[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "How%20can%20I%20make%20voice%20adjustments%20int%20he%20Jaws%20screen%20reader%20relevant%20to%20one%20application%20only%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "You *can* make voice adjustments in JAWS that apply only to a specific application. Here\u2019s how to do it, step-by-step:\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udee0 Methods to Adjust Voice Settings for One Application Only\n\n### Option 1: Quick Settings (Application-specific changes)\n1. Open the application you want to customize (for example, Microsoft Word, Outlook, or Chrome).  \n2. Press **JAWS key + V** (JAWS key might be INSERT by default, or CAPS LOCK / NUMPAD 0 if you've changed it). ([atresources.wcbvi.k12.wi.us](https://atresources.wcbvi.k12.wi.us/accessibility-tips/adjusting-jaws-settings?utm_source=openai))  \n3. This opens *Quick Settings* for that particular application. Changes you make here will apply only to the current app in focus. ([atresources.wcbvi.k12.wi.us](https://atresources.wcbvi.k12.wi.us/accessibility-tips/adjusting-jaws-settings?utm_source=openai))  \n\n**What you can change**: things like speech rate, punctuation level, typing echo, verbosity, etc. ([atresources.wcbvi.k12.wi.us](https://atresources.wcbvi.k12.wi.us/accessibility-tips/adjusting-jaws-settings?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### Option 2: Settings Center (More detailed / application or global)\n1. Press **JAWS key + 6** to open the *Settings Center*. ([atresources.wcbvi.k12.wi.us](https://atresources.wcbvi.k12.wi.us/accessibility-tips/adjusting-jaws-settings?utm_source=openai))  \n2. In the Settings Center, there\u2019s an **Application dropdown combo box**, which lets you choose *which application* you want your settings to apply to. If you leave it on \u201cDefault / All Applications,\u201d your changes affect every app. If you select a specific app, your changes affect just that one. ([atresources.wcbvi.k12.wi.us](https://atresources.wcbvi.k12.wi.us/accessibility-tips/adjusting-jaws-settings?utm_source=openai))  \n3. Navigate to *Options \u2192 Voices \u2192 Voice Adjustment* inside the Settings Center if you need to modify the voice profile, pitch, rate, etc. ([support.freedomscientific.com](https://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS/JAWSWhatsNew?version=10&utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d Voice Profiles (Alternative / complementary method)\n\nJAWS also allows setting up and saving *voice profiles*, which bundle together settings like:\n\n- Synthesizer / voice  \n- Speech rate  \n- Punctuation level  \n- Maybe accent or language  \n\nYou can switch between voice profiles depending on task or application. ([support.freedomscientific.com](https://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS/JAWSWhatsNew?version=10&utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \u26a0 Tips & Best Practices\n\n- Make sure the application you want to adjust *is already open and focused* before opening either Quick Settings or the Settings Center. This helps ensure the dropdown/app list recognizes it. ([nomensa.com](https://www.nomensa.com/blog/how-configure-jaws-voice-settings/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Be aware that some settings may cascade: global settings set in Settings Center with \u201cAll Applications\u201d will apply unless an app-specific override is in place.  \n- If you use Quick Settings, the changes are usually temporary for that session. Using the Settings Center and saving under a specific application tends to more reliably stick for that app.  \n- Whenever you make changes, use the **Apply** button first, then **OK**. If there\u2019s no Apply, just OK. ([core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5017/ASIR/4980769/RISE_Assistive_Technology_Manual_2024-2025_Approved.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me the version of JAWS you're using (for example 2024, 2025, etc.) and which application you're customizing, I can give you more precise instructions!"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "I%20see%20no%20way%20to%20change%20a%20speech%20rate%20for%20a%20single%20application."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "You're right to be skeptical \u2014 there *is* a way to adjust the speech rate for just one application in JAWS, but many users don\u2019t realize exactly how to access it, or it may not work in older versions. Here\u2019s what I found.