JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion are Now Available
The Office for Digital Accessibility is thrilled to announce a new resource available to all UMN-affiliated faculty, instructors, students, and staff. The University now has a University-wide license for any employee to download JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion on a computer with a Windows operating system.
To download these tools on University-owned computers, please follow Software Center: Manage Software on Your University Windows Device.
JAWS is a screen reader and ZoomText is a screen magnification software. Fusion is the integrated combination of JAWS and ZoomText. For similar accessibility functionality on Mac computers, VoiceOver screen reader/text-to-speech and ZoomText are features built into the operating system.
Access
Student access
Students can download JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion software from the Freedom Scientific download Center and install the software on their personal computers, they can use the Freedom Scientific sponsorship portal to create an account. They can use their University provided email account to register (e.g. @umn.edu, @r.umn.edu, @crk.umn.edu, @morris.umn.edu,or @d.umn.edu).
Faculty and staff access
Faculty and staff can download the software from the Freedom Scientific download Center and activate the license on their personal devices using the Portal as well using their UMN-affiliated email.
Screen reader testing session
We invite you to attend the Accessibility Ambassadors Screen Reader Testing session scheduled on Thursday, March 27 at noon to learn more about JAWS and similar tools. Registration is required for this event.
About the tools
JAWS: Screen Reader
JAWS, the world's most popular screen reader, is developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS enables users to use a computer by providing speech and Braille output for computer applications on your PC and enables individuals to use a computer independently.
ZoomText: Magnifier/Reader
ZoomText: Magnifier/Reader is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users. Magnifier/Reader enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, echoes your typing and essential program activity, and automatically reads documents, web pages, and email.
Fusion: Powered by JAWS and ZoomText
Fusion is the ultimate accessibility tool for individuals with any level of vision loss. Fusion provides the best of both worlds–ZoomText, with its screen magnification and visual enhancements for screen viewing ease, coupled with the power and speed of JAWS for screen reading functionality.