A screen reader is a technology that assists people who are blind or visually impaired in accessing and interacting with digital content, such as websites or applications. It achieves this through audio or touch-based feedback. The primary users of screen readers are individuals with limited vision or complete blindness.

Windows:

• JAWS for Windows: A commercial screen reader that provides comprehensive support for web browsing, document reading, and application navigation.
• NV Access: A free and open-source screen reader for Windows that offers similar functionality to JAWS.
• Narrator: Built into Windows, Narrator provides basic screen reading capabilities.

Mac:

• VoiceOver: Integrated into macOS, VoiceOver reads aloud on-screen content, allowing users to navigate and interact with apps, websites, and documents.

Apple iOS Devices:

• VoiceOver: To enable VoiceOver on an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver. You can control it using gestures.
  • VoiceOver for iPhone
  • VoiceOver for iPad

Android Devices:

• TalkBack: Android’s built-in screen reader. Activate it via Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack. Use gestures to navigate and interact with content.

For more detailed information, please refer to AbilityNet’s factsheet on screen readers.