Screen Readers
We support the use of a wide range of assistive technologies to help users navigate and access our website more effectively. Below are some of the free tools available across different platforms.
Screen readers are software tools that read aloud the text on a screen and help people who are blind or visually impaired navigate websites, documents, and applications. They work by interpreting what is displayed and converting it into speech or Braille.
Based on guidance from AbilityNet, the following are the most widely used free screen readers, all of which are either built into common devices or freely available for download:
| Screen Reader | Platform | Best Used With | Overview |
| NVDA | Windows | Firefox or Chrome | A popular and powerful open-source screen reader for Windows. Frequently used in public and voluntary sectors. |
| Narrator | Built into Windows | Microsoft Edge | Comes pre-installed on all Windows devices and offers basic screen reading features without additional software. |
| VoiceOver | macOS and iOS (iPhone, iPad) | Safari | Integrated into all Apple devices. Offers robust screen reading functionality for desktop and mobile users. |
| TalkBack | Android smartphones and tablets | Chrome on Android | Built into Android’s accessibility settings, enables users to interact with spoken feedback and touch gestures. |
Further guidance on screen readers is available here: An Introduction to Screen Readers – AbilityNet
An Easy Read factsheet can be found here: Screen Reader Factsheet (Easy Read)