Why I Don't Use JAWS

Imagine inviting someone to your home and only showing them the front door. No warm welcome, no tour of the space, no effort to make them comfortable. Now, imagine this experience repeated across thousands of homes - this is what many websites feel like for people using screen readers. It doesn’t have to be this way.

When I test websites, I use NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access). This free, open-source screen reader has become my go-to tool for assessing accessibility. You might think a professional specialising in accessibility would rely on high-end, expensive tools with all the bells and whistles but from my experience speaking to folks this is what they use. You see NVDA offers something these premium solutions often don’t: genuine accessibility for everyone.

What is NVDA, and What Else is Out There?

NVDA is a screen reader developed by NV Access, a not-for-profit organisation. It translates text on a screen into speech or Braille, enabling blind and visually impaired people to navigate the web, use software, and engage digitally.

The alternatives? Tools like JAWS or VoiceOver are well-known, and while they are undoubtedly powerful, they come with significant costs. A JAWS licence, for example, can exceed ￡1,000 - a prohibitive expense for many individuals and even small organisations. VoiceOver, meanwhile, is tied exclusively to Apple devices, which come with their own financial barrier to entry. Tools such as SuperNova are more cost effective for some but operate on more of a subscription model which can make it a long term commitment.

Why NVDA is the Accessibility Tool of Choice

One of NVDA’s biggest strengths is its accessibility - not just in function but in availability. Being free means anyone, anywhere, can download it and start testing websites or using digital services. You could download it right now and look at a website for no cost. This means it is one of the most commonly used tools by end users and so we are then recreating the users experience more closely by using this tooling.

For developers and businesses, this accessibility is critical. Testing with NVDA reflects how many actual users interact with websites. Expensive tools are often limited to professional accessibility testers or large corporations with the budget to invest. NVDA’s zero-cost model makes accessibility testing possible for freelancers, small businesses, charities, and individuals.

NVDA’s open-source nature fosters a community-driven approach. Developers worldwide contribute to its improvement, ensuring it evolves alongside changing digital landscapes. This collaboration not only enhances the tool but also deepens global awareness of accessibility needs. People with passion for accessibility are continually looking for way to improve this software, not for profit but for people who need this life changing technology.

Building a More Accessible Digital World

By choosing NVDA for testing, we can help bridge the accessibility gap. The more people who use and understand screen readers, the better we can design websites that work for everyone.

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance or ticking boxes; it’s about equity and inclusion.

When I sit down to test a site with NVDA, I know I’m stepping into the shoes of millions who rely on it daily. I can close my eyes and know what I am hearing and how I am interpreting this information is closely aligned to what they are hearing. I’m reminded that accessibility should never be a luxury - it’s a fundamental human right.

Together, we can create a digital world where everyone feels welcome, not just at the front door but in every room.