Screen Reader Recommendations?

Kimberly.D.607

I have attempted to search through previous discussions to see if this topic was already addressed, but the search functionality is not easily navigable. I am wondering if people have recommendations for the best screen reader applications to use when testing course content to ensure accessibility compliance? Any other tips and recommendations would also be appreciated as we are just getting started on this journey and can use all the help we can get! Thank you in advance!

Stefanie.B.518

@Kimberly.D.760
This is a great question- and some helpful feedback on your search experience as well!
One resource I've used in the past is NVDA which is a screen reader tool that can be downloaded by donation - this often makes it a more affordable option than say JAWS which is a wonderful Screen Reader tool that is commonly used.

One thing I've learned over the years is that while I can use a screen reader to learn more about navigation of a website, or course using this type of tool- my screen reader experience is most often going to be pretty different from the experience of a person who uses one all the time or someone who uses a Screen Reader and a switch device.

There are some great UX organizations that employ people who use multiple forms assistive devices who can be hired to test and provide feedback on websites and new applications. These can be really wonderful resources to reach out to.

Here in the Community, we offer a few resources through the Brightspace Learning Center that may also be useful in your design process- for example

• https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/2694-accessibility-lab
• https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/2690-accessible-virtual-presentation
• https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/2695-supporting-screen-reader-users
• https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/1341-supporting-students-with-low-vision

We're working on some updates to our Search experience in Community that will come out in the New Year- but I wanted to mention in case it's handy that you can review a full listing of free courses and teaching tools available in the Brightspace Learning Center (you get access with your Community Account) here in the https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/1265-complete-directory-of-learning-center-offerings

Kathy.D.623

Kimberly.D.607

I found it helpful to reach out to our Counselling and Accessibility Services area to find out which screen reader the majority of our students were using.

How is your journey going with testing?