Screen Readers


What is a screen reader?

Screen readers are computer software that assist the blind or visually impaired in using computers.  Typically, they either read the text that shows up on the screen or it presents them on a braile display.

    Essentially, it serves as a platform for the visually impaired to communicate with their computers. Screen readers can either be instructed to read the text on the screen out loud, or to automatically speak out the changes that occur on the screen.

      3 Most Popular Screen Readers

      NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) 

      NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) is the free screen reader recommended by the State of Nevada's AT Consumer Group.

      JAWS (WebAim)

      VoiceOver

      Screen Reader Issues

      If you are using a screen reader, you may find it will not read some documents in PDF format. Adobe provides the Adobe Access web site that will convert non-accessible PDF files to a format that is useable with a screen reader. The Adobe tool can also be added to your computer as a "plug-in".