Screen Reader For Mac

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Best Mac OS X Screen Reader: Apple VoiceOver Also available on iOS, VoiceOver is Apple’s free screen-reading solution made for Mac OS X, and it’s probably one of the best on this list. In addition to having very deep, OS-level integration, VoiceOver also has features like braille support and functions tailored specifically to Mac hardware. A screen reader is an essential piece of software for a blind or visually impaired person. Simply put, a screen reader transmits whatever text is displayed on the computer screen into a form that a visually impaired user can process (usually tactile, auditory or a combination of both).

Screen readers are a form of assistive technology.

Current screen readers[edit]

Screen readerCreatorSupported platformsLicenseNotes
BRLTTYThe BRLTTY Team*nix, Windows console, DOS, AndroidFree and open source (GPL2)Available to download; part of most Linux distributions
ChromeVoxGoogleChrome OS or, with a speech processor, Linux, Mac, WindowsFreeChromeVox is a screen reader for Chrome and Chrome OS.
COBRABAUM RetecWindowsCommercialSupports Microsoft Active Accessibility (MSAA) and the Java Access Bridge.
EdbrowseKarl Dahlke*nix consoleFree and open sourceMakes a complete audio desktop, including web access with JavaScript support.
EmacspeakT. V. RamanEmacs (on *nix)Free and open sourceTurns Emacs into a 'complete audio desktop'.
iZoomIssistWindowsCommercialScreen magnifier with low-vision speech capabilities. Includes support for Mozilla Firefox.
JAWSFreedom ScientificWindows and DOSCommercial for Windows; freeware for DOSIncludes support for MSAA, the Java Access Bridge, and PDF.
LingspeakLingitWindowsCommercialA visual screen reader, which highlights the object and text being read. Supports MSAA, Java Access Bridge (OpenOffice), per line reading from Win32 classes 'Edit'(Notepad) and 'RichEdit'(Wordpad), MS Word. UIA and IAccessible2 is being worked on. One-month trial version available.
MAGicFreedom ScientificWindowsCommercialSpeech magnifier with low-vision speech capabilities. It can be used together with JAWS.
MetalmouthEvaluera Ltd.All that run Chrome browserFree and open source (Apache 2.0)metalmouth is a simplified open source screen-reader application which can be used to read out any HTML5 web pages and interact with most HTML5 input controls. It also supports multi-tab navigation.
Microsoft NarratorMicrosoftWindowsCommercialBundled with recent versions of Windows, this basic screen reader makes use of MSAA.
MicrosurfMicrosurfAll that run Chrome browserFreeMicrosurf is a screen reader for Chrome
NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA)NonVisual Desktop Access projectWindowsFree and open source (GPL2)Programmed and scriptable in Python. Supports Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Word, Excel and Outlook Express, and Mozilla Thunderbird. Supports web content using JavaScript. Supports Java Access Bridge. IAccessible2 is supported.
OrcaGNOME*nixFree and open source ( LGPL 2.1)The development of Orca was started by Sun Microsystems as part of the GNOME project with contributions from many community members, but since Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems in 2010, Orca turned into a completely community-driven project. It supports AT-SPI, so it works with the GNOME desktop, Mozilla Firefox/Thunderbird, OpenOffice/LibreOffice and GTK+, KDE/Qt and Java Swing/SWT applications. Though it is developed by the GNOME project, it is the most popular screen reader for Unix like systems with graphical environments other than GNOME, like KDE or Unity.
PC-TalkerKochi System DevelopmentWindowsCommercialJapanese screen reader. Supports MSAA and Flash[1]
PCVozEzHermaticWindowsCommercialAvailable to buy or download trial. Supports MSAA.
ScreenReader (formerly Supernova)Dolphin Computer AccessWindowsCommercialIncludes a screen magnifier and output to Braille devices. 30 day Free Trial available for download. Supports MSAA, the Java Access Bridge, and PDF.
Simply TalkerEcoNet InternationalWindowsCommercialTrial download available.
SpeakEasy Media SystemNDUWindowsCommercialSpecialized suite of vocalized programs designed for ease of use
SUSE-BlinuxNovellLinuxFree and open source
System AccessSerotekWindowsCommercialTrial download available. Supports Microsoft Internet Explorer (including DHTML/Ajax and Flash), Outlook Express, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Skype, and Adobe Reader. No support for Java yet.
TalkBack[2]GoogleAndroid 1.6+Open SourceUse with SoundBack and kickback
TalkButton[3]Upward Spiral SoftwareMacCommercialTalkButton works together with Microsoft Word to create an extensive text-to-speech environment. Features include highlighting of spoken text and keyboard echo. Trial version available.
Text to Speech[4]SpeakComputers.comWindowsFreeware
  • A free program that converts written text into spoken words or even written text into MP3 files.
  • Seven programs: Text to speech: Reader, Web browser, Mini Clipboard reader, Image Presentation, Appointment Reminder, Speaking Clock, Parental Controls
Thunder ScreenReaderSensory SoftwareWindowsFreewareLast update 2015[5]. Supports MSAA.
Virtual VisionMicroPowerWindowsCommercialBrazilian screen reader. Supports MSAA.
VoiceOverApple Inc.Mac OS X, iPhone, iPad, iPods, and Apple TVFree, CommercialFree and included with any Apple product. No installation or setup required. Available in over 30 language voices, which are also included for free. See Apple Accessibility [6] for more information.
WebAnywhereUniversity of WashingtonWebFree and Open Source (new BSD)Doesn't require any software installation to run so can be used at any public terminal that has sound available - works on any platform.
WinZoomClarityWindowsCommercialScreen reader with magnifier. USB version does not require any installation and can be used on any public computer.
Screen Access for AllNational Association for the Blind, New DelhiWindowsOpen sourceLast update: 2004
ZoomTextAi SquaredWindowsCommercialIncludes a screen magnifier. Trial download available.
Screen readerCreatorSupported platformsLicenseNotes

