Commonly Used Screen Readers
Screen readers are assistive technology tools that allow individuals who are blind or have low vision to access and interact with digital content. These tools read text aloud, announce important information about a page’s structure, and help users navigate websites, documents, applications, and other digital resources. Understanding how screen readers work can help you create more accessible digital content. Exploring these tools can also provide insight into how individuals using assistive technology experience the content you create and share.
Below are some of the most commonly used screen readers, along with resources to help you explore their features and get started.
Voice Over
VoiceOver is a built-in screen reader for Apple devices that reads aloud text, buttons, menus, and other onscreen elements. Users can navigate their devices using touch gestures, keyboard commands, or braille displays.
Narrator
Narrator is a built-in screen reader for Microsoft Windows that reads aloud text, buttons, menus, and other onscreen elements. Users can navigate websites, documents, and applications using keyboard commands or braille displays.
TalkBack
TalkBack is a built-in screen reader for Android devices that reads aloud text, buttons, menus, and other onscreen elements. Users can navigate phones and tablets using touch gestures, voice feedback, or braille displays.
ChromeVox
ChromeVox is a built-in screen reader for ChromeOS that reads aloud text, buttons, menus, links, and other onscreen elements. Users can navigate websites, documents, and applications using keyboard commands or braille displays.
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
NVDA is a free, open-source screen reader for Microsoft Windows that reads aloud text, buttons, menus, and other onscreen elements. Users can navigate websites, documents, and applications using keyboard commands or braille displays.
JAWS (Job Access With Speech)
JAWS is a paid screen reader for Microsoft Windows that reads aloud text, buttons, menus, links, and other onscreen elements. Users can navigate websites, documents, and applications using keyboard commands or braille displays.
Using a Screen Reader to Check Your Content
Testing with screen readers is one way to evaluate the accessibility of digital content. It can help identify potential barriers and provide insight into how individuals who rely on screen readers navigate and interact with digital resources. Try using a screen reader to review a webpage, document, presentation, or other digital resource you’ve created. As you explore, consider how the content is presented, whether information is clear and understandable, and how easily someone can navigate and interact with it.
As you explore, consider:
- Are headings announced in a logical order?
- Do links clearly describe where they lead?
- Are important images described appropriately?
- Is the content read in a meaningful sequence?
- Can you navigate and interact with the content using a keyboard?
- Are instructions, form fields, and buttons clearly identified?
Remember: Screen reader testing is just one part of evaluating accessibility. Combine it with accessibility checkers, manual reviews, and keyboard testing to identify potential barriers. Whenever possible, include feedback from individuals who regularly use assistive technology.