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d What the Documentation Says\n\nNomensa, in their guide, clearly states that in JAWS you can apply voice rate changes either globally or just for an individual program. ([nomensa.com](https://www.nomensa.com/blog/how-configure-jaws-voice-settings/?utm_source=openai))\n\nFrom that guide:\n\n> \u201cModify: \u2026 decide whether the changes will take effect throughout Windows or just for a particular application. \u2026 *Application (Program Name)*: Changes will take effect for the application that is currently open. \u2026\u201d ([nomensa.com](https://www.nomensa.com/blog/how-configure-jaws-voice-settings/?utm_source=openai))\n\nSo in principle, this should be possible.\n\n---\n\n## \u2699\ufe0f How to Try Doing It\n\nHere are the steps, according to multiple sources, to try setting the speech rate for just one program:\n\n1. **Open** the application you want to customize speech rate for (e.g. Word, Outlook).\n2. While the application is focused, press **JAWS key + 6** to open the *Settings Center*. ([atresources.wcbvi.k12.wi.us](https://atresources.wcbvi.k12.wi.us/accessibility-tips/adjusting-jaws-settings?utm_source=openai))\n3. In the Settings Center, find the **Application dropdown combo box** (or similar \u201cModify\u201d setting in the Global Adjustment / Voices section), and select the application you are in instead of \u201cAll Applications\u201d or \u201cDefault.\u201d ([nomensa.com](https://www.nomensa.com/blog/how-configure-jaws-voice-settings/?utm_source=openai))\n4. Navigate to the voice rate setting (maybe under Voices \u2192 Voice Adjustment). Adjust the rate slider or numeric value. ([nomensa.com](https://www.nomensa.com/blog/how-configure-jaws-voice-settings/?utm_source=openai))\n5. Click **Apply**, then **OK**. Sometimes you may need to save or confirm changes in the Settings Center. ([mail-archive.com](https://www.mail-archive.com/jaws-users-list%40jaws-users.com/msg109929.html?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \u26a0\ufe0f Why You May Not See It or It May Not Work\n\nHere are possible reasons the option isn't visible or working for you:\n\n- **Version of JAWS**: Some older versions don't have all features or interfaces (or they may be in different places). ([sensorysolutions.co.za](https://sensorysolutions.co.za/help-centre/changing-the-speech-rate-in-jaws/?utm_source=openai))\n- **Application not recognized**: You must have the application open *before* opening the Settings Center, so that JAWS can list it in the application dropdown. If it's not open, it might not appear. ([nomensa.com](https://www.nomensa.com/blog/how-configure-jaws-voice-settings/?utm_source=openai))\n- **Settings override**: If there are default global settings that are overriding app-specific settings, or if the customized setting for that app isn\u2019t enabled. There is a \u201cManage Application Settings\u201d dialog that shows which apps have custom settings, and you can enable/disable them per app. ([blog.tecwindow.net](https://blog.tecwindow.net/4609/manage-application-settings-in-jaws-screen-reader/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \u2705 Bottom Line\n\nYes \u2014 JAWS *does* support setting the speech rate for a specific application via the Settings Center, using the \u201cModify\u201d or \u201cApplication\u201d setting instead of the default/global one. But it depends on:\n\n- Your JAWS version  \n- Whether the app is open before you open Settings Center  \n- Whether custom settings for that app are enabled  \n\n---\n\nIf you tell me the version of JAWS you\u2019re using (e.g. 2024, 2025, etc.), I can walk you through the exact steps for *your version*, to help you find the option."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "2026%20latest."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I checked the latest sources for **JAWS 2026**, and here\u2019s what I found about whether it supports setting *speech rate specifically for a single application*. The short version: there\u2019s no clear evidence that functionality has changed in 2026, and many people still report not seeing option to set speech rate on a per-app basis. But there are features and potential workarounds you might try.