Screen readers are a type of software that lets those who are blind or have low vision or a visual disability to interact with applications, like web browsers. This includes desktop and mobile platforms.
Screen readers perform two primary functions:
- They give access to the on-screen display through:
- Voice output.
- A refreshable Braille display.
- Magnification.
- They replace the mouse and make interaction with an app or website easier. They use a robust set of keyboard command or touch gestures if used on a mobile device with a touch screen.
Desktop screen readers read left to right, top to bottom. Some websites have elements that screen readers can’t interpret.
Accessibility support
Xfinity customers who use accessibility services have access to a special support team through the Accessibility Support Center for Customers with Disabilities. This includes support for closed captioning (CC), audio description, Voice Guidance, and more.
Screen readers that work with Xfinity products
Xfinity products are tested with the latest versions of:
- Job Access With Speech (JAWS) and Nonvisual Desktop Access (NVDA) on Windows.
- VoiceOver on Mac.
For mobile apps, we recommend you use the latest versions of:
- VoiceOver on iOS devices.
- TalkBack on Android devices.
For the best results, we recommend you have the latest version of your preferred screen reader installed at all times.
JAWS
A licensed screen reader for Windows, letting users change output to either text-to-speech or Braille displays. It includes a mode specifically designed for use with web browsers.
Support for JAWS is available at: freedomscientific.com/support.asp.
NVDA
A free, open source screen reader for Windows. NVDA provides support for popular applications such as:
- Web browsers.
- Email clients.
- Internet chat software.
- Music players.
- Office programs, like Microsoft Word and Excel.
Support for NVDA is available at nvaccess.org/get-help.
VoiceOver
The screen reader that comes preinstalled on iOS devices and Mac computers.
Support for VoiceOver is available at support.apple.com/guide/voiceover/welcome/mac.
TalkBack
The screen reader included with Android Devices.
Support for TalkBack is available at support.google.com/accessibility/android.
