NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

NVDA is a free, open-source screen reader for visually impaired individuals, supporting computer use through speech and braille in the Windows environment.

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

Overview

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free, open-source screen reader software for blind and low-vision individuals. It runs on the Microsoft Windows operating system and helps users operate a computer via speech synthesis and braille display. First developed in 2006 by Michael Curran and James Teh, it is now continuously updated under the leadership of the non-profit organization NV Access. NVDA is one of the most widely used screen readers globally, with a significant advantage in being accessible at no cost.

Main Content

1. Core Features

NVDA provides comprehensive accessibility through various features.

Speech Output: Supports speech synthesis engines in multiple languages, allowing users to adjust speech rate, pitch, and volume. It is compatible with Microsoft Speech API (SAPI) by default and can use additional engines such as eSpeak and OneCore.
Braille Support: Outputs information via braille displays connected through USB or Bluetooth. Supports various braille standards (6-dot, 8-dot) and braille tables (including Korean braille).
Keyboard Navigation: Enables navigation of all elements using only the keyboard without a mouse. Provides standard keyboard shortcuts and allows customization of shortcuts.
Web Browsing: Reads and navigates web pages in major browsers such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox. Includes built-in features for quickly moving through HTML elements (headings, links, tables, etc.).
Application Support: Works with various programs including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Reader, and Notepad. Also provides an API for developers to enhance compatibility with custom applications.

2. Installation and Usage

NVDA can be downloaded for free from the official website (nvaccess.org). The installation process is simple, and a portable version can be saved on a USB drive for use anywhere. After installation, a setup wizard runs to select language, speech engine, and keyboard layout (desktop or laptop). Users can fine-tune settings through the NVDA menu (Insert+N) or install add-ons to extend functionality.

3. Add-on System

NVDA can be extended through add-ons. Add-ons are distributed via the official NVDA Add-on Store or the community, and include the following types:

Speech Engines: More natural speech synthesizers (e.g., Vocalizer, Microsoft Edge TTS)
Braille Tables: Braille conversion for specific languages or standards
Accessibility Enhancement Tools: Improved compatibility with specific applications (e.g., Visual Studio, Adobe Photoshop)
Utilities: Screen magnifier, clipboard manager, automatic updates, etc.

4. Open-Source Community

NVDA is open-source software distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). The source code is publicly available on GitHub, and developers worldwide contribute to bug fixes, feature improvements, and translations. User support is actively provided through community forums and mailing lists.

Latest Trends

As of 2024-2025, NVDA shows the following changes and trends:

AI Integration: The latest versions (2024.4 and above) have introduced AI-based image description features. When a user focuses on an image, NVDA automatically describes its content, utilizing Microsoft's Azure Computer Vision API. Additionally, add-ons experimenting with integration of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT have emerged.
Windows 11 Optimization: Support for new UI elements in Windows 11 (Settings app, taskbar, widgets, etc.) has been strengthened. In particular, virtual desktops and snap layouts can now be fully controlled with NVDA.
Expanded Braille Display Compatibility: Compatibility with the latest braille display devices (e.g., HumanWare BrailleNote, Orbit Reader 40) has been improved, supporting faster data transfer via the USB HID protocol.
Web Accessibility Standards Compliance: NVDA's web navigation features have been improved in line with W3C's WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.2 updates. Support for ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes has been enhanced, providing more accurate information for dynamic web content (e.g., single-page applications).
Community Growth: The number of NVDA users and contributors is steadily increasing, with localization efforts particularly active in Asia and Africa due to rising demand for free accessibility tools. It has been translated into over 55 languages, including Korean.