The Open Source Screen Reader NVDA
Yesterday I downloaded the Open Source Screen Reader NVDA (see:
https://www.nvaccess.org/). I need a fully functional screen reader to enable me to undertake detailed accessibility evaluations. However, the challenge now is that I have to learn to drive it properly. That will be a steep learning curve for a week or so. In the past I have used the JAWS screen reader for such tests becasue when I was at the Open University we had a site license for this. However I have decided to convert to NVDA in part becasue I support their Open Source ethos whereby they offer their screenreader to any blind person worldwide for free. While Freedon Scientific's JAWS screen reader (see:
https://store.freedomscientific/) is an excellent product it is prohibitivly expensive for some disabled people. A perpetual licensense for the home costs upwards from $1000 in the USA. As I plan to use NVDA for accessibility evaluations I am paid to undertake I made a donation to NV Access the Australian organisation that develops and supports it.