How do blind people use a computer, and what is a screen reader?

Imagine browsing the internet, reading emails, and writing documents without the ability to see the screen. It might seem impossible, but for millions of blind and visually impaired individuals, it’s an everyday reality. This is made possible by a remarkable piece of software called a screen reader.

A Voice for the Visually Impaired

A screen reader is essentially a software application that reads aloud the text displayed on a computer screen or mobile device. Think of it as a digital assistant that describes everything happening on the screen, from the words in a document to the icons on a website. It’s the bridge that connects blind users to the digital world.

Instead of relying on sight, screen reader users navigate using the keyboard or touch gestures. They can move between headings, paragraphs, links, and form fields, all while the screen reader vocalizes the information.

How Does it Work?

Screen readers work by accessing the underlying code of a website or application. They interpret this code and translate it into speech or Braille. This means they don’t just read the visual appearance of the screen; they understand the structure and content of the information.

For example, if a website has a link that says “Read More,” the screen reader will announce “Read More, link.” This tells the user that it’s a clickable link and what the link is about. Similarly, if there’s an image, the screen reader might read the alternative text associated with the image, providing a description of what it depicts.

It’s important to note however, screen readers cannot simply just describe images/pictures unless alt text is present, so don’t expect to send a cute cat video to your blind friend and automatically think they’ll be able to follow along with it.

Beyond Text: Navigating the Digital Landscape

Screen readers aren’t just for reading text. They can also describe the layout of a webpage, identify different types of content, and even provide information about the controls and interactive elements of an application. This allows blind users to fully interact with the digital environment.

Imagine filling out a form online. The screen reader will announce the label of each field (“Name,” “Email,” “Phone Number”) and allow the user to type in their information. It can also announce error messages if, for example, a required field is left blank.