Whilst most screen readers work by having a synthetic voice that reads text aloud, others can also communicate data via a refreshable braille display. While the most basic screen readers will not help blind users navigate a computer, those with additional features can give people with visual impairment much more independence. Simply put, a screen reader transmits whatever text is displayed on the computer screen into a form that a visually impaired user can process (usually tactile, auditory or a combination of both). Essential Software: A Screen ReaderĪ screen reader is an essential piece of software for a blind or visually impaired person. Now a range of software is available that can help to make using a computer an easier, more enjoyable and more productive experience for blind or visually impaired users.įor in-depth insights on accessibility, we recommend the online course on Accessibility at the Interaction Design Foundation. Just close your eyes and you will instantly experience that even processing text is impossible – or impossible without additional software at least. So it's better if you turn Narrator off or disable it, then there's no chance it might interfere with the working of the new apps.It is not difficult for a sighted person to imagine how being blind or visually impaired could make using a computer difficult. Secondly, you or your loved one have used it and don't like the voices available in Narrator-even new natural voice options that Microsoft has added.Īnd if you don't like the Narrator voices, you would want to try out a few alternate apps with other voices and more features. But it might get activated mistakenly by its default shortcut keys while you're in the middle of something important. Firstly, you or anyone in your family doesn't use it.

However, there can be many reasons to turn off this app. Though, it can be used by anyone as it has many configuration options. The Narrator reads and interacts with the text on the PC screen, like text and buttons, so it can help people who are blind or have low vision to use the computer without a mouse. Narrator on Windows 11 has become easier and better to use, thanks to significant feature upgrades. It is part of Microsoft's initiative to make Windows accessible to people with disabilities. The Narrator app is the default screen-reading app that comes built into your Windows PC. What Is the Narrator App and Why Should You Turn It Off?

Windows accessibility screen reader