What is Accessibility Screen Reader Definition?

A screen reader is a vital tool for individuals who are blind or have visual impairments, allowing them to interact with computers and access digital content in the same way as sighted individuals. At its core, a screen reader is a software program that converts text on a computer screen into spoken words or braille output.

Using a screen reader, users can instruct the synthesizer to perform various tasks. For instance, they can request that the synthesizer read a specific word, line of text, or entire screen. They can also ask the screen reader to find a particular string of text on the screen, announce the location of their cursor or focused item, and more.

Users typically send commands to the screen reader by pressing different combinations of keys on their computer keyboard or braille display. This allows them to instruct the speech synthesizer what to say and when to speak automatically in response to changes occurring on the computer screen.

In essence, a screen reader acts as an interface between the computer's operating system, its applications, and the user. It enables blind or visually impaired individuals to access digital information, communicate with others, and perform various tasks independently.

By providing a means of accessing digital content through spoken words or braille output, screen readers have revolutionized the way people who are blind or visually impaired interact with technology. With this technology, they can participate fully in the digital world, just like anyone else.

Accessibility screen reader definition