NVDA Screen Reader (Windows) | Free NDIS Accessibility Tool

Access your computer on your own terms with NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access). This revolutionary, open-source software is a vital piece of assistive technology designed to allow NDIS participants with blindness or vision impairment to use a Windows computer independently.

Historically, screen reading software cost thousands of dollars, creating a huge barrier to employment and education. NVDA breaks down this wall by offering a completely free, high-performance alternative that rivals paid competitors. It reads the text on the screen in a computerised voice and can convert it to Braille if a display is connected, ensuring total control over the Windows operating system.

How This Technology Supports NDIS Participants

Enabling Digital Independence: NVDA allows users to browse the web, write emails, use spreadsheets (Excel), and chat online without sighted assistance. This is critical for managing NDIS plans, banking, and social connection.

Cost-Effective Accessibility: Being free, it allows NDIS funding to be allocated to other critical areas (like hardware or training) rather than expensive software licenses. It is the definition of "value for money."

Portable "Pocket" Access: NVDA can be installed directly on a PC or run entirely from a USB stick. This allows participants to plug their USB into a library or school computer and instantly have their accessible settings available, fostering inclusion in the community.

Employment & Education Ready: With robust support for Microsoft Office and modern web browsers (Chrome/Firefox), NVDA is a professional-grade tool suitable for students and employees, supporting economic participation goals.

Key Features & Benefits

Universal Access: Works with the most popular applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, Chrome, and Firefox.
Braille Support: Seamlessly connects to refreshable Braille displays for users who prefer tactile reading or are Deafblind.
Mouse Tracking: Reports text under the mouse cursor, aiding users with low vision who use a combination of magnification and speech.
Built-in OCR: Can recognize and read text from images or inaccessible PDFs, solving a common frustration for screen reader users.
Community Driven: Developed by the blind, for the blind. It is constantly updated by a global community to ensure it works with the latest technology.

NDIS Funding Information

While the software is free, associated costs (such as a pre-loaded USB drive, training, or setup) are classified as Low Cost Assistive Technology or Capacity Building.

• Core - Consumables: 03_220300911_0124_1_1 (Low Cost AT - Communication) - Applicable if purchasing a physical USB stick pre-loaded with NVDA.

• Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living: Applicable for claiming training services to learn how to use NVDA.

We strongly recommend consulting with an Assistive Technology Mentor or Occupational Therapist (OT) to arrange training for this software.

Meticulous Specifications

• Product Type: Screen Reading Software

• Operating System: Windows 8.1, 10, 11 (32-bit & 64-bit)

• License: Open Source (GPL v2) - Free

• Speech Synthesizer: Built-in eSpeak NG (Supports 55+ languages)

• Braille Support: Yes (Refreshable Braille Displays)

• Portability: Can run from USB Drive (Portable Version)

• Memory Requirement: 150 MB Storage, 4GB+ RAM recommended

• Input: Keyboard, Braille Display, Touch Screen

• Tools: Screen Review, Web Rotor, OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

Package Includes

• Note: This is a digital resource.

• 1 x NVDA Software Installer (Digital Download or USB depending on purchase)

• 1 x Basic Training Guide (Digital)