We often check news on websites or enjoy videos and music through streaming services. But have you ever wondered, "Can visually impaired people use these services as easily as we do?" Today, let's talk about screen readers and how they help with that!
Screen readers are super important tools that help visually impaired people use computers. They read out the text and links on the screen. They also tell you what's happening on the screen, where the cursor is, and what you’re typing. This way, visually impaired users can navigate computers and websites.
For those who find using a mouse tricky, screen readers let you do everything with keyboard shortcuts. Learning these shortcuts can be a bit tough at first. For example, things like entering a website address or moving around a page, which are easy with a mouse, require specific key combinations.
If a webpage follows web accessibility guidelines, screen readers can describe the structure and menus of the page, making it possible for visually impaired users to enjoy web browsing too. If you want to learn more about web accessibility guidelines, click here.
1. Which Screen Reader Programs Are Most Popular?
According to a survey by WebAIM, a leading web accessibility organization, in December 2023 and January 2024, NVDA is catching up with JAWS, which has been the favorite for the last 10 years. NVDA might even become the top choice soon!
Here's a chart showing that JAWS and NVDA are the most popular screen readers, used by 47.6% and 37.7% of all respondents, respectively.
Take a look at this historical trend chart for JAWS, VoiceOver, and NVDA screen readers:
- Until 2019, JAWS usage decreased, and JAWS and NVDA usage were almost identical.
- 2021 Survey: JAWS usage increased, and NVDA usage decreased.
- 2024 Prediction: JAWS usage is 41%, and NVDA usage is 38%, making their usage almost identical.
2. How Many Types of Screen Readers Are There?
Let's explore some screen readers that visually impaired people commonly use!
#1. NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) from Australia
NVDA is a free, open-source screen reader developed by the Australian nonprofit NVAccess. It's designed for Windows and supports 54 languages, making it accessible for visually impaired users. Its flexibility and wide language support make it a great tool for enhancing accessibility.
NVDA Logo Image
#2.'JAWS (Job Access With Speech) for Windows' in the United States
'JAWS,' created by Freedom Scientific in Pittsburgh, Florida, is a Windows screen reader. It launched in 1995 and has the biggest market share among screen readers, with 50%, according to the Screen Reader User Survey #5 Results by WebAIM.
JAWS Logo and Introduction Image
#3. Apple's 'VoiceOver'
'VoiceOver' is exclusively for Apple products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You can turn it on in settings without any extra installation or cost, making it super accessible for everyone.
VoiceOver Introduction Image
#4. Google's 'ChromeVox'
Developed by Google, 'ChromeVox' is a screen reader tool built into the Chrome OS web browser. It helps visually impaired users navigate the Chrome browser with ease.
Google's ChromeVox Introduction Image
#5. 'Orca' Symbolizing Orca
'Orca' is a screen reader and magnifier for the Linux OS, provided with the GNOME desktop environment. It's used across various systems, such as Unix and Solaris, making it a popular choice for accessible platforms.
Orca Linux Screen Reader Introduction Image
#6. Korea's 'Sense Reader'
Created by Xvision Technology, 'Sense Reader' is widely used by visually impaired people in Korea. So, its compatibility is especially important when assessing web accessibility.
Sense Reader Professional Program Introduction Image
#7. Windows' Built-in 'Narrator'
'Narrator' is a screen reader built into the Windows operating system. Although it has been around since 2000, it hasn't been very popular because it sticks to just the basic functions. However, it's still praised for making web browsing easy and reading all elements well.
Windows Narrator Introduction Image
Screen readers are essential tools for the visually impaired, allowing them to interact with the digital world beyond just accessing information. These tools help users independently use digital devices like computers and smartphones. For example, they assist visually impaired individuals in reading online news, shopping, checking emails, and working on documents, greatly aiding their daily lives.
Screen readers have become powerful tools driving social and economic change, going beyond just technology. With the advancement of AI, many users can access information even more conveniently.
In the next Dotletter, we'll cover mobile screen readers and accessibility.
Stay tuned! 😊