{"id":145,"date":"2019-06-04T11:47:35","date_gmt":"2019-06-04T15:47:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca\/iwacc\/?post_type=chapter&p=145"},"modified":"2019-11-26T14:58:34","modified_gmt":"2019-11-26T19:58:34","slug":"screen-readers","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/iwacc\/chapter\/screen-readers\/","title":{"raw":"Screen Readers: An Introduction","rendered":"Screen Readers: An Introduction"},"content":{"raw":"When addressing accessibility, a main focus is to make web content compatible with screen readers (often used by people who are blind to access their computer, device, and the Web). That\u2019s not to say that people with other types of disabilities don\u2019t encounter barriers, but this group will certainly face the most barriers given the visual nature of the Web. Often, addressing screen reader compatibility issues will help resolve potential barriers for others as well.\r\n\r\nHere we focus specifically on the ChromeVox screen reader add-on for the Chrome web browser because of its simplicity, good support for standards, and its availability across platforms as free, open-source software. We will first introduce you to a number of other screen readers before spending some time learning to use ChromeVox and to experience barriers firsthand.\r\n\r\nFor new or inexperienced users, learning to operate a screen reader can be difficult, particularly if you are not using one on a regular basis. Memorizing the basic commands provided in the upcoming pages is often enough for screen reader testing purposes, though there is much more functionality in screen readers that is not discussed here. You are encouraged to explore the full range of features that screen readers have to offer as time allows.\r\n\r\nChromeVox is ideal for introducing screen readers, though it does have its limitations, and people who are blind are more likely to use one of the more broadly used screen readers like JAWS, Window Eyes (now discontinued), NVDA, or VoiceOver. What may seem accessible with ChromeVox may not be accessible when using other screen readers.\r\n

Summary of Available Screen Readers<\/h2>\r\nThere are a variety of screen readers available for different operating systems, whether you are using Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android, and there are also a few web-based screen readers. The more common screen readers are listed below for reference.\r\n\r\nScreen readers should not be confused with text-to-speech (TTS) applications. Though both read text content aloud, TTS only reads content text, such as the text on this web page. Screen readers read content text, but they also read aloud elements of the browser\u2019s interface and the operating system, as well as providing ways to navigate the content, with features for listing headings, links, or tables, for example. These features are not typically found in TTS applications.\r\n

Windows (Commercial)<\/h3>\r\n