I have released version 1.2 of the Homer script library for Jaws
for Windows 3.5.  It adds convenient commands for deleting a
block of text, adjusting voice rate and volume, monitoring the
status line, going to the beginning of an application's
workspace, invoking various JFW option lists, and navigating by
word without stopping on punctuation marks.

Homer takes advantage of the new JFW feature which supports user-
defined keyboard layouts that can be chosen from the JFW File
menu.  You can install Homer and easily switch between its
desktop and laptop layout, or switch back to the HJ desktop or
laptop layout.  Switching back is generally not necessary,
however, because Homer adds keys rather than conflicting with HJ
defaults.  Moreover, its keys are designed to minimize conflicts
with application commands, while providing memory associations
that help you remember which key does what.

Homer can be installed by replacing existing files, or by running
a batch file that does almost all the work, including making
backups of the HJ default files (which can later be restored if
necessary, using another batch file).  To help you evaluate
whether to try this script library, consider the following
questions.

Have you ever wanted to save a block of text on the screen for
later pasting, but then discovered that Windows clipboard support
was not available?  Homer lets you copy, append, or paste any
block of text.

Have you sometimes wanted to know contextual information without
having to leave the home row hand positions and read with the
numpad?  Homer has home row alternatives for all common screen
reader commands, including saying or spelling such information.

Wouldn't it be convenient to delete the current line of text with
a single keystroke in any Windows application?  Homer has logical
hot keys that also let you erase the current word, to the end of
the line, or to the end of the document.

Just like the way pressing down arrow moves to and reads the next
line, wouldn't it be friendly and efficient if other navigation
keys also spoke relevant information?  Homer adds voicing to
several navigation commands, e.g., PageDown reads the next screen
of information regardless of the application in use.

Don't you wish the JFW keys for loading the system tray or
selecting a web page link were easier to reach and remember?
With Homer, they are.

Every screen reader developer tells us to maximize the current
window for the most reliable reading.  Yet maximizing the current
parent and child windows requires several keystrokes ... why
isn't there a better way?  There is with a single Homer key!

Homer can be downloaded from the web address
http://www.empowermentzone.com/homer.zip

It comes with complete documentation and a summary reference,
which is also online.  By the way, it is free.

Regards,
Jamal


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