Knowra Screen reader Screen reader A screen reader is assistive software that presents digital interface content through synthesized speech, refreshable Braille, or both. It interprets interface structure so people can navigate and interact without relying on visual display.
Accessibility tree : A structured representation of interface elements and properties exposed by an operating system or browser to assistive technology. Screen readers use this representation to identify controls, labels, roles, and relationships.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines : International recommendations for making web content more perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Their requirements address content and controls that screen readers need to interpret.
JAWS (screen reader) : A commercial screen reader for Microsoft Windows, developed by Freedom Scientific. JAWS is a widely used desktop implementation with its own navigation commands.
Braille : A tactile writing system that represents letters and other symbols with raised-dot patterns. Refreshable displays use Braille as a tactile output channel for screen reader content.
Text-to-speech : Technology that converts written text into synthesized spoken output. It supplies the speech output used by many screen readers.
ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) : A set of attributes that communicates interface roles, states, and properties to assistive technologies. ARIA can expose dynamic controls and relationships that native markup does not convey.
NVDA (screen reader) : A free, open-source screen reader for Microsoft Windows. NVDA provides a freely available way to access Windows applications and web content.
Speech recognition : Technology that identifies spoken words and converts them into text or commands. It turns speech into input, whereas screen readers primarily provide output.
Refreshable Braille display : An electronic device that raises and lowers pins to display Braille characters from digital text. Screen readers can send text and navigation feedback to its tactile cells.
Semantic HTML : HTML that uses elements according to their built-in meaning and purpose. Native semantics give screen readers reliable information about page structure and controls.
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