The following posting, regarding the use of Microsoft Word 2003 and Jaws was written by staff of the Adaptive Services Division of the DC Public Library. While the majority of the tutorials are original, credit should be given to the authors of the Basic Word curriculum used by the DC Public Library’s Computer Lab and to the Chorlton Workshop for additional information and guidance that contributed to their creation.

SPELL CHECKING

As you type, Word automatically checks your document for spelling errors. Spelling alerts are underlined with red, wavy lines.

To find and correct spelling mistakes using Jaws, you will have to use Jaws Quick Keys. You may already be familiar with quick keys from using jaws and the internet. However, when working in a Word document, Jaws quick keys are turned off.

Turn Quick Keys on by holding onto the Insert Key and then press Z.
JAWS will say Quick Keys On.
Now you can look for misspelled words.
To do so tap on the M Key.
JAWS will take you to the first spelling mistake in your document.
JAWS will then read the word to you.
JAWS will then spell the word as written.
JAWS will then say SPELLING ERROR in a high pitched voice.
JAWS will then read the sentence to you to give the word context.
To correct the misspelled word press the Applications Key.
The Applications Key is to the left of the right hand Ctrl Key.
From there Word will give a series of spelling suggestions.
Down Arrow to what you think the word should be.
Press Enter.
If none of the suggested words match what you had in mind, or if JAWS says No Spelling Suggestions, you may have to keep trying yourself until you have the word spelled correctly.
Remember you are in quick keys mode.
To exit quick keys mode, hold onto Insert and press the Z key again.

Exercise 12 Finding and Correcting Misspelled Words in the Gettysburg Address

This copy of the Gettysburg Address contains misspelled words.
To find them, first turn on JAWS Quick Keys.
While holding onto the Insert Key tap on the Z Key.
JAWS will say Quick Keys On.
Now you can look for misspelled words.
To do so press M.
JAWS will take you to the first spelling mistake in your document.
It should be the word remmber.
JAWS will then say SPELLING ERROR in a high pitched voice.
JAWS will then read the sentence to you to give the word context.
To correct the misspelled word press the Applications Key.
The Applications Key is to the left of the right hand control key.
From there, Word will give a series of spelling suggestions.
The correct word, remember, should be the first suggestion.
Press Enter to select it.
The word should now be corrected.
To check, hold onto the Insert Key and press the 5 key.

There is one more spelling error in this document.
With JAWS Quick Keys still on press M.
JAWS will take you to the next spelling mistake in your document.
It should be the word foret.
JAWS will then say SPELLING ERROR in a high pitched voice.
JAWS will then read the sentence to you to give the word context.
To correct the misspelled word press the Applications Key.
The Applications Key is to the left of the right hand control key.
From there, Word will give a series of spelling suggestions.
The correct word, forget, should be the third suggestion
Down Arrow twice until you hear it.
Press Enter to select it.
The word should now be corrected.
To check, hold onto the Insert Key and press the 5 key.
Remember, you are in quick keys mode.
To exit quick keys mode, hold onto Insert and press the Z key again.