What is a Screen Reader?
A screen reader is a type of assistive technology that converts text and other on-screen elements into speech or braille. It allows blind users and people with severe visual impairments to interact with digital content, including websites, documents, apps, and software, using text-to-speech or braille display outputs.
Instead of seeing the screen, users listen to or feel what’s on the screen as the screen reader interprets the web content, menus, forms, buttons, and other interface elements.
Example: When a screen reader encounters a button labeled "Submit," it announces:
“Button, Submit”
Popular Screen Readers
Some of the most widely used screen readers include:
- JAWS (Job Access With Speech) – Popular on Windows, especially in enterprise environments.
- NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) – A free, open-source screen reader for Windows.
- VoiceOver – Built into macOS and iOS devices.
- TalkBack – Available on Android devices.
Narrator – Native to Windows, though less robust than JAWS or NVDA.