#Best screen reader 2016 full

The first screen reading application was released back in 1986 and it was developed by Jim Thatcher for the employees at IBM suffering with low vision. For example, Microsoft provides their own API called Microsoft Active Accessibility (MSAA) for developers to help them create applications for users with low or no vision. The main objective of any screen reader is to help visually impaired individuals to navigate the interface by providing information about the toolbar, various shortcut icon on desktop, menus, dialog boxes, individual files, folders, etc.Įvery screen reading application works closely with operating system and utilises their API to understand various aspects of applications installed on it.

These applications come bundled with an operating system or can be downloaded from third-party sites. What Are Screen Readers?Ī screen reader is a software application designed and programmed to help visually impaired people to perform various tasks on their computer system.

are investing millions in developing and maintaining applications called screen readers to help navigate, use and harness the full capabilities of their smart phones, devices and computers. Many companies including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Samsung, etc. Thankfully, technology is one area where significant improvements have been made over the past decade to improve usability, productivity and experience of visually impaired individuals. Although there has been ongoing research and development to find ways to give blind people new vision, the success rate has been quite low. Well, that didn’t work so well, did it?įortunately, there are people who understand the problems faced by people with visual impairments in their daily lives. It is not difficult for anyone to imagine how difficult it would be to have a visual impairment.ĭo you want to experience the challenge yourself? Just close your eyes and try to navigate your social media stream or even navigate out of your room.

The very idea of losing your eyesight seems dreadful.

#Best screen reader 2016 full