Glossary

Search results

Scanning Navigation(also: Non-Visual Scanning, Auditory Scanning)

A non-visual navigation strategy in which a screen-reader or voice-browser user steps rapidly through a page one fragment at a time — line by line, item by item, or in fixed jumps (e.g. page-down keys) — listening just long enough to each fragment to detect an 'information…

Screen Reader(also: Screen Reading Software)

An assistive technology application that converts digital text and interface elements into synthesized speech or braille output, enabling people who are blind or have low vision to interact with computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. Screen readers interpret the…

Screen Reader Plugin(also: Screen Reader Add-on, Screen Reader Script, Screen Reader Extension)

A small piece of code that extends or modifies the functionality of a screen reader application. Screen reader plugins can make inaccessible applications accessible, customize the screen reader's behavior for specific software, add new keyboard shortcuts, and provide additional…

Screen Reader Plugin(also: Add-on, Extension, Script)

A small piece of software that extends or modifies the functionality of a screen reader. Plugins allow users to customize their screen reader experience, make partially accessible applications more usable, add keyboard shortcuts, receive custom audio feedback, and interface with…

Screen Reader Rotor(also: VoiceOver Rotor, Rotor Control)

A virtual control in screen readers like VoiceOver that allows users to change navigation settings and access different options by performing a rotation gesture on the touchscreen. The rotor lets users switch between navigation modes (headings, links, words, characters) and…

Speech Rate(also: Speaking Rate, Articulation Rate)

The speed at which speech is produced, typically measured in words per minute (WPM) or syllables per second. Normal conversational speech ranges from 120-180 WPM, while screen reader users often configure synthetic speech at rates of 300-400 WPM or higher. Speech rate settings…

Structural Navigation(also: Structure-Based Navigation)

A mode of screen reader navigation that allows users to move through content based on its logical or semantic structure rather than reading linearly from beginning to end. In web content, structural navigation involves jumping between headings, landmarks, lists, and other HTML…

Synthetic Speech(also: Artificial Speech, Computer-generated Speech)

Speech that is artificially produced by computer systems rather than recorded from human speakers. Synthetic speech is the output of text-to-speech systems and is fundamental to screen readers and voice assistants. Modern synthetic speech uses various generation methods…

System Access(also: SA, System Access to Go, SA To Go)

A screen reader for Windows developed by Serotek Corporation that was notable for offering a free version and a portable "To Go" edition that could run from a USB drive without installation. System Access was designed to provide an affordable alternative to commercial screen…

9 results.