWS Text Analyzer (Proofreading with JAWS)

• Freedom Scientific Webinars on Demand Page, Containing Many Additional Resources

• Training the Trainer: Where to Start When Teaching JAWS

NVDA 

Note: These resources assume you are using the most recent version of Windows and NVDA

Documentation from NVDA

• NVDA Main Page

• NVDA User Guide

• Resources for Purchase from NVDA

Resources from Around the Web

• GitHub Nvaccess Wikki: Social Media and Listserv Resources (GitHub)

• AFB Tutorials: Learning NVDA (Links to all Lessons are in the Right Sidebar)

• Hadley: NVDA Workshop Series (Includes Links to Four Videos)

• NVDA with Windows 10 Basics (Note that you’ll Need to Scroll Down)

• NVDA Refresher Lesson Plans (Created by WCBVI Short Course Staff)

• NVDA Tutorials (Accessibility Central)

YouTube Short Videos and Playlists

• Tech Vision Tutorials Playlist: Learning NVDA