Setting up a screen reader on Windows and Android
By AT & Rehab editorial
A screen reader speaks aloud what is on the screen, so a person who is blind or has low vision can use a computer or phone. Most devices already have one built in, or a free one you can install.
On Windows
Windows includes Narrator, and you can also install NVDA — a free, widely used screen reader.
- Built-in: press the Windows key + Ctrl + Enter to start Narrator.
- Free and powerful: download NVDA from the NV Access website, install it, and it starts reading straight away. NVDA is free of cost and well supported in India.
Learn a few keys first: the "screen reader key" plus arrow keys to move through a page, and Tab to jump between links and buttons.
On Android
Android has a built-in screen reader called TalkBack.
- Open Settings, then Accessibility, then TalkBack, and turn it on.
- On many phones you can also start or stop it by pressing both volume keys for three seconds.
- Explore by touch: drag one finger over the screen to hear items, then double-tap to select.
On iPhone and Mac
Apple devices include VoiceOver. On iPhone, open Settings, then Accessibility, then VoiceOver. On Mac, press Command + F5.
Practise in short sessions
A screen reader feels strange at first. Practise for ten minutes at a time on a familiar app, and learn one or two new gestures each day. For longer reading and note-taking without a screen, a refreshable Braille display such as the Orbit Reader pairs with these tools.