# Using a Screen Reader

**Source**: https://accessibility.web-resources.upenn.edu/testing-evaluating-accessibility/manual-testing/using-screen-reader
**Parent**: https://accessibility.web-resources.upenn.edu/testing-evaluating-accessibility/manual-testing

We encourage staff to learn about screen readers and become familiar with common problems screen reader users encounter.

Because effective screen reader testing requires multiple devices and software, along with a lot of practice, we recommend this testing be conducted only by Penn's accessibility team or from a staff member who is specifically trained in using screen readers. Please contact [web-accessibility@upenn.edu](mailto:web-accessibility@upenn.edu) for screen reader testing or training assistance.

## Recommended Screen Reader and Browser Combinations

- **Mac:** Safari and VoiceOver
- **Windows:** Firefox and NVDA

## General Screen Reader Guides and Resources

- [Basic Screen Reader Commands for Accessibility Testing(link is external)](https://developer.paciellogroup.com/blog/2015/01/basic-screen-reader-commands-for-accessibility-testing/)
- [Basic Screen Reader Survival Guide(link is external)](https://dequeuniversity.com/screenreaders/survival-guide)

## VoiceOver

All Apple devices had a built-in screen reader called VoiceOver. VoiceOver is best used with Safari (both on MacOS and iOS).

### VoiceOver Guides and Resources

- [VoiceOver Getting Started Guide(link is external)](https://help.apple.com/voiceover/info/guide/10.12/)
- [Using VoiceOver to Evaluate Web Accessibility(link is external)](http://webaim.org/articles/voiceover/)
- [VoiceOver Keyboard Shortcuts Guide(link is external)](https://dequeuniversity.com/screenreaders/voiceover-keyboard-shortcuts)

## NVDA for Windows

Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) is a free program for the Windows platform.

### NVDA Guides Resources:

- [Download NVDA(link is external)](https://www.nvaccess.org/download/)
- [NVDA User Guide(link is external)](https://www.nvaccess.org/files/nvda/documentation/userGuide.html)
- [NVDA Keyboard Shortcuts Guide(link is external)](https://dequeuniversity.com/screenreaders/nvda-keyboard-shortcuts)
- [Using NVDA to Evaluate Web Accessibility(link is external)](http://webaim.org/articles/nvda/)