NVDA For Beginners

              Navigating a computer as a visually impaired person can be challenging, but screen readers have empowered millions of users worldwide. Nonvisual Desktop Access (NVDA) is a free, open-source screen reader designed to make technology accessible to all. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk through the history of NVDA, compare it with JAWS (another popular screen reader), and introduce you to helpful commands for getting started.

A Brief History

              NVDA was created in 2006 by Michael Curran and James Teh, two blind programmers from Australia who believed that access to assistive technology should not come with a high price tag. At the time, screen readers were expensive, making it difficult for many users to afford accessible technology. These programmers founded the non-profit organization NV Access, and NVDA quickly became known for its accessibility, it’s free!), and constant improvements based on community feedback.

Today, NVDA is used globally and is known for supporting multiple languages and numerous applications. NVDA is compatible with popular programs like Microsoft Office, web browsers, email clients, and more, allowing people with visual impairments to fully interact with their computers independently.

Comparing NVDA With JAWS

              JAWS (Job Access with Speech) is another well-established screen reader that has been widely used since its early release in the early 1990s. Here are some notable differences between NVDA and JAWS:

• NVDA: Free and open-source, with optional donations encouraged to support continued development.

• JAWS: Users are required to pay for a full license.

• NVDA: Designed for Windows, with support for Microsoft Office, Edge, Firefox, Chrome, and various other applications.

• JAWS is also Windows-focused, but it has extensive integration with corporate software and is commonly used in professional environments.

• NVDA: Supports numerous add-ons through its add-on store, enabling users to extend functionality, tailor settings, and add features.

• JAWS is also highly customizable with scripts, which many organizations use to optimize software accessibility in specific environments.

• NVDA is community-driven with an active forum, online resources, and trainings which can be purchased through NV Access.

• JAWS offers official support such as free trainings, and the built-in FS Reader, and also has a strong community.

–For many individuals and small organizations, NVDA provides an excellent balance of features and accessibility without the high price tag, while JAWS remains popular in corporate and government settings where funding supports its extensive customization options.

The Basic NVDA Commands

              Now that you have a sense of what NVDA is and how it compares to JAWS, let’s dive into some essential commands to help you get started.

The Basics

• Activate NVDA: Press Ctrl + Alt + N

• Open NVDA Menu: NVDA + N

• Quit NVDA: NVDA + Q

Keyboard Reading Commands

• Read the Current Line: NVDA + Up Arrow

• Read the Next Line: Down Arrow

• Read the Previous Line: Up Arrow

• Read the Current Word: NVDA + Ctrl + Right Arrow

• Spell the Current Word: NVDA + Shift + Right Arrow

• Read the Current Character: NVDA + Left Arrow

• Read the Next Character: Right Arrow

• Read the Previous Character: Left Arrow

• Navigate by Heading: H (move forward), Shift + H (move backward)

• List Elements: NVDA + F7

• Go to the Next Link: K

• Activate Link: Enter

• Open Context Menu: Shift + F10

Editing Text

• Select Text: Shift + Arrow Keys (select character by character or line by line)

• Copy Text: Ctrl + C

• Cut Text: Ctrl + X

• Paste Text: Ctrl + V

Helpful Commands for Beginners

• Toggle Speech On/Off: NVDA + S (useful if you want to turn off speech temporarily)

• Read All Text from Current Position: NVDA + Down Arrow

• Access NVDA Settings: NVDA + Ctrl + G (for voice, Braille, and display settings)

• Activate Input Help Mode: NVDA + 1, great for beginners who need to practice commands

• Exit Input Help Mode: Press NVDA + 1 again

Getting More Help

• NVDA User Guide: Access this via the Help menu in NVDA or online for a detailed overview.

• Online Forums: Connect with the NVDA community to share tips and get troubleshooting help.

• Training Materials: NV Access offers training modules and video guides on advanced NVDA topics.

Conclusion

NVDA has made a tremendous impact by giving the visually impaired community access to technology without financial barriers. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a beginner, NVDA can serve as a powerful tool for digital independence. With these commands and a basic understanding of how NVDA compares to JAWS, you are well on your way. Don’t be afraid to experiment with commands and explore the settings—NVDA is designed to be as user-friendly and customizable as possible.