Unfinished Screenreader Projects[edit]

Screen readerCreatorSupported platformsLicenseNotes
ScreenfulScreenful TeamWindowsOpen sourceConcept is done. Due to problems finding skilled developers, the project is idling
The Longhorn Screen Reader ProjectOSSRP TeamWindows VistaOpen sourceConcept ideas have been made. Latest news said that the project had not succeeded. Whether or not they will continue or let it die is not known at the moment.
Apple Pie ProjectSimnix SoftwareWindows Phone 7 & 8Open source https://web.archive.org/web/20100109011430/http://applepie.codeplex.com/To help blind and partially sighted people to use a Windows Phone.

Discontinued and/or obsoleted screen readers[edit]

Screen readerCreatorSupported platformsLicenseNotes
95ReaderSSCTWindowsCommercialJapanese screen reader; latest version (ver. 6.0, release date unknown) has specific support for Internet Explorer 6 and Macromedia Flash 6 [7], so seems obsolete and its availability seems unlikel
ASAP (Automatic Screen Access Program)[8]MicroTalkDosCommercial
ASAW (Automatic Screen Access for Windows)[9]MicroTalkWindowsCommercial
BlindowsBAUM Retec (formerly Audiodata)WindowsCommercialSubstituted by COBRA
DRACULA familyEurobrailleWindowsCommercial
Enable Reader Professional Speech SystemEnable Talking SoftwareDOSUncertain
Enhanced PC Talking ProgramComputer ConversationsDOSUncertain
Fire VoxCharles L. ChenAll that ran Firefox browser up to version 3.6Free and open sourceFor browsing with Firefox only (plugin), is not compatible with Firefox 3.6 or newer, that made it obsolete long ago
GnopernicusGNOME*nixFree and open source (LGPL 2)It was developed by BAUM Engineering, a partner company of Baum Retec AG. Used to be bundled with GNOME, but it was replaced by Orca in GNOME 2.16. Included a screen magnifier. It supported AT-SPI.
HALDolphin Computer AccessWindows, DOSCommercialWindows version was superseded by Supernova (later renamed to ScreenReader)
HT ReaderHT VisualWindowsCommercialIncluded support for MSAA and PDF. Disappeared from the price list of HT Visual [10], absolutely no other sign of it being available
Leitor de TelasMC / CPqDWindowsFreeBrazilian Portuguese screen reader. MSAA support. Latest info about it is from December 2007 [11]
Linux Screen Reader (LSR)GNOME*nixFree and open source (New BSD License)It was an alternative screen reader to Orca led by IBM started in 2006. However, it was ceased in 2007 when IBM focused their resources in other projects.[12] It supported AT-SPI.
LookOUTChoice TechnologyWindowsCommercialWas also available integrated with a screen magnifier. Last mention of it is from 2003. [13]
Mobile SpeakCode FactorySymbian OS, Windows MobileCommercialFull-fledged screen readers and Braille interfaces that let you access your mobile phone. One-month trial version available. The discontinuation of Simbian in 2013 and of Windows Mobile in 2010 made it obsolete.
Model T ReaderDolphin Computer AccessDOSFreeware
Pocket HalDolphin Computer AccessWindows Mobile PDA and PDA PhonesCommercial
PROVOXKansys, Inc.DOSUncertain
Screen ReaderResearch Centre for the Education of the Visually Handicapped (RCEVH)BBC Micro and NEC portable
Screen Reader/2IBMOS/2Commercial
Smart HalDolphin Computer AccessWindows Mobile and WM SmartphoneCommercial
Soft VertTeleSensory SystemsDOSCommercial
Talks & Zooms [14]Nuance CommunicationsSymbian OS Series 60 3rd and 5th Ed and Simbian^3CommercialPresentation and free Trial Version to be found on the site. The discontinuation of Simbian OS in 2013 made this obsolete.
TeleTenderTeleTender.orgAll Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, iPhone, iPad, iPods, Windows, Android etc.FreeTeleTender is a voice communication platform for sight impaired people, embedded with a cloud based screen reader. Users can interact with any web pages on the internet by issuing voice commands over the phone. To use it, just dial one of its access numbers.
TinytalkOMS DevelopmentDOS and perhaps WindowsShareware
VirgoBAUM Retec AGWindowsCommercialSubstituted by COBRA.
Window BridgeSyntha-voice Computers (now out of business)WindowsCommercial
Window-EyesGW Micro (merged with AI Squared in 2014, [15] acquired by VFO Group, later Vispero, in 2016[16])WindowsCommercialAs of 2017, no longer available for sale.
WinVisionArtic TechnologiesWindowsCommercialNot officially discontinued, but there has been no further release since 1997.
Screen readerCreatorSupported platformsLicenseNotes

