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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 you if 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 with Braille displays, which use pins to create a tactile Braille display of digital text. When paired with a Braille display, screen readers convert text into Braille on 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.
VoiceOver
VoiceOver is currently the only major screen reader compatible with iOS and comes preinstalled on all iOS (Apple) devices for free. 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 can be used with iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and iMacs.
TalkBack
For Android smartphones and tablets, TalkBack comes preinstalled on your device free to use. You can enable TalkBack in accessibility settings or using your voice assistant, and like VoiceOver, it works with text-to-speech or Braille displays.
NVDA
The NVDA screen reader markets itself as “developed by the blind for the blind”. To promote digital accessibility, the screen reader is available for free in over 50 languages. While the software itself is free, there is additional NVDA training and certifications which can be purchased separately, with the basic training handbook costing $35.20. Unfortunately, NVDA is only available with Windows computers and laptops, and is not compatible with iOS devices.
JAWS
The JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reader used is industry-recognised and most commonly used in the workplace, available for Windows computers. The software can be controlled with either a mouse or keyboard shortcuts and comes with a skim reader and text analyser that summarises lengthy documents or webpages. JAWS is available in two different packages for individuals, the Home Edition costing $2,280 and the Professional Edition costing $4,305. JAWS can also be bundled with a screen magnifier called ZoomText.
Narrator
Narrator is the default screen reader preinstalled on all Windows devices. It can be enabled by clicking the Windows logo + Control + Enter on your keyboard and allows your computer to be operated without a mouse, using either text-to-speech or a Braille display. Narrator is completely free to run on all devices using Windows.
Other screen reading software
Depending on your device and needs, there are other screen reader options you might consider.
- ChromeVox is the preinstalled screen reader on Chromebooks (Google computers and tablets).
- Many apps and devices have “read aloud” options which allow you to select specific passages of text to have read aloud. While less comprehensive than a screen reader, it can be a good alternative for reading a document or passage of text.
- SuperNova offers different products with a combination of screen reading and magnification you can trial free for 30 days. Learn more about SuperNova.
- Many smart TVs now have screen readers as well. If your current model has a screen reader, you will be able to enable it in the settings app.
For more information on using built-in screen readers, read our article on how to enable VoiceOver, TalkBack, and Narrator.
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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