Brian Hartgen from Hartgen Consultancy demonstrates J-Say and J-Dictate voice recognition software that enables people with sight loss to control a computer by using voice commands.

Here’s a clearer breakdown of J‑Say and J‑Dictate, two assistive software tools built to enhance voice interaction for people who are blind or visually impaired:

J‑Say

• What it is: A comprehensive voice-control environment that integrates Dragon NaturallySpeaking (speech recognition) and JAWS (screen reader), along with a friendly interface tailored for screen-reader users

• Functionality:

  • Enables full hands-free computer control via voice commands (launch apps, navigate menus, switch windows)

  • Offers dictation with echo feedback, so everything you say is spoken back for confirmation

  • Adds custom productivity commands (e.g., “move to next paragraph,” controlling JAWS speech rate)

  • Includes tutorials and spoken installation instructions focused on blind users

• Ideal for: Users who want to fully operate their PC by voice, from launching software to writing, web browsing, and navigating—without using a keyboard or mouse.

J‑Dictate

• What it is: A streamlined tool that merges Dragon NaturallySpeaking and JAWS, designed solely for dictation in applications, with spoken confirmation

• Functionality:

  • Focuses on voice-to-text: speak into any app and get text read back to confirm accuracy

  • Features include echo options, mic control shortcuts, error correction tools, and backup/restoration of profile.

• Ideal for: Users who primarily want to dictate documents, emails, notes, etc., rather than control every aspect of the computer interface.

Side-by-Side Comparison

• Go for J‑Say if:

  • You want to speak to and fully control your computer, not just draft text.

  • You need to launch applications or navigate interfaces using voice.

• Choose J‑Dictate if:

  • Your primary goal is speaking text into documents or messages.

  • You don’t require full voice control of the computer interface.