Screen reader software

Hal

Hal is a screen reader from Dolphin. It works with Windows, and comes with a choice of synthetic voices with adjustable settings. Hal supports a wide range of Braille displays, and also has screen magnification capability.

Job Access With Speech (Jaws)

Jaws is a screen reader from Freedom Scientific, sold by RNIB in the UK. It comes with a range of synthetic voices, with adjustable settings including speed, tone and accent. Jaws supports most common Windows applications, and can be scripted to support alternative programmes. It supports a wide range of Braille displays.

Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA)

NVDA is a free screen reader from the NVDA Project. It comes with a choice of synthetic voices with adjustable settings, and supports more than 20 different languages. NVDA works with Windows and has excellent support for many popular applications. It supports a range of refreshable Braille displays, and it's portable which means it can be run from a USB stick on any computer.

Thunder

Thunder is a free screen reader from Screenreader.net. It works with Windows, and has basic support for many common Microsoft applications.

Windows XP Narrator

Narrator is a free screen reader that comes with Windows XP. It comes with a limited choice of voices, and provides access to some Microsoft applications, including menus and dialogues.
To start Narrator in Windows XP:

  1. Open the Start Menu.
  2. Select Programs.
  3. Select Accessories.
  4. Select Accessibility.
  5. Select Narrator.

Windows 7 Narrator

Narrator is a free screen reader that comes as part of Windows 7. It comes with a limited range of voices, and suports many common Microsoft applications, including menus and dialogues.
To start Narrator in Windows 7:

  1. Open the Start Menu.
  2. Select All programs.
  3. Select Accessories.
  4. Select Ease of Access.
  5. Select Narrator.

VoiceOver

VoiceOver is a free screen reader that comes with Mac OS X. It comes with a range of synthetic voices with adustable settings, and supports several different languages. VoiceOver supports a wide range of refreshable Braille displays, and has good support for many common Mac applications.

Window Eyes

Window Eyes is a screen reader from GW Micro, sold by Forcetenco in the UK. It comes with a choice of synthetic voices, and supports a wide range of refreshable Braille displays. Window Eyes supports many popular applications, and can be scripted to support additional programmes.