Screen Readers
Screen readers are assistive technologies that convert digital text into speech or
Braille, enabling users who are blind or visually impaired to navigate and interact
with websites, documents, and other digital content.
Screen Reader Testing
When testing webpages and documents, it's important to remember that not all screen
readers are created equally. What functions well on one screen reader may not work
as expected on another. For this reason, content should be developed according to
the Web Content Accessibility Guideline's (WCAG) technical standards—not on designs
that are compatible with a specific screen reader. This approach ensures broader accessibility
and long-term compatibility.
Some common screen readers include:
- JAWS: most popular screen reader—available for download on Windows only; JAWS requires
a paid license. UND faculty and staff can test their content using JAWS by booking
an appointment in the Accessibility Lab.
- NVDA: free and available for download on Windows.
- VoiceOver: integrated screen reader on MacOS and iOS.
Document Specific Screen Readers
There are many reasons to listen to your document, such as proofreading, multitasking,
assistive technology, and increased comprehension.
Document specific screen readers include:
- Narrator: Microsoft's integrated screen reader, available in Windows products.
- Read Aloud: Adobe Acrobat's integrated screen reader, available on both Windows and Mac computers.
Note: Document specific screen readers do NOT offer robust features; they are simple
screen readers. As such, they are generally not relied upon for everyday use.
Resources
Using JAWS
Using NVDA
Using VoiceOver
Using Narrator