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NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access)

by | Nov 2, 2023 | Screen Readers | 0 comments

Overview

NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access) is a free and open-source screen reader for Microsoft Windows. It provides feedback via synthetic speech and braille, and it enables blind or vision impaired people to access computers running Windows for no more cost than a sighted person.

NVDA is developed by NV Access, with contributions from the community. It is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), and it is available for download from the NV Access website.

NVDA is a full-featured screen reader that supports a wide range of applications, including:

  • Web browsers
  • Email clients
  • Office suites
  • Productivity apps
  • Media players
  • Games
  • And more

NVDA also supports a variety of input devices, including keyboards, mice, and braille displays.

NVDA is a powerful tool that can help blind or vision impaired people to use computers independently and productively. It is easy to use and customize, and it is regularly updated with new features and bug fixes.

Key features of NVDA

  • Support for a wide range of applications and input devices
  • Natural-sounding synthetic speech
  • Comprehensive braille support
  • Customizable keyboard shortcuts
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Regular updates with new features and bug fixes

NVDA is a popular choice for blind and vision impaired computer users. It is free, open-source, and feature-rich. If you are looking for a screen reader for Windows, NVDA is a great option to consider.

Benefits of using NVDA:

  • It is free and open-source, so you can use it without having to purchase a license.
  • It is regularly updated with new features and bug fixes.
  • It is supported by a large and active community of users and developers.
  • It is compatible with a wide range of applications and input devices.
  • It is customizable to meet your individual needs and preferences.

Working with NVDA

Starting NVDA:

  • Install and launch NVDA on your computer. You can download it from the NV Access website.

Basic Navigation Commands:

  • Arrow Keys: Use the arrow keys (up, down, left, right) to navigate through various elements on the screen, such as text, buttons, links, and menus.

Interacting with Elements:

  • To interact with an element, such as opening a folder on the desktop or activating a button, press the Enter key. This will perform the default action for the selected item.
  • To read the content of an element (e.g., a document or a web page), press the NVDA key (usually the Insert key) along with the Down Arrow.

Reading the Entire Screen:

  • To have NVDA read the entire screen, press NVDA key + Down Arrow + Down Arrow.

Navigating Windows and Applications:

  • To switch between open applications, press Alt + Tab.
  • To switch between open windows in the same application, press Ctrl + Tab.
  • To close an application or window, use Alt + F4.

Customizing NVDA:

  • NVDA offers extensive customization options. You can configure speech settings, keyboard shortcuts, and more in the NVDA settings menu.

Getting Help:

  • Press NVDA key + N to open the NVDA menu, then select “Help” for access to documentation and additional resources.
  • Insert or NVDA key (usually Caps Lock if not customized) + Down Arrow: Read current line or element.
  • Tab and Shift + Tab: Navigate between focusable elements.
  • NVDA key + Spacebar: Toggle NVDA speech on/off.
  • NVDA key + S: Open the NVDA settings menu.

Advanced NVDA Commands:

  • NVDA Key + S: Open the NVDA settings dialog, where you can customize speech, keyboard shortcuts, and more.
  • NVDA Key + P: Open the NVDA Preferences dialog, where you can configure various settings related to speech and behavior.
  • NVDA Key + T: Toggle the NVDA review cursor, which allows you to navigate and interact with web content or documents more precisely.
  • NVDA Key + Numpad 2: Start the NVDA OCR (Optical Character Recognition) function, which can be used to read text from images or inaccessible PDFs.
  • NVDA Key + F7: Open the Elements List, a tool that provides a structured list of elements on the current page for easier navigation.
  • NVDA Key + 1-6: Change the speech rate on the fly. “1” is the slowest, and “6” is the fastest.
  • NVDA Key + G: Open the “Say All” dialog, which allows you to have NVDA read the entire document or webpage continuously.

Accessing NVDA Settings

  • Press the NVDA key (usually Caps Lock) + N to open the NVDA menu.
  • Navigate to “Preferences” and press Enter to access various settings.

Common NVDA Settings:

  • General Settings: Adjust settings related to voice, braille, and keyboard.
  • Speech Settings: Customize voice parameters such as rate, pitch, and volume.
  • Keyboard Settings: Configure keyboard shortcuts, input gestures, and review cursor options.
  • Braille Settings: Customize braille display settings if you are using a braille device.
  • Document Formatting: Customize how NVDA interacts with formatted documents.
  • Web Browsing: Configure web-related settings like links, tables, and ARIA landmarks.
  • Synthesizer: Choose and configure the speech synthesizer.