Image of a computer displaying various math equations and text
News

JAWS 2021 Math Support Update

JAWS and Fusion now supports reading math content in Word documents!

A new feature in JAWS 2021 is the native ability to read math content in Word documents. Below is what Freedom Scientfic writes:

JAWS and Fusion now supports reading math content in Word documents inserted through the Office ribbon without the need for additional extensions. While you can still use the MathType extension from Design Science to create math content, you now have the option to also use the built-in math creation functionality in Word. Whether math content was inserted in a document using the MathType extension or directly through the Insert tab of the ribbon, when you encounter a math equation or formula, JAWS reads the problem and then says, “Math Content.” You can then press INSERT+SPACEBAR followed by EQUALS to open the JAWS Math Viewer so you can study the equation in greater detail.

Once the Math Viewer is opened, you can navigate individual parts of an equation, such as variables, terms, coefficients, or exponents. As you navigate to the various components, pressing DOWN ARROW lets you drill down into and navigate within that level of the equation using LEFT and RIGHT ARROW. Pressing UP ARROW moves you back to the prior level. In addition, if you have a Braille display and JAWS is set to United States English or Unified English Braille Grade 1 or Grade 2, math equations or formulas are displayed in Nemeth Braille. Pressing ESC closes the Math Viewer and return to the document.

Freedom Scientific JAWS 2021 updates

By Diane Brauner

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