Using a Screen Reader

We encourage staff to learn about screen readers and become familiar with common problems screen reader users encounter.

Because effective screen reader testing requires multiple devices and software, along with a lot of practice, we recommend this testing be conducted only by Penn's accessibility team or from a staff member who is specifically trained in using screen readers. Please contact web-accessibility@upenn.edu for screen reader testing or training assistance.

Recommended Screen Reader and Browser Combinations

• Mac: Safari and VoiceOver
• Windows: Firefox and NVDA

General Screen Reader Guides and Resources

• Basic Screen Reader Commands for Accessibility Testing
• Basic Screen Reader Survival Guide

VoiceOver

All Apple devices had a built-in screen reader called VoiceOver. VoiceOver is best used with Safari (both on MacOS and iOS).

VoiceOver Guides and Resources

• VoiceOver Getting Started Guide
• Using VoiceOver to Evaluate Web Accessibility
• VoiceOver Keyboard Shortcuts Guide

NVDA for Windows

Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) is a free program for the Windows platform.

NVDA Guides Resources:

• Download NVDA
• NVDA User Guide
• NVDA Keyboard Shortcuts Guide
• Using NVDA to Evaluate Web Accessibility