Last Updated on
April 23, 2023
Written by
Tech Assistant for blind Team
Assistive technology has become a critical component in ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Two of the most popular screen reader software are NVDA and JAWS. Both of these software applications provide users with the ability to read and interact with the digital content of a computer or mobile device.
Features
NVDA, or NonVisual Desktop Access, is an open-source screen reader that is available for free. It is compatible with Windows operating systems and supports many popular applications, such as Microsoft Office and web browsers. NVDA offers features such as Braille support, speech synthesizers, and customizable keystrokes.
JAWS, or Job Access With Speech, is a commercial screen reader that provides similar features to NVDA. However, JAWS offers more advanced features such as OCR, which enables users to access images and PDFs, and a built-in speech recognition system.
Accessibility
Both NVDA and JAWS are highly accessible and provide support for a wide range of disabilities, including visual impairments and hearing impairments. NVDA is known for its accessibility in terms of customization options, including its ability to adapt to individual user needs. Additionally, NVDA can be installed on a USB drive, allowing users to access their settings and preferences from any computer.
JAWS has been known to be less accessible than NVDA in terms of its cost, which can be a significant barrier for many individuals. However, JAWS is highly customizable and has many features that make it accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Cost
As previously mentioned, NVDA is an open-source software and is available for free, making it an accessible option for many individuals. JAWS, on the other hand, is a commercial software and comes at a high cost. The cost of JAWS can vary depending on the version, with prices ranging from $90 for a home edition to $1,200 for a professional edition.
Ease of Use
Both NVDA and JAWS provide a range of keyboard shortcuts and customization options that allow users to personalize their experience. However, NVDA has a simpler interface and is known for its ease of use, making it a popular choice for individuals new to assistive technology.
JAWS, while more advanced, can be more challenging to use, and it may take some time to become familiar with all of its features.
Conclusion
Overall, both NVDA and JAWS provide users with powerful screen reader capabilities. NVDA is a free, open-source software that is highly accessible and customizable. JAWS, while more advanced, is a commercial software with a high cost that provides users with advanced features such as OCR and built-in speech recognition. Ultimately, the choice between these two software applications depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
