NVDA
A free, open-source, portable screen reader for Microsoft Windows
Operating system: Windows
Publisher: NV Access
Release : NVDA 2016.2.1
Antivirus check: passed
Non-Visual Display Access (NVDA) - literally translates "Desktop Accessibility without Visual Control". The program is a completely free product for Windows, which allows the category of blind (or visually impaired) users to work with a PC without visual control (application of vision). The program displays all the information for the user by means of speech, as well as on a special Braille display.
NVDA has open source code. This means that anyone who thinks they can make useful changes to the program can participate in the development of the application. The main goal of the project is to realize the possibilities of full reading of the screen without the use of eyesight for the blind people. Programs and devices for the visually impaired cost quite a lot, while NVDA is distributed completely free of charge. NVDA works with 32/64-bit Windows. It is stated that the program can be used successfully even without installing graphics card drivers. The program already supports more than 20 languages, the list is regularly updated. It supports cursive and unspoken Braille displays. Compatibility of NVDA with the most popular speech synthesizers (that is not present, by the way, in paid software of a similar kind) is carried out.
NVDA enables blind or visually impaired individuals to use a PC with audio and Braille feedback.
- support for 20 different languages. When you start the program for the first time, it will immediately speak the user's language using the ESpeak Sound Synthesizer;
- support for numerous Braille displays and sapi4, sapi5, Newfon, festival, RHVoice, capitanSynth speech synthesizers;
- Fully open source and support for global plugins written in Python. Anyone can participate in the development;
- support for 32/64-bit Windows. The program does not require any additional software and drivers to be installed. Works with the initial configuration of OS Windows;
- is distributed completely free of charge.
PROS
Supports multiple languages and braille displays.
Completely free with open-source code.
CONS
No built-in Braille display support.
Occasional speech synthesizer instability and crashes.
