Screen Reading & Low Vision Technology

Screen Reading Software

JAWS (Windows)

JAWS or Job Access With Speech was developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications on your Windows PC. You will be able to navigate the Internet, write a document, read an email and create presentations from your office, remote desktop, or from home.

JAWS software is available to users through the NCSU Software Portal

NVDA (Windows)

NVDA is a free or donationware screen reading software available for Windows PCs. You can download it directly from NV ACCESS. Training Videos are available through the American Foundation for the Blind: Learn NVDA.

VoiceOver (Mac & IOS devices)

VoiceOver is a native screenreader available on Mac and iOS devices. VoiceOver is a built-in screen reader that describes aloud what appears on your computer screen: it speaks the text that’s in documents and windows. To turn on VoiceOver, press Command-F5. When VoiceOver is on, you can use VoiceOver commands to navigate and interact with items on the screen. Apple VoiceOver User Guide

Magnification

All devices have tools to make looking at your device easier on your eyes.

Blue Light Filters

Blue light filters can help to reduce eye strain. Most devices have blue-lift filtering options available. Windows and Mac have their own blue light filters and there are a number of third-party apps available as well.

If you would like more information on AT for Blindness or Low Vision, please email accessiblity@ncsu.edu .