[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "can%20you%20tell%20me%20the%20most%20accessible%20method%20to%20use%20claude%20code%20with%20the%20jaws%20screen%20reader"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a breakdown of the most accessible way to use **Claude Code** with **JAWS** (a popular screen reader for Windows). The methods below assume you're using the *command-line interface* version of Claude Code, which currently has the best compatibility with screen readers.\n\n---\n\n## Key Requirements\n\n- Claude Code **version 2.1.181 or later** supports screen reader mode. ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15924927-use-claude-code-cli-with-a-screen-reader?utm_source=openai))  \n- Use a terminal emulator that works well with JAWS (for example, Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or a properly configured CMD).  \n- Make sure JAWS is running and configured for plain-text, console reading.  \n\n---\n\n## How to Turn on Screen Reader Mode\n\nClaude Code provides a special mode designed for screen reader users that simplifies the interface and enhances accessibility. Here are three ways to enable it:\n\n| Activation method | What you do |\n|------------------|-------------|\n| **Session-only** | Run the command: `claude --ax-screen-reader` ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15924927-use-claude-code-cli-with-a-screen-reader?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Per-terminal** | Set environment variable: `CLAUDE_AX_SCREEN_READER=1` before launching Claude Code in that shell session ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15924927-use-claude-code-cli-with-a-screen-reader?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Always / permanently** | Add `\"axScreenReader\": true` in the `~/.claude/settings.json` file so the setting is always active ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15924927-use-claude-code-cli-with-a-screen-reader?utm_source=openai)) |\n\nOnce enabled, Claude Code starts with a message like `[Screen Reader Mode: on via flag]`, or \u201cvia env\u201d or \u201cvia settings\u201d, depending on which way you activated it. ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15924927-use-claude-code-cli-with-a-screen-reader?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What Screen Reader Mode Changes\n\nThese are the changes that make Claude Code more usable with JAWS:\n\n- Labels are added to all messages: your input (`you:`), Claude responses (`claude:`), tools (`tool:`), permission requests, etc. ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15924927-use-claude-code-cli-with-a-screen-reader?utm_source=openai))  \n- Menus are presented as numbered lists. You type the number of your choice instead of navigating with arrow keys. ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15924927-use-claude-code-cli-with-a-screen-reader?utm_source=openai))  \n- Decorative elements are removed. No boxes, spinners, progress bars; all output is linear plain text \u2014 ideal for screen readers. ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15924927-use-claude-code-cli-with-a-screen-reader?utm_source=openai))  \n- Terminal bell (or alert sound) signals when a reply is ready, when permissions are required, and after long-running tasks complete. ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15924927-use-claude-code-cli-with-a-screen-reader?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Tips for Using JAWS with Claude Code\n\nTo make things smoother, here are practical tips when combining JAWS with Claude Code\u2019s screen reader mode:\n\n1. **Enable Forms Mode** in JAWS for command input fields, so that arrow keys and special navigation keys work correctly.  \n2. **Use Braille display or adjust speech settings** (verbosity or speed) as needed. Claude Code\u2019s linear output works better when JAWS doesn\u2019t try to compress or truncate text.  \n3. **Turn off any visual clutter** \u2014 fonts, contrast, etc. don\u2019t matter much since screen reader ignores or strips visual decoration; focus instead on clear audible feedback.  \n4. **Keep build version up to date**, i.e. \u2265 v2.1.181, to ensure all screen-reader mode features are available. ([agentpedia.codes](https://agentpedia.codes/blog/claude-code-screen-reader-accessibility-guide?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## What Mode *Doesn\u2019t* Fix (Known Issues)\n\n- Claude Code\u2019s **web version** still has usability bugs, especially for reading pasted text: with JAWS, pasted content may not be read out or navigable before submitting. ([claudeissues.com](https://claudeissues.com/issue/79506-bug-accessibility-claude-code-on-the-web-does-not-surface-pasted-text-verbatim-t?utm_source=openai))  \n- Not all terminals or setups are officially tested for JAWS. The documentation describes VoiceOver and NVDA explicitly but JAWS compatibility is implied and user-reported; some gaps may exist. ([script-kit.github.io](https://script-kit.github.io/claude-research/docs/development/accessibility/screen-reader-guide?utm_source=openai))  \n- \u201cCLAUDE_CODE_ACCESSIBILITY=1\u201d is **not** the same as screen reader mode. That environment variable is for keeping the terminal cursor visible (useful for magnification) but does *not* enable the linear text and labeling features meant for screen reader mode. ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15924927-use-claude-code-cli-with-a-screen-reader?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Recommended \u201cQuick Setup\u201d Steps\n\nTo make Claude Code as accessible as possible using JAWS, try this flow:\n\n1. Make sure Claude Code is version 2.1.181 or newer.  \n2. Open PowerShell (or Windows Terminal with Windows PowerShell profile).  \n3. Run:  \n   ```bash\n   setx CLAUDE_AX_SCREEN_READER 1\n   ```  \n   This makes it persistent for future sessions.  \n4. Launch Claude Code (just `claude`) \u2014 screen reader mode should start automatically. If not, try `claude --ax-screen-reader` for that session.  \n5. Confirm you hear: `[Screen Reader Mode: on via ...]`.  \n6. Test with a simple prompt, like `Hello`, and listen: your input should be labeled (\u201cyou: Hello\u201d) and Claude\u2019s reply as \u201cclaude: \u2026\u201d. Menus should be numbered.  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can also walk you through a short demo or command file specifically optimized for JAWS, or shortcuts to help you move around in Claude Code more efficiently. Want me to pull those together?"
    }
]