What is NVDA?
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free, open-source screen reader for Windows. It provides spoken and Braille feedback to help blind and visually impaired users interact with their computers.
NVDA reads out text, buttons, menus, and other elements on the screen, making it a valuable tool for accessibility, especially for those who need more advanced support than built-in options like Microsoft Narrator.
It works well with most Windows applications, including web browsers, email clients, and Microsoft Office.
How to Use NVDA
Starting NVDA
- Keyboard shortcut: Press Ctrl + Alt + N to launch NVDA
- Once active, it will begin reading the screen immediately
- To stop NVDA, press Caps Lock + Q
Basic Navigation
- Press Caps Lock + Down Arrow to read all content on the screen
- Press Tab and Shift + Tab to move between interactive elements like buttons and links
- Press Enter to activate selected items.
Customisation
- Open the NVDA menu by pressing Caps Lock + N
- From there, you can adjust speech rate, change voices, enable highlighting, and open the Speech Viewer to see what NVDA is reading.
Browser Compatibility:
NVDA works best with the Chrome and Firefox browsers, though it also supports Microsoft Edge.
Testing and Accessibility:
- NVDA is commonly used to test web accessibility. It announces headings, links, buttons, and alt text for images.
- It can be run from a USB stick without installation, making it portable and flexible.
Further assistance
For more comprehensive user guides and information visit the NVDA help pages.