Understanding Assistive Technology: NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, and More Explained

“People with disabilities don’t use the internet.” That statement is arguably one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the disability community. Too many believe that people with disabilities either don’t use the internet or, if they do, they use and access it the same way as everyone else. 

Here’s the reality: Millions of people with disabilities go online every day — working, learning, shopping, and connecting, just like everyone else. But the tools they use can be very different from those used by users without disabilities. 

That’s where assistive technology comes in. Assistive technologies are devices, software, or equipment that help people with disabilities perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. When it comes to using the internet, tools like screen readers — including popular options like the NVDA screen reader and JAWS screen reader — play a vital role in making websites, apps, and online documents accessible to users with disabilities.

Below, we’ll answer the question: What is assistive technology? We’ll share real-world assistive technology examples and explain how people with disabilities use these tools to navigate digital spaces independently and confidently. 

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology is any device, software, or equipment that helps people with disabilities perform tasks more independently. These tools are designed to remove accessibility issues — whether they’re physical, sensory, or cognitive — so users can fully participate in everyday life, including using the internet.

From a digital perspective, assistive technology enables people to access websites, mobile apps, videos, online documents, and other digital content. Most are customized to the user’s specific needs and can range from simple to advanced.

What is a Screen Reader?

Screen readers are a type of assistive technology that reads digital content aloud using synthesized speech or outputs it to a Braille display. They are primarily used by people who are blind or who have low vision, but they’re also helpful for people with cognitive or learning disabilities. 

When paired with accessible websites and documents, screen readers allow users to easily navigate menus, read articles, fill out forms, watch videos, and more.

Some of the most common screen readers include:

• NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access): A free, open-source screen reader for Windows that is widely used by individuals, schools, and organizations. NVDA offers robust keyboard navigation and supports web browsing, document reading, and application access.

• JAWS (Job Access With Speech): One of the most popular and powerful screen readers for Windows. JAWS offers advanced features for navigating complex websites, working with Microsoft Office, and accessing PDFs, making it a top choice for many professionals.

• VoiceOver: A built-in screen reader available on all Apple devices, including Macs, iPhones, and iPads. VoiceOver uses gestures (on touchscreens) or keyboard commands (on Macs) to help users navigate the screen and interact with apps and content.

Other Common Assistive Technology Tools

In addition to screen readers, there are several other types of assistive technologies that people use to access the web:

• Live Captioning: Provides real-time captions for spoken content, including videos, webinars, and meetings. Live captions support users who are Deaf or hard of hearing and are increasingly built into platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and YouTube.

• Software Magnification: These tools enlarge text, images, and other on-screen elements, making visual content easier to read for users with low vision. Most operating systems offer built-in magnifiers, and third-party options provide even more customization, such as color contrast adjustments and enhanced tracking.

How is Assistive Technology Used to Navigate Online Spaces?

Each tool we’ve mentioned above plays a crucial role in helping people with disabilities access and use online content. But how do they actually work in real-world scenarios?

Screen readers like JAWS and NVDA allow users who are blind or have low vision to navigate websites using keyboard shortcuts and audio feedback. These tools read out everything on the screen — including buttons, links, and image alt text — so users can complete tasks. For example, when shopping online, screen readers can read an image’s alt text to give users an understanding of what an item looks like. This can help them decide whether or not the item they’re viewing is what they’re looking for. Screen readers can also help users complete tasks such as filling out forms or communicating with friends and family.

For those who are Deaf or hard of hearing, live captioning makes video and audio content accessible. With captioning, users can fully participate in virtual meetings, stream media, and access learning materials without missing important information. 

Text-to-speech tools are also incredibly beneficial for users who are blind, have dyslexia, or experience cognitive disabilities. For example, imagine a college student with dyslexia trying to read a long research article online. Rather than struggling to decode the text visually, they can use a text-to-speech tool to read the content aloud. This allows users to process the information more efficiently and retain it better — leading to a more equitable learning experience.

Finally, voice input tools are equally transformative. Consider someone with a motor disability who can’t easily use a keyboard or mouse. Instead of clicking through a complex website, they might use voice commands to search for products, fill out forms, or submit an application. Tools like built-in voice recognition features in operating systems allow users to navigate websites hands-free, giving them complete control over their experience.

Want to see these examples in action? Check out AudioEyeQ’s new series on assistive technology.

The Value of Understanding Assistive Tech

Knowing how people with disabilities use assistive technology isn’t just about checking a box — it’s about designing smarter, more accessible digital experiences for everyone. When designers, developers, and content creators understand tools like screen readers, software magnifiers, and text-to-speech software, they can make better decisions that lead to more functional, accessible websites and apps.

For example, a developer with an understanding of how a JAWS screen reader processes a web page is more likely to use semantic HTML, provide alt text for images, and ensure proper heading structure — all of which improve usability for people who rely on screen readers like NVDA or VoiceOver. Similarly, content creators who understand how captions benefit users with hearing disabilities are more likely to include them in videos or webinars, expanding access and engagement.

These efforts not only improve the user experience but also help you comply with accessibility laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 508, the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), lowering your legal risk.

From a business perspective, designing with assistive technology in mind can also help you:

• Expand your customer base to include the one billion people worldwide who live with a disability.

• Unlock new revenue streams by making your content available and usable to more people.

• Improve SEO, website performance, and overall usability for all users, not just those with disabilities.

Someone using a screen reader as assistive technology next to their computer keyboard.

From Awareness to Action: Deepen Your Accessibility Skills with AudioEyeQ’s Assistive Technology Series

Here’s the bottom line: Accessibility benefits everyone. Understanding how assistive technologies work — and how millions of people use them — is key to building truly accessible, usable digital experiences. Whether designing a new website, creating content, or improving an existing platform, this knowledge helps you make smarter, more empathetic decisions that benefit everyone.

And with AudioEye’s new Assistive Technology course in AudioEyeQ, you can deepen your understanding of the most widely used tools. A11iance team members share their real-world experiences using assistive technologies in a collection of six immersive videos. 

Empish Thomas, for instance, shares how she uses the JAWS screen reader and voice commands to navigate a website, and Kristie Filina shows how she uses software magnification to view and navigate online content. Additionally, Dave Carlson introduces the VoiceOver screen reader and how he uses it whenever he goes online.

Ready to take the next step? Start the free, self-paced Assistive Technology course today to enhance your knowledge around assistive technology and how to make your digital content more accessible, usable, and inclusive. 

Or, if you’re ready to take action now, use our free Web Accessibility Checker to see how accessible your existing content is and where you can improve.