What is a screen reader?
A short guide to different screen reader options.
Summary
Screen readers are powerful technology which can be used to navigate your smartphone, computer, and even your TV. As the name suggests, they read the content of your screen aloud, and on some devices adjust the control mechanisms, to make them more accessible for users with low vision. Screen readers are versatile, so while you might not need one every day, they can be a great resource to support your digital connectedness when navigating changes in your vision.
How do screen readers work?
Screen readers work by reading not only the text on your screen aloud, but also the type of text it is reading. For example, it will tell youif it is reading a button, the descriptive (alternative, or “alt”) text on an image, a link, or body text, so you can use it not only to read documents or messages, but also to help you navigate an app, a website, or your device more generally.
Screen readers are usually also compatible withBraille displays,which use pins to create a tactile Braille display of digital text. When paired with a Braille display, screen readers converttextinto Brailleon your display for you to read at your own pace.
Which screen reader is right for me?
Screen reading technology has been around for over thirty years, so there are many options to choose from. Most modern smartphones, tablets, and computers now come with built-in screen readers you can use for free, but there are also other options you might consider.
For more information on using built-in screen readers, read our article on how to enable VoiceOver, TalkBack, and Narrator.
VoiceOver is currently the only major screen reader compatible with iOS and comes preinstalled on all iOS (Apple) devices for free, apart from the cost of the device. It can be turned on by pressing Command + F5 on a Mac, by asking the Apple voice assistant Siri, or through the accessibility section in your settings app. VoiceOver works using text-to-speech or with Braille displays, and it can be used with iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and iMacs.
For more information
- Funding for screen readers at your work can be accessed through the Employment Assistance Fund. Visit Job Access to learn more or make an application.
- Read our article on enabling built-in screen readers.
- For further support in screen reading technology, visit Guide Dogs Australia to learn more about their Assistive Technology services.
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