Screen Readers: What Are They And How Do They Help? | Compliant
Screen readers are an essential tool within assistive technologies that help give those with visual impairments equal access to information on their computers.
What Are Screen Readers?
According to the National Federation of the Blind statistics, approximately 7.6 million people in the United States have visual impairment or disability. This could include blindness or varying levels of visual impairment.
In an effort to promote equitable opportunities for information access for those with visual impairments, screen readers were developed. The first of its kind was developed in 1986 by an IBM researcher, using a text-based word processor. Since then, the prevalence of assistive technologies has grown exponentially.
Screen readers are software programs that allow screen reader users to read the text on a computer screen with the help of a device such as a speech synthesizer or a refreshable braille display.
This assistive technology is not limited to desktop computers only. Many of the screen reader software can also be found on iOS (e.g., iPhone) and Android mobile devices or other touch screens, such as tablets.
How Do Screen Readers Work?
The guiding principle behind the use of screen readers is simple. However, the technology itself is quite a marvel.
The software essentially interprets the information coded (e.g., HTML) on the computer screen and “reads” the content using either speech output or braille output. This content can include information on web pages, such as texts, links, and images.
But, it can also include content on the computer’s operating system. They can interpret parts of the screen such as the menu, icons, files (e.g., PDF documents), folders, and applications.
Screen readers help with navigation too. However, the manner of operation depends on the software. Typically, a screen reader will start at the top of a document or webpage and read all the associated texts (this includes alternate texts for images). They work with most browsers, including Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari, and Firefox.
Desktop screen readers
Most will even read the navigation bar or headings at the top of web pages in an effort to save time if the users have the desired page in mind. Screen readers can read the information wherever the cursor is placed; however, many operate using the keyboard.
Keystrokes and keyboard shortcuts are essential for navigation for those using screen readers. That is one reason why proper web page design is so important to maintain accessibility for those with visual disabilities. In fact, screen readers make a great tool for testing the accessibility of websites.
Most screen readers feature different modes, too, allowing users to interact with a webpage in different ways. The browse mode allows for simple site navigation, shifting from one element of the page to another sequentially. Focus mode allows for interaction with a specific function of a webpage, such as filling out a form.
The two most popular operating systems, Mac OS and Microsoft have their own built-in screen readers: Narrator for Microsoft Windows and Voiceover for Mac. Chrome OS also features ChromeVox, a built-in screen reader, while Linux offers its Orca screen reader.
Mobile screen readers
Screen readers on mobile devices navigate in two ways: Touch navigation and swipe navigation. Typically, touch navigation involves gestures, basically allowing users to drag their fingers across the screen to read.
Swipe navigation essentially imitates a tab-key found on desktops, allowing users to swipe back and forth from page to page.
For example, Google Android devices feature TalkBack, which allows multi-finger gestures to explore by touch while the screen is read aloud. It also features voice commands.
How Do Screen Readers Help?
Aside from the practical implications discussed above, screen readers allow for equal access to information. It is not merely about software that simply reads a screen; it is about giving ownership to those with visual disabilities, allowing them to consume the same information as everyone else if they choose.
Screen readers help ensure web accessibility, which is provisional under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act; it requires equal access in public accommodations and for job access.
Current web accessibility guidelines are outlined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), specifically Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. These standards and provisions ensure web accessibility compliance with the current laws.
Screen readers also help raise internet proficiency and raise overall web content accessibility.
Should You Use a Screen Reader?
There is no law dictating who can or should use a screen reader. Essentially, the overwhelming majority of those who use them suffer from some form of visual impairment, whether it be blindness or low vision.
If you fit into the category of visual impairment, then a screen reader could be of benefit. Interestingly, screen readers are also used for those who have cognitive development issues or those learning a new language.
How Do You Choose a Screen Reader?
Thankfully, choosing a screen reader is not overly complicated. They are available for nearly all operating systems and integrate with most assistive technologies of varying outputs.
The main questions in choosing a screen reader include:
- Will the screen reader be compatible with my computer and its operating system?
- Will it work with the applications I want to use?
- What are the basic functions? Keystroke or gestures?
- Will it work with braille output or speech synthesizer?
The options are plentiful. Many screen reading software is open-source and available to the public for free. In fact, survey statistics show that most are downloaded for free. The most popular open-source screen reader is NVDA, which stands for non-visual desktop access. It is freely available for Windows computers.
Orca is also free and open-sourced. It is applicable for GNOME desktop environments and works with OpenOffice, Firefox, and the Java platform.
JAWS (Job Access with Speech) is another screen reader that provides speech and braille output for most computer applications, but it can be quite costly.
Is It Compatible with Your Computer?
The first step in determining which screen reader you should use starts with understanding your computer, its operating potential, and capabilities. In short, it must work on your computer. There are a whole host of operating systems out there. But, the most popular are Windows operating system, macOS for Apple products, and the Linux operating system. Mobile operating systems are typically limited to iOS and Android.
Here are some screen readers with their required operating systems:
- JAWS – Windows
- BRLTTY – Linux
- NVDA – Windows
- Orca – GNOME (open-source desktop environment)
- Speakup – Linux
- VoiceOver – Mac OS and all Mac devices (built-in)
- Narrator – Windows (built-in)
- TalkBalk – Android mobile operating system
- Dolphin - Windows
Does It Work with Your Braille Display?
The next consideration is whether a particular screen reader will integrate with your other technologies, such as a refreshable braille display. Braille displays provide access to information on computer screens by raising and lowering braille cells on the mechanical elements of the device.
NVDA, Orca, BRLTTY, Dolphin, and JAWS all integrate with refreshable braille displays. But, you will need to know your exact device to ensure it will be compatible with the screen reader you plan on choosing.
Does It Work with Your Most-Used Apps?
Another important element to consider before choosing a screen reader is which applications you plan on using. Most screen readers work with basic applications seamlessly since most are made to work within a given operating system.
However, at the end of the day, the ability to work with specific applications depends largely on the application itself and whether or not it was made with accessibility in mind. In all likelihood, the screen readers mentioned above will work well with most applications; that is not to say they aren’t exceptions.
Is It Easy to Use?
The last point of consideration for choosing a screen reader is the ease of use. It is only the best screen reader if it works best for you. The good news is, most are straightforward and are not overly complicated to use. It may be wise to try a free, open-source screen reader first to get a feel for them before considering one that comes with a high cost.
Conclusion
In a lot of ways, screen reader software is a modern marvel. It allows those with visual impairments to enjoy equal access to information.
Screen readers are made both for desktop and mobile use and can be found to fit nearly every operating system imaginable.
Many are available for free and even come built-in to some operating systems. Either way, it provides a big step forward in web accessibility for all.