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0e What the 2026 Release Notes Say\n\n- In the \u201cWhat\u2019s New in JAWS 2026\u201d documentation, there is **no mention** of a new feature that explicitly allows changing speech rate for a specific application, as distinct from global/default settings. ([support.freedomscientific.com](https://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS/JAWSWhatsNew?version=17See&utm_source=openai))  \n- The current updates *do* include syncing settings, voice profiles, application settings, speech and sound schemes, etc. But that refers to syncing *already existing* settings, including voice/speech settings, not adding new app-specific speech rate override behaviors. ([support.freedomscientific.com](https://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS/JAWSWhatsNew?version=17See&utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \u2699\ufe0f What You *Can* Do in JAWS 2026\n\nWhile there may not be a straightforward per-app speech-rate setting visible (or one that works consistently), there *are* existing tools and settings that might get close or act as workarounds:\n\n- **Quick Settings (INSERT+V)**: These settings are for the current application and let you adjust a variety of speech parameters. However, speech rate may *not* always be included among the adjustable parameters in Quick Settings, depending on the application or context. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/accessibility/comments/1l5quv2?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Voice Profiles**: You can set up voice profiles that include specific speech rate, voice, etc. Then you could switch between profiles depending on which app you're using. This doesn\u2019t automate it per-application, but gives you manual control. ([support.freedomscientific.com](https://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS/JAWSWhatsNew?version=17See&utm_source=openai))  \n- **Global Hotkeys / Shortcuts**: You can increase or decrease the voice rate with hotkeys (such as `ALT+WINDOWS Key+CTRL+PAGE UP/DOWN`) to change settings globally, or at least for your current usage. These don\u2019t restrict changes to a single application. ([freedomscientific.com](https://freedomscientific.com/Content/Documents/Manuals/JAWS/JAWS-Quick-Start-Guide.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \u26a0 Why the Per-Application Rate Setting Might Be Invisible or Absent\n\nHere are some reasons you may still be unable to set speech rate *only* for one application:\n\n- JAWS may not list the target application in the dropdown when opening Settings Center if that app isn\u2019t in focus or doesn\u2019t properly identify itself to JAWS.  \n- Speech rate may be considered part of the \u201cDefault Application Settings\u201d category, which applies to all applications, so maybe speech-rate is not considered an overridable property per app.  \n- Depending on the synthesizer being used (e.g. certain SAPI5 voices, RHVoice, Eloquence), some voices do not support fine-grained rate adjustment per application, or may ignore changes below/above certain thresholds. ([support.freedomscientific.com](https://support.freedomscientific.com/Support/TechnicalSupport/ShowMoreResults?PageSize=50&PageToDisplay=1&SelectedProductID=1&Submit=Show+more+results&utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \u2705 What You Should Try\n\nTo see whether it works on your installation of JAWS 2026:\n\n1. Open the application you want to customize.\n\n2. Press `INSERT + 6` \u2192 open **Settings Center**.\n\n3. In the Settings Center window, look for \u201cDefault / Application\u201d dropdown or \u201cApplication (Program Name)\u201d or \u201cModify\u201d field \u2014 something that allows you to select the specific application instead of \u201cAll Applications\u201d or \u201cDefault\u201d.  \n\n4. Navigate to the Voices \u2192 Voice Adjustment or Speech \u2192 Rate slider. See if the Rate setting is enabled and editable for that application.\n\n5. After making changes, be sure to click **Apply** then **OK**.\n\n6. If speech rate is disabled or east-grey when a specific application is selected, it likely means per-application rate control is not supported for that synthesizer/app.\n\n7. As a workaround: use **Quick Settings (INSERT+V)** while in the app, see whether there\u2019s a speech rate slider there. Or toggle voice profiles.\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I could try to pull up step-by-step with *JAWS 2026 version number* and specifically for the application you're using (e.g. Word, Outlook, Chrome) to see if that rate control is possible in your scenario. Would you like me to look up for your specific application?"
    }
]