JAWS- job Access With Speech vs Aira

is a computer screen reader for Microsoft Windows that enables blind and visually impaired people to read the screen using a refreshable Braille display or text-to-speech output. The Blind and Low Vision Group at Freedom Scientific creates JAWS. A study of screen reader users conducted between May and June 2021 by WebAIM, a provider of web accessibility services, revealed that JAWS was the most widely used screen reader globally, with 53.7% of respondents using it as their primary screen reader and 70.0% using it frequently .[1] Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 as well as every iteration of Windows Server since Windows Server 2008 are supported by JAWS. The software is available in two versions: the Home edition for private use and the Professional edition for usage in business settings. Standard, the previous name for the Home edition, was only compatible with personal Windows operating systems. Prior to JAWS 16, Standard was also available in a free DOS version. The user can utilize programs without the default Windows controls and programs that weren't created with accessibility in mind thanks to the JAWS Scripting Language. With JAWS, you can use keyboard shortcuts and verbal feedback to operate all of the main Windows operating system features. The majority of applications maintain these shortcuts as consistently as they can, however because to the extremely large number of functions required to efficiently operate current computer software, end users must memorize numerous unique keystrokes. The user has virtually complete control over virtually every aspect of JAWS, including all keystrokes and variables like reading speed, the level of granularity needed to read punctuation, and tips. Additionally, JAWS has a scripting language that may be used to automate procedures and change the behavior of the application in more intricate ways .[7] When a browser is active in the forefront, the software activates a special mode made just for web browsers. When navigating a website, JAWS initially announces the page's title and the number of links. The control key can be used to pause speech, the up/down arrow keys are used to traverse through lines, and the tab key is used to switch between links and controls. The next or previous element of a certain type, such as text boxes or check boxes, can be reached by pressing a specific letter on the keyboard[8]. JAWS can similarly access headings in Word and PDF documents .[9] It has been noted that the JAWS feature set and configurability are "complicated," and it is advised that users, such as site designers undertaking accessibility testing, receive training to prevent drawing incorrect conclusions from such testing.

Aira is a service that helps visually impaired individuals to live independently. In doing so, we — through the latest, personalized assistive technology and approaches — serve as visual interpreters and navigators for blind and low-vision people. Here is a detailed description of how the Aira platform works: Smart glass technology: The blind user puts on a Smart glass that has a camera, network connectivity and a rich set of sensors, such as Google Glass and taps on a button. An “Uber” style routing will connect the user to an available trained Agent to help the user with his or her request. Aira Agents are certified and trained: Agents are specially selected and trained through a 4-step process (described below). Agents are either from the user’s friends and family circle, or from our Aira Agent Team. The user will always interact with Agents whom they feel comfortable with and have trained/worked with in the past. Agent selection and training is a four-step process: — -Agents are selected by a pre-screening process that is similar to tests of a 911 operator. — -Every Agent is trained by experienced Aira team members on the use of the Agent Dashboard and go through various emergency protocols. — -The Agent is also introduced to “Aira Phraseology,” which will help him or her deliver timely, clear and concise information while taking into consideration the user’s surroundings. — -In addition, Agents go through a certification process after undergoing a thorough background check and signing confidentiality agreements. The Agent has a sophisticated Agent Dashboard which has the following data feeds: — -The current view from the user’s Google Glass User’s current location. — -Current traffic conditions, points of interest, government warnings, etc. — -Personal data gathered from the users — such as medical history, emergency contacts, things that they enjoy doing, places they like visiting, and names and contact information of family members and personal assistants. — -Facial recognition that will enable the user to identify individuals around him or her. Agent-User interaction: Agents are first paired with users to get acquainted with users’ needs by working with them on simpler tasks under supervision. This provides an opportunity for both the Agent and blind user to get to know each other and develop a compatible relationship. Once the user builds trust and becomes comfortable with the guidance received, the Agent will transition to guiding them independently with their tasks. User safety is paramount: — -Our platform, electronic equipment, system protocols, Agent training and user acclimatization are designed to put user safety as our top priority. All the transactions via Aira platform are secured confidential. — -The system has automatic algorithms to assess potential dangers. For example, the system is constantly monitoring for sound, video input, and sensor feed. As new safety systems and wearable devices become available, Aira’s platform is built to incorporate them and remain at the leading edge of safety. — -Aira has mechanisms to handle contingent situations, such as device or technical failure. Agents will be able to make calls on behalf of the user, request taxi service from reliable service providers to take the blind user home safely, or follow a specific user’s contingency plan. — -Even when network coverage is lost, Aira continues to store the user’s location locally on the wearable device. Once the network connection is regained, their location history is updated on the server, enabling the Agent to pinpoint the user’s current location. — -Aira’s platform is also capable of solving latency issues (slow network) for when there is limited network bandwidth, such as in crowded or remote areas. Environmental adaptation: In order to provide precise and accurate guidance in a noisy area, the majority of communications between the Aira Agent and the user can be done via pre-set tones and clicks. Latency adaptation (aka Slow 4G LTE Network): The Aira team has worked diligently to reduce time effects due to network delays. New algorithms being developed will optimize the quality of video streaming and reduce network delay to 1–2 seconds (depending on network reception in the area). Extensibility: — -Aira will be able to leverage indoor locations, based on systems such as iBeacon and Google Indoor Maps in the future when the technologies mature. — -Aira was built using its API platform, which will be open to external developers, allowing them to expand it to most of the industry’s wearable technologies. This means Aira, as a system, can incorporate information from other wearables, cameras, proximity sensors, infrared canes and other sensors to provide a complete solution for users. — -Aira has access to next generation Artificial Intelligence algorithms and advanced object and pattern recognition technologies. Market research and experiments: — -Aira has conducted experiments at FFB Dining in the Dark 2014, Vision Walk 2014, LA Tech talk, CSUN 2015 and Braille Institute. — -There have been 50+ blind user experiments, 200 blind user in-depth interviews, and 5 sessions for Agents and training. — -There are 100+ beta users signed up for trials in summer 2015. — -There are 8 formal focus groups with Mobility and Orientation specialists, assistive tech experts, and rehab advisors.