What Screen Readers Are

Screen readers are specialized software programs that allow people who are blind to use computers, smartphones, and other digital devices without needing to see the screen. They convert text and on-screen elements into synthesized speech or Braille and provide auditory feedback for menus, buttons, and commands.

What They Do

Screen readers make it possible to write and read emails, navigate HR portals, review spreadsheets, collaborate on shared documents, and participate fully in digital workplace environments.

JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

Allows Windows users to do things like manage email, create and review accessible reports, analyze spreadsheets, etc.

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

A free option often used to access web-based training platforms, HR systems, or online databases.

VoiceOver (Mac/iPhone)

Helps with scheduling meetings, joining virtual calls, and using apps like Slack or Teams.

What Screen Magnifiers Are

Screen magnifiers enlarge text, images, and the mouse pointer on the screen. Many include features like high-contrast modes, color filters, and text smoothing.

What They Do

These tools help employees with low vision comfortably read long documents, review presentations, or analyze detailed spreadsheets. They reduce visual strain while increasing accuracy when working with data-heavy content.

ZoomText

Used for reviewing reports, annotating presentations, or analyzing dashboards.

Windows Magnifier

Built-in tool used for tasks like checking numbers in Excel, reviewing contracts, or filling in digital HR forms.

What Refreshable Braille Displays Are

A refreshable Braille display is a hardware device that connects to computers, tablets, or smartphones. It uses small pins that move up and down to form Braille characters, allowing users to read text through touch.

What They Do

These displays allow blind professionals to read and edit documents silently and accurately. They are especially useful for proofreading, handling data, and reviewing confidential material privately.

Focus Braille Display

Used to check spelling in reports, edit contracts, or review Excel spreadsheets.

HumanWare Brailliant

Useful for reading confidential emails, following meeting agendas, or proofreading technical content.

What iPhone Accessibility is

The iPhone is a mainstream smartphone with built-in accessibility features such as VoiceOver (screen reader), Zoom (magnifier), dictation, Braille display support, and Siri voice assistant. No extra software is required, making it widely used by blind professionals.

What iPhone Accessibility Tools Do

iPhones allow employees to stay connected and manage workplace tasks anywhere. From checking emails to joining video calls, the iPhone’s accessibility tools support productivity in and out of the office.

VoiceOver

Used to join Zoom or Teams meetings, send professional messages, or navigate collaboration apps.

Siri and Dictation

Helpful for dictating emails, setting calendar reminders, or scheduling meetings.

Braille Support

Connects to portable Braille displays for reviewing reports or taking notes in real time.

What OCR (Optical Character Recognition) Tools Are

OCR tools scan printed or image-based text and convert it into digital formats that can be read aloud or displayed in Braille. Many are now available as smartphone apps.

What It Does

OCR enables blind professionals to independently access printed workplace documents such as memos, training manuals, or meeting handouts.

Kurzweil 1000

Converts printed training materials or manuals into accessible files.

Seeing AI (Microsoft app)

Quickly reads printed agendas, business cards, or labels during the workday.

About Mainstream Productivity Tools

Workplace software suites like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace include accessibility features and increasingly use AI support. They allow employees to create, edit, and collaborate on projects while integrating with screen readers, magnifiers, or dictation tools.

What They Do

These tools support report writing, spreadsheet analysis, presentation design, and team collaboration. Built-in accessibility settings ensure inclusivity and efficiency.

Microsoft Office 365

Works with screen readers to create reports, manage Outlook email and calendars, and use Teams for accessible meetings. AI Copilot can summarize long email threads or draft meeting notes.

Google Workspace

Accessible Docs and Sheets support real-time collaboration and editing for team projects.

What AI Tools Are

AI tools analyze, summarize, and generate content. They are built into many workplace platforms or available as stand-alone apps. They respond to plain language requests, making them flexible and accessible for blind employees.

What They Do

AI helps manage information overload and boosts productivity by producing summaries, generating first drafts, and reformatting content. It can also make visual information (like graphs or charts) more accessible.