Software aids for people with reading difficulties[edit]

  • Automatik Text Reader from Davide Baldini (Firefox extension)
  • BrowseAloud from Texthelp Systems Inc
  • Capture Assistant from Renovation Software
  • ClaroRead from Claro Software
  • Claro ScreenRuler Suite from Claro Software
  • ClickHear[17] from gh LLC
  • ClickHear Mobile[18] from gh LLC
  • ClipSpeak[19] (last update: 2009) from Daniel Innala Ahlmark
  • EasyTutor from Dolphin Computer Access
  • EnVision: basic multi-featured Windows accessibility tool
  • Kurzweil 1000 (for the visually impaired) and Kurzweil 3000-firefly (for those with reading or writing difficulty) from Kurzweil Educational Systems
  • Penfriend from Penfriend Ltd
  • Proloquo from AssistiveWare
  • ReadHear[20] from gh LLC
  • ReadSpeaker from ReadSpeaker Holding B.V.
  • Read & Write from TextHelp Systems
  • ReadPlease from ReadPlease Corporation [21]
  • Read:OutLoud from Don Johnston, Inc.
  • Screen Reader from SourceBinary.com (no longer available, latest trial version can be obtained from other download sites)
  • SodelsCot[22] from Sodels Factory
  • TextAloud from NextUp.com
  • Ultra Hal TTS Reader from Zabaware, Inc.
  • VoiceText from Neospeech, Inc.
  • yRead from Spacejock Software

References[edit]

  1. ^Bob Regan, Best Practices for Accessible Flash Design (PDF)Archived 2007-03-23 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^TalkBack: An Open Source Screenreader For Android
  3. ^Talkbutton.net
  4. ^Speakcomputers.com
  5. ^https://www.webbie.org.uk/blog/end-of-the-thunder-screenreader/
  6. ^Apple Accessibility
  7. ^95Reader ver 6.0 product information page (in Japanese)
  8. ^Wael Zakareya
  9. ^Kenneth Frasse, GUI Access: A Comparison of Screen-Readers (Part I), Access Review (Summer 1997)
  10. ^HT Visual price list (in Czech)
  11. ^Leitor de telas has become freely downloadable from the homepage of the Ministry for Communication of Brasil (in Portuguese)
  12. ^'Status of IBM a11y'. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  13. ^Lookout screen reader information page
  14. ^Talks & Zooms product homepage
  15. ^'Ai Squared And GW Micro Merge Forces'. Retrieved Apr 16, 2019.
  16. ^'Breaking: VFO Group, owners of Freedom Scientific and Optelec, Acquires AI Squared'. Retrieved Apr 16, 2019.
  17. ^ClickHear
  18. ^ClickHear Mobile
  19. ^Clipspeak.codeplex.com
  20. ^ReadHear
  21. ^Ross, Ian (1 May 2004). 'Software developer builds on artificial intelligence'. Northern Ontario Business. Archived from the original on 13 October 2018. Retrieved 13 October 2018 – via Highbeam.Cite uses deprecated parameter dead-url= (help)
  22. ^Sodels.com
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_screen_readers&oldid=892719734'

Hi Owen,


To the best of my knowledge, you cannot use Jaws on OS X, as I believe it is Windows only software. However, both the MacBook and iPad come with a built in screen reader called VoiceOver.

Mac - http://www.apple.com/accessibility/osx/voiceover/

iPad- http://www.apple.com/accessibility/ios/voiceover/


You can configure the built in zoom feature to magnify the entire screen on both devices. Also, VoiceOver can be used at the same time as zoom.

You need to download the CBZ from the website. Cbr reader linux. You can also see How To Install CBZ Reader? You can run the setup program which installs the software within a few minutes.

Screen Reader On Mac Word


The 17in MacBook Pro is no longer made, but there is a 15in Macbook Pro. I would suggest going to a store to look at the different screen sizes in person, so you can see what works best for you. The specs of the Mac you need will depend on what you plan to do with it. Some colleges also publish computer guidelines and recommended configurations on their website.

Screen Reader For Blind


Nvda Screen Reader For Mac

-AJ

Screen Reader App For Mac

Apr 13, 2016 2:36 PM