Using screen readers
Screen readers and related assistive technologies are used by some people with visual impairments to access information on the Internet. This brief guide outlines what they are, how they support people with visual impairments and how to access them on laptops, desktops and mobile phones or in the case of other associated assistive technologies where to find more information from providers.
This brief information guide is intended to provide information to health and care professionals as well as patients or members of the public using RDS web and mobile apps who may or may not have sight loss.
The list of external providers is not exhaustive and should be used for reference only, their inclusion is not necessarily an endorsement of their product for any individuals use, that depends on advice from support professionals and personal preference.
What are screen readers, and how do they work?
Screen readers are a useful aid for people with visual impairment. They are part of a range of tools available, others being magnifiers, colour filters and display options.
Screen readers work by converting text (and images) displayed on the screen into spoken word that can be varied in speed or language by adjusting the settings of the selected screen reader. These are built into most recent operating systems for desktops, laptops and mobile phones as standard. For instance, computers running Windows 10 and above get the benefit of the in-built screen reader software Narrator. Most modern Android and Apple mobile phones and tablets will also have in-built screen reader software.
Some screen readers are used in conjunction with Braille typepads. Live Text on iPhones, Live Transcribe on android and Google Lens allow for text when selecting a photograph or image to be readable by devices also.
Braille-inclusive typepads include keyboards with large lettering and Braille, or Braille overlays for keyboards, etc. Braille-display keyboards are another aid, these are connected to a laptop or computer and available via a range of suppliers such as the RNIB, VisionAid, and Humanware as examples.
How does the Right Decision Service support people with visual impairment and use of screen readers?
The Right Decision Service technology platform is built in line with international accessibility standards (WCAG AA) which ensure support for screen readers. In addition, the content managers and editors who upload content to the Right Decision Service are required to adhere to a standard operating procedure which sets out key legislative requirements for accessibility of content on public sector websites and mobile resources.
Laptops and desktops (Windows 10 and above)
- To set up a screen reader from a laptop or desktop running Windows 10 or above:
- Go to the Start button of your laptop (the icon at the bottom left of your screen), scroll down and choose Settings. Scroll down to Narrator, Narrator can be toggled on or off, and start-up options can be selected for ease of use from this screen also.
- Or, type accessibility into the laptop or computer search function (bottom left of the screen once you press the magnifying glass image, it is usually next to the start icon).
Mobile phones and tablets
Mobile phones also have screen readers – the general advice is to go to accessibility in settings just as for laptops and computers to find them (TalkBack on Android and VoiceOver on iPhone), or choose from one of many within the app store on the phone.
Some people with limited hand mobility may find using screen readers problematic when they require the use of multiple fingers at any one time. This can be often overcome with Read-aloud options, font size in certain circumstances and magnifier options once they are set up on laptops or mobile phones as outlined above. Use of other adaptive aids such as keyboard or mouse alternatives or adaptations can be found on websites such as AbilityNet, Inclusive Technology, Focus on Disability, or Better Living Through Technology.
More information
The RNIB have a range of guides and help available, for example:
https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/assistive-aids-and-technology/phones-and-tablets/
https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/assistive-aids-and-technology/computers/
the RNIB can offer support and advice on living with sight loss