Getting Started with JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion

Overview

Learn how to get started with the JAWS screen reader, ZoomText screen magnifier and reader, and Fusion combination software.

These tools for Microsoft Windows are available to everyone at the University of Oregon, including for personal use.

Software Description

JAWS

JAWS is a popular screen reader for Microsoft Windows. Screen readers provide an audio version of visual content, reading out text, describing images, and allowing the user to interact with a computer without relying on looking at the screen. Screen readers are widely used by people who are blind or who have low vision, as well as some people who have reading, language, or learning disabilities.

JAWS provides speech and Braille output, is more customizable than other screen readers, and may work better with some Windows software than competitors.

ZoomText

ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is a program for Microsoft Windows for people with low vision that provides screen magnification tools and has a built-in screen reader.

Fusion

Fusion combines both JAWS and ZoomText for integrated functionality.

Licensing

• This software can be used by anyone affiliated with UO.
• It can be installed on both UO-owned and personal computers, for both business and personal use. It requires Microsoft Windows.

Installation 

For UO-managed computers

The installers for JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion are available on UO-managed Windows computers through Software Center for Windows.

1. On your UO-managed Windows computer, open the Software Center. (Learn how to open the Software Center for Windows.)
2. Search for the JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion product.
3. Click Install.

For personal or non-UO-managed Windows computers

To install JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion on a personally-owned Windows computer, or a UO-owned computer that's not UO-managed, please visit the Freedom Scientific Portal.

• Enter your UO email address, which will verify our licensing.
• Follow the prompts to select a product and complete the registration process to download the software.

Not sure if your Windows computer is UO-managed?

Contact your local IT support team.

Need Help?

Tech Support

• Freedom Scientific offers free tech support to U.S. customers via the contact methods listed on the Freedom Scientific Technical Support website. The same website includes a searchable knowledge base.
• Members of the UO community can also contact the IT staff who support their unit (for employees) or the Technology Service Desk (for anyone).

Disability Accommodations

• UO students: If you would like to request accommodations or assistance related to a disability, please contact the Accessible Education Center (AEC) at uoaec@uoregon.edu or 541-346-1155. For more information on how to work with the AEC, visit their Getting Started guide.
• UO employees: If you would like to request accommodations or assistance related to a disability, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at WorkplaceADA@uoregon.edu or 541-346-3159. For more information about the employee disability accommodation process, visit HR's Interactive Disability Accommodation Process webpage.