Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning

Learning Technology Index

  

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA)

accommodation

What is it?

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) serves as a portable, free, and open-source screen reader designed for Microsoft Windows.

 

What is its purpose?

The purpose of NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) is to serve as a free and open source screen reader specifically designed for Microsoft Windows. NVDA is designed to provide accessibility for people who are blind or visually impaired by converting screen information into synthesized speech or Braille output. The software allows users to navigate and interact with various applications, including office suites, web browsers, and other software, making digital content more accessible to people with visual impairments.

How do I use it?

To get access to and use NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA), follow these steps:

  1. Download and Install:

    • Visit the official NVDA website (https://www.nvaccess.org/).
    • Navigate to the "Download" section.
    • Download the latest version of NVDA.
    • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software on your Windows computer.

 

  1. Launch NVDA:

    • Once installed, launch NVDA by double-clicking the desktop shortcut or finding it in your Start menu.

 

  1. Configure Settings:

    • NVDA may prompt you to configure settings during the first launch. Follow the setup wizard to customize preferences such as speech synthesizer, language, and keyboard shortcuts.

 

  1. Explore Basic Commands:

    • Familiarize yourself with basic NVDA commands:
      • Use arrow keys to navigate.
      • Press Insert key (Ins) to open NVDA's menu.
      • Learn other essential commands for reading text, navigating menus, and interacting with applications.

 

  1. Interact with Applications:

    • Open applications like web browsers, word processors, or email clients.
    • Navigate through the interface using NVDA commands.
    • Experiment with different applications to get accustomed to how NVDA interacts with them.

 

Why would I use it?

You might choose to use NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) for several reasons:

  1. Accessibility for Visual Impairments:

    • NVDA is specifically designed to make digital content accessible for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It converts on-screen information into synthesized speech or braille output, allowing users to navigate and interact with software and applications.

 

  1. Cost-Free Solution:

    • NVDA is a free and open-source software, making it an economical choice for individuals who may find commercial screen readers cost-prohibitive. This affordability increases access to crucial technology for users who might not have the financial means to purchase expensive assistive software.

 

  1. Open Source and Customization:

    • Being open-source, NVDA allows users to customize and adapt the software to their specific needs. The source code is available for inspection and modification, providing a level of transparency and flexibility that commercial alternatives may not offer.

 

  1. Community Support:

    • NVDA has a supportive and active community of users and developers. Online forums, documentation, and user guides are available to assist users with any questions or challenges they may encounter. This community-driven support ensures that users have access to resources and solutions.

 

  1. Regular Updates and Improvements:

    • NVDA is regularly updated, incorporating new features, enhancements, and compatibility improvements. Staying up-to-date with the latest version ensures access to the best possible functionality and support.

 

  1. Compatibility with Various Applications:

    • NVDA is compatible with a wide range of applications, including web browsers, office suites, and other software. This compatibility allows users to engage with diverse digital content, from browsing the internet to using productivity tools.

 

  1. Inclusive Computing Experience:

    • By using NVDA, individuals with visual impairments can have a more inclusive and accessible computing experience. It empowers them to independently use computers, access information, and engage in various online and offline activities.

 

Overall, NVDA serves as a valuable tool to ensure that individuals with visual impairments have equal access to information and technology, promoting independence and inclusion in the digital world.

 

Usage considerations

Ensure compatibility with essential applications and evaluate customization options based on the user's preferences. Keep track of NVDA updates for access to the latest features and improvements. Provide access to documentation and support resources to empower users in navigating potential challenges.

Quick Facts
Category
Content Delivery
Rating Level 
Demo
Website
NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA)
Last Modified
05 July 2024
Created
27 November 2023
License Available 
Yes
More Info

Security Concerns
No
Technical Support 
Vendor
Platform(s) 
Microsoft Windows

Ratings Information

CITL Rating

Select any category below for details about the criteria for each rating.

Functionality: ★★☆
Scale:
Not Applicable.Not Applicable, designed for personal use.
Ease of Use:★★★
Works Well. Works well.
Tech Support/Help Availability (for Instructors):★★☆
Minor Concerns. Minor Concerns. Technical support available is by NVDA itself.
Tech Support/Help Availability (for Students):★★☆
Minor Concerns. Minor Concerns. Technical support available is by NVDA itself.
Hypermediality :
Not Applicable.Not applicable, designed for personal use of visually impaired people.
Accessibility: ★★★
Accessibility Standards:★★★
Works Well. Works well.
User-focused participation:★★★
Works Well. Works well.
Required Equipment:★★★
Works Well. Works well.
Technical: ★★★
Integration/Embedding within a Learning Management System (LMS) :★★★
Works Well. Works well.
Operating Systems:★★☆
Minor Concerns. Minor concerns. Designed for PCs, cannot be used in MacOS.
Web Browser:★★★
Works Well. Works well.
Additional Technical Requirements:★★☆
Minor Concerns. Minor concern. The tool requires NVDA software to be downloaded.
Mobile Design: ★☆☆
Access:★☆☆
Serious Concerns. Major concern. The tool is only available on PC.
Functionality:
Not Applicable.Not applicable. The tool is only available on PC.
Offline Access:
Not Applicable.Not applicable. The tool is only available on PC.
Usage and Account Set Up: ★★★
Sign Up/Sign In:★★★
Works Well. Works well.
Cost of Use:★★★
Works Well. Works well.
Archiving, Saving, and Exporting Data :
Not Applicable. Not applicable. NVDA is designed as an accessibility tool so no data export option is availab.e
Data Privacy and Ownership:★★★
Works Well. Works well. https://www.nvaccess.org/privacy/
Social Presence: ★★★
Collaboration :
Not Applicable. Not applicable. The tool is designed for personal use.
User Accountability:
Not Applicable. Not applicable. The tool is designed for personal use.
Diffusion:★★★
Works Well. Works well.
Teaching Presence: ★★★
Facilitation:
Not Applicable. Not Applicable, designed for personal use.
Customization:★★★
Works Well. Works well.
Learning Analytics:
Not Applicable. Not Applicable, designed for personal use.
Cognitive Presence: ★★★
Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s):★★★
Works Well. Works well.
Higher Order Thinking:★★★
Works Well. Works well.
Feedback on Learning:
Not Applicable. Not Applicable, designed for personal use.

Security and Privacy

There are currently no security or privacy concerns for this tool.

Support Information

Support could be requested from NVDA's support e-mail: info@nvaccess.org

https://www.nvaccess.org/contact-us/

History

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) was initiated by Michael Curran in April 2006 as a response to the high cost of commercial screen readers. Starting with a Python-based screen reader using Microsoft SAPI, the project provided support for Microsoft Windows 2000 onwards. In late 2006, it was officially named NVDA, and in 2007, NV Access was founded by Curran and James Teh to oversee continued development. Over the years, NVDA underwent significant advancements, including touchscreen support in 2012, support for Microsoft PowerPoint in 2013, and compatibility with Windows 10 in 2015. Its global popularity soared, becoming the second-most popular screen reader globally in a 2021 survey by WebAIM. NVDA's commitment to regular updates, community engagement, and technological enhancements has made it a widely used and respected tool for individuals with visual impairments, particularly notable for its accessibility, cost-free nature and inclusivity.

 

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