NVDA Screen Reader

August 12, 2024
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a popular, free, and open-source screen reader designed to make Windows computers accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. One of the best features is that you can download NVDA to a flashdrive and use it at any public computer! No need to download software onto the computer. This is a perfect solution if you need to use a screenreader on managed computers! Here are the key features and functionalities:
  • Text-to-Speech Engine​. NVDA converts text on the screen into speech using various built-in and external text-to-speech engines. It supports multiple languages and voices.
  • ​Braille Support​. It offers support for Braille displays, enabling users to read text in Braille.
  • ​Customizable Speech Settings​. Users can adjust speech rate, pitch, and volume to suit their preferences. They can also choose from different voices and languages.
  • ​Keyboard Navigation​. NVDA provides extensive keyboard navigation options to access and interact with various elements of the user interface, including applications, dialogs, and web content.
  • ​Web Accessibility​. It supports navigation and interaction with web pages, including reading web content, forms, and dynamic web elements. It is compatible with modern web standards and popular web browsers.
  • Document Reading​. Users can read and interact with various document types, including PDFs, Word documents, and plain text files. NVDA can also handle different document layouts and formats.
  • ​Configuration and Customization​. NVDA includes a range of settings for personalization, including options for voice settings, verbosity, and key commands. Users can also create custom scripts to tailor the screen reader to specific needs.
  • ​Add-ons and Extensions​. It supports add-ons that can extend its functionality, such as additional voices, custom scripts, or specific features for applications.
  • Support for Multiple Applications​. NVDA is compatible with a wide range of Windows applications, including Microsoft Office, web browsers, and other software.
  • Automatic Updates​. The software includes a built-in update system to ensure users have the latest features and improvements.
  • Community and Documentation​. NVDA benefits from a strong user community and extensive documentation, including tutorials, user guides, and forums for support.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
  • Open Source and Free: NVDA is freely available as open-source software, allowing users to download, use, and modify it without any cost. This makes it accessible to a wide range of users, including individuals and organizations with limited budgets.
  • Compatibility: NVDA is compatible with various versions of the Windows operating system, including Windows 7, 8, and 10. It supports popular applications such as web browsers, office suites, email clients, and more.
  • Community Support: NVDA has a large and active user community that provides support, documentation, and resources for users. This community-driven approach ensures that users can access help and assistance when needed.
  • Customization: NVDA offers extensive customization options, allowing users to adjust settings, keyboard shortcuts, speech synthesizers, and Braille display support according to their preferences and accessibility needs.
  • Regular Updates: NVDA receives regular updates and improvements from its developers, addressing bug fixes, compatibility issues, and adding new features to enhance accessibility and usability.
Cons:
  • Learning Curve: Like any screen reader, NVDA has a learning curve, especially for new users or those transitioning from other screen reader software. Users may need time to familiarize themselves with NVDA's commands, navigation, and settings.
  • Limited Support for Some Applications: While NVDA offers good compatibility with many applications, there may be occasional issues with certain programs or web content, especially with complex or non-standard interfaces.
  • Performance on Older Hardware: NVDA's performance may vary on older or low-spec hardware, leading to occasional slowdowns or responsiveness issues, particularly when running resource-intensive applications or tasks.
  • Less Advanced Features: Compared to some commercial screen readers, NVDA may offer fewer advanced features or specialized functionalities, such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition), built-in magnification, or advanced scripting capabilities.
  • Dependency on Third-Party Add-Ons: While NVDA itself is feature-rich, users may need to rely on third-party add-ons or extensions for specific functionalities or enhancements, which may require additional configuration or troubleshooting.

Resources

  • Deque has created a free Quick Reference Guide of Windows Keyboard Commands. They also created NVDA Keyboard Commands. These reference guides are useful if you are using a standard computer keyboard with a number pad. If you don't have an insert key on your keyboard, set up NVDA to use the caps lock key as the NVDA key instead of the insert key.
  • For a full list of commands, visit nvaccess.org.

ECC Instruction

The ecc
teaching strategies
compensatory skills
Concept DevelopmentAlternative CommunicationEmergent Literacy​Access Print
​Pre-Braille ​Braille Code​​​Braille Formatting
​Braillewriter​​Slate & Stylus​​Tactile Graphics​Nemeth Code​Access Classes​Abacus ​Organize​​Study Skills​Time Management​​​​Listening Skills
assistive technology
social skills
Self determination
sensory efficiency
Sensory Input
​​​Sensory Areas & Rooms​​​
​Auditory ReadinessVisual Efficiency Skills​Optical Device Instruction​Tactual Efficiency​Tactile Readiness ​
Independent Living
​ Eating & Table MannersClothing IdentificationTelephoneFood PreparationMoney & BudgetService Agencies​SafetyHygiene & GroomingPersonal HealthHousehold Skills​​Shopping & Consumerism
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
career & vocational