Users with cognitive impairments may also use screen readers, along with people who have motor disabilities. Digital screens, in particular, can create challenges for some people, especially if the website uses challenging fonts or colors that don’t contrast. Screen readers are also useful for people who have learning and reading disabilities.

However, there are other audiences that benefit from these devices. They provide an auditory alternative to reading a traditional web page. Screen readers are primarily used for people who are blind. The screen reader can be a text-to-speech system where content is presented audibly through speakers or headphones, or a braille configuration, where one or two sentences are presented over time with a refreshable display. What is a screen reader?Ī screen reader is a system that takes information from a digital page and presents it in a way that blind or visually impaired users can engage with. For users who are blind or have low vision, navigating the internet can be a challenge if content is not presented in an accessible format, even with a screen reader. However, some devices and apps are easier for people with disabilities to navigate than others. The rise of digital technology has helped people from all backgrounds connect in new and unique ways. By Amanda Dodge Published February 12, 2022

Blind accessibility screen reader