Basics of Script Writing with JAWS and MAGic

Image of JAWS trainer working with students in computer lab

This comprehensive four-day hands-on workshop is designed for IT professionals, access technologists and trainers, teachers, and workforce developers or anyone interested in learning how to begin customizing JAWS and MAGic through the use of the powerful JAWS scripting language. Learn how to use the Script manager to write and compile scripts, the difference between scripts and functions, how to use variables and constants, speak or display messages in the virtual viewer, and more.

Before you attend this workshop, you should have a good working knowledge of JAWS and the Windows operating system. You should also be familiar with the use of the various managers to do basic customization of JAWS. We recommend reviewing the JAWS online help system for the following:

Configuration Manager
Dictionary Manager
Frame Viewer and Prompt Creator
Graphics Labeler
Keyboard Manager

NOTE: Previous experience with programming languages is helpful, but not required.

Daily Workshop Outline

Key Concepts in Day 1:

What are scripts?
Scripts vs. functions
Scripts and script files
Using the Keyboard manager
Using the Script manager

Key Concepts in Day 2:

Script file documentation and structure
New Script and Insert Function dialog boxes
The include and use statements
Manipulating cursors
Variables and constants

Key Concepts in Day 3:

Controlling flow: sequential, conditional, and iterative (looping)
Passing keystrokes
Types of functions including: built-in, event, and user-defined
Passing parameters and returning values

Key Concepts in Day 4:

The JAWS message format
Speaking messages
Virtual Viewer concepts
The FormatString and SayFormattedMessage functions
Evaluating unknown applications
Windows hierarchy
Windows program structure, identifying windows by handle, class, and ID
Using the Script Utility Mode
Using Windows program structure and identifiers in scripts
Reclassifying unknown window classes

Download the registration form prior to signing up for workshops in Saint Petersburg. For workshops outside of Saint Petersburg follow the registration instructions listed for those specific workshops.

NOTE: After completing the Basics of Scripting workshop, the expectation is that students will be able to continue learning on their own. JAWS contains over 1300 built-in functions that can be used in writing scripts. We try to cover the most important functions, but learning more about JAWS functions requires additional practice beyond simply attending this workshop.

You can compare developing scripts with JAWS to learning a foreign language. One may be able to speak a few words and sentences of a foreign language after a week or two of training, but learning the language to the point of being fluent takes additional practice and immersion in it.

In order for students to successfully apply what they learn in our scripting workshops we recommend that they:

Begin developing scripts for real-world Windows applications
Practice on a regular basis, daily if possible
Network with other script writers
Become familiar with the contents of the Freedom Scientific Developers Network (FSDN)
Use practice and networking with others to move beyond what is taught in the workshops and learn more about the functions built into JAWS

It is our goal, in the Freedom Scientific Training department, to start workshop attendees out on the right foot, in the right direction, with the proper tools, to begin and continue this learning process.

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