Different Screen Readers

What is a Screen Reader?

• Screen readers are accessibility tools that read the content on screen out loud to the user.
• Screen readers also allow users to navigate web pages and documents easier by using keyboard inputs.
  • This is great for users who can’t see the cursor or users with limited mobility and can’t use a computer mouse or touchpad.
• With a screen reader you can navigate through the headings and read out the heading level. Then it reads out the section the user was looking for using the headings.  
  • This function is a key reason in why heading structure (and overall document structure) have strict guidelines that must be followed.
• There are many different screen readers that users can choose, all of which have their own pros and cons.
• Different screen reader programs are available for different types of computers.  
• Demonstrations and tutorials for screen reader programs can be found online if you need to learn how to use one.
  • Different screen reader programs have different controls and commands.
  • JAWS has differing key commands between its laptop and desktop versions.
• All screen readers are different so if you don't like one, you can try a different one.
• It is a great idea to double-check that your documents are accessible by going through them with a screen reader yourself!

JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

• JAWS is the most popular and widely used screen readers and is the industry standard.
• JAWS is paid software that is not available on Mac.
  • JAWS has a variety of plans and packages that range in price. Some plans are annual while others are perpetual.
  • At the time of writing, the cheapest annual license is $95/year, and the cheapest perpetual license is $1200.
  • If you want to try it out, they offer a free 40-minute trial.
• JAWS is very customizable but is more complicated than other screen readers. This causes a bigger learning curve for learning how to use it.
• It is recommended to start with a free screen reader like NVDA when you first begin using one and then decide if you want to get the more expensive, customizable JAWS.
  • Depending on company policy, if you are using a screen reader in the workplace you may be able to get your job to pay for JAWS at least partially.
• JAWS can be downloaded at freedomscientific.com

NVDA (NonVisual Digital Access)

• NVDA is free software that is only available on Windows.
• NVDA does not come pre-installed but is free to download at nvacess.org
• According to a WebAim survey in 2021, NVDA is the second most popular screen reader.
• NVDA has simpler commands than JAWS, making it easier to learn.
  • Some people prefer NVDA over JAWS because of this but it is up to personal preference.
• NVDA offers customization in speech speed and pitch.

VoiceOver

• VoiceOver is free software that is only available on Mac.
• VoiceOver comes pre-installed on Mac computers. Setting it up is part of the normal computer setup process.
• VoiceOver is also considered to be simple and easy to learn.
• The speech speed is adjustable.
• VoiceOver is also available on iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs.