Computer Based Screen Readers

Contents:

• General Resources for Windows Screen Readers

• ChromeVox Resources

• JAWS and Fusion Resources

• Microsoft Narrator Resources

• NVDA Resources

• VoiceOver on the Mac Resources

The resources below are not specific to any one Windows based screen reader. They contain resources and information that can be used with JAWS, NVDA, Narrator, or other screen reading technology. 

• Carroll Center for the Blind: Download the Windows Screen Reader Primmer Fourth Edition
  This digital download is comprised of three folders and one Word document. The first folder contains all chapters of the publication in ePUB format, the second folder contains those same chapters in Word format, and the final folder contains practice documents. The Word document contains all chapters of the publication in one file, which is almost 600 pages long. Note that you MUST complete a form to download the zipped folder.

• Hadley Helps: Using Outlook with a Screen Reader Series

• Hadley Helps: Using Word with a Screen Reader Series

• Hadley Helps: Getting Online with a Screen Reader Series 

• Hadley Helps: Google Docs with a Screen Reader Series

• Mystic Access: Getting Comfortable with Computers Audio Session Recording March 2024

• Perkins Paths to Technology: Prepare a Low Vision Student to Use a Screen Reader
  Though this resource does not contain information about using screen readers, it has some helpful suggestions for those needing to transition from using screen magnification software to screen reading software.

• WCBVI: Screen Reader Savvy 2024 Refresh - YouTube Playlist 

This playlist contains eight videos addressing the basics of using a Windows based screen reader. Topics include but are not limited to the differences between NVDA and JAWS screen readers, adjusting screen reader settings, basic Windows commands, word processing, and simple internet navigation. Each video in the playlist has a downloadable copy of the presentation handout. 

Support Resources from Google

• ChromeVox.com: A Dedicated Website for ChromeVox Related Help

• Interactive Tutorial: Chromebook Accessibility Features

• Use the Built-in Screen Reader: Chromebook Help

Resources and Videos from Around the Web

• APH: ChromeVox Made Easy - YouTube Webinar

• Paths to Literacy: Chromebook Basics for Students with Visual Impairments 

• WCBVI: ChromeVox: From Basics to Mastery - YouTube Playlist

• WSB: Accessibility in Chromebook - YouTube Playlist 

• WSB: Chromebook Accessibility Manual
  This .docx download from the Washington School for the Blind is a comprehensive guide to the many accessibility options, both for the blind and visually impaired as well as other accessibility features.

hromevox Lessons from Washington State School for the Blind 

Important: The following are links to downloadable .docx files. The download will start after the link is activated and proceed according to your browser's default settings. 

• Chromebook Accessibility Manual  

• CV Lesson 1 – Tar Heel Reader 

• CV Lesson 2 – Chromebook Environment 

• CV Lesson 3 – Google Drive 

• CV Lesson 4 – Google Docs 

• CV Lesson 5 – Docs Spelling Checker Dictionary

• CV Lesson 6 – Navigating the Web 

• CV Lesson 7 – Setting and Using Bookmarks 

• CV Lesson 8 – GMail 

The vast majority of the information in these resources applies to both JAWS and Fusion, however a section specific to Fusion is also included here.

For resources related to using Fusion as screen magnification, there is further information on the Zoomtext area of our resources site.

Documentation from NVDA

• NVDA Main Page

• NVDA User Guide

• Resources for Purchase from NVDA

Resources from Around the Web

• Accessibility Central: NVDA Tutorials

• Accessibility Central: NVDA with Windows 10 Basics (Note that you’ll Need to Scroll Down)

• AFB Tutorials: Learning NVDA (Links to all Lessons are in the Right Sidebar)

• GitHub Nvaccess Wikki: Social Media and Listserv Resources

• Hadley: NVDA Workshop Series (Includes Links to Four Videos)

• WCBVI Short Course Staff: NVDA Refresher Lesson Plans 

YouTube Short Videos and Playlists

• Tech Vision: Learning NVDA - YouTube Playlist

These resources cover the basics of VoiceOver on the Mac. It is not necessary to be utilizing the most recent version of Mac OS and many of these resources were written based on older versions. Unless otherwise stated, these resources can be used across OS versions.