Understanding the words that appear on their screens can be a significant challenge for people living with sight loss. Without screen reader tools, browsing the Internet or using computer devices would be nearly impossible for these individuals. Screen readers are essential tools that allow a website to ensure it is accessible to all visitors, regardless of whether they are affected by sight loss or not.
Sight Loss: The Scale of the Problem
Sight loss affects a growing number of people each year. As a result, it is crucial to provide tools that enable these individuals to maintain their independence and continue managing their interests. One such tool is the screen reader. But how many people are living with sight loss?
Sight loss may seem like a condition that doesn’t have a significant impact on modern society, but this is a misconception. In fact, it is a prominent disability affecting many people today. According to the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People), up to 300 million people worldwide suffer from either total blindness or partial sight loss. Additionally, around 1 in 5 individuals will begin to experience symptoms of sight loss at some point in their lives.
What Are Screen Readers?
Screen readers are vital tools for individuals living with sight loss. For those unfamiliar with the technology, screen readers are software programs that “read aloud” the information displayed on the computer or device screen. This allows individuals with sight loss to understand and engage with the content they otherwise would not be able to see.
Screen readers are indispensable for people with visual impairments, but it might be challenging for those who don’t experience sight loss to understand how they work. In simple terms, these tools convert digital text into speech, enabling users to listen to the content and navigate websites or applications.
Why Individuals with Visual Impairments Need Screen Readers
Screen readers are crucial not only for individuals who are completely blind and unable to see the screen but also for those who are partially sighted. By vocalizing the content that appears on the screen, the screen reader allows users to engage with websites and applications independently. This means that even though they may not be able to interpret the content visually, individuals with sight loss can still use the internet for their personal goals, whether for information, shopping, or communication.
Screen Reader Integration
If you believe your website or application could benefit from integrating screen reader technology to assist partially sighted or blind users in accessing your content, Pluro can help! As specialists in screen reader technology, we offer products designed to ensure your visitors have the best possible experience. Make your content inclusive for individuals who are partially sighted or blind by integrating our screen reader tools today!
