NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
Open Source Screen Reader.
Overview
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a globally recognized, free screen reader that enables blind and vision-impaired people to use computers. It is developed by the non-profit organization NV Access. Because it is free and powerful, it has gained widespread popularity, making it an essential tool for accessibility testers to ensure compatibility alongside commercial screen readers like JAWS.
✨ Key Features
- Free and open source
- Support for popular applications including web browsers and email clients
- Built-in speech synthesizer supporting over 50 languages
- Support for refreshable Braille displays
- Portable version can run from a USB stick
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Completely free and open source.
- Large global user base, especially among individuals.
- Lightweight and can be run in a portable version.
Unique Value: Offers a high-quality, no-cost screen reader, ensuring that accessibility testing can be performed by anyone, and provides coverage for a significant and growing segment of screen reader users.
🎯 Use Cases (4)
✅ Best For
- Testing website and application compatibility with a leading open-source screen reader.
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Automated accessibility scanning.
- Testing in enterprise environments that have standardized on JAWS.
🏆 Alternatives
As a free alternative to JAWS, NVDA allows developers and organizations of all sizes to perform essential manual screen reader testing without a significant financial investment.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
💰 Pricing
Free tier: NVDA is completely free. Donations are encouraged to support development.
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