Orca
A GNOME screen reader for speech and braille access on open desktops.
Orca is an open source screen reader that makes graphical Linux and other free desktop environments usable through configurable speech and braille output. It is part of the GNOME ecosystem and works with applications that expose accessibility information through AT-SPI.
Why it stands out
- Built specifically around the accessibility infrastructure used by GNOME, KDE, and other free desktops.
- Supports both speech and braille rather than treating braille as an afterthought.
- Open development model with public source code, issue tracking, and contributor documentation.
- Highly configurable through preferences and keyboard command customization.
Good to know
- Application support depends on the app or toolkit exposing accessibility data through AT-SPI.
- The project is aimed at free/open desktop environments, not Windows, macOS, or mobile platforms.
- New users may need to spend time with the preferences and keyboard command documentation to tune it for daily use.
Photos
Blind and low-vision Linux desktop users can use Orca to navigate compatible graphical applications with speech or braille feedback. Configure keyboard commands and preferences for day-to-day desktop navigation. Use braille output alongside speech for coding, writing, or system administration workflows. Report bugs, review source code, or contribute to accessibility work through GNOME GitLab and community channels.
Speech and braille output; user-customizable command combinations; preferences GUI; documented keyboard commands; integration with AT-SPI-enabled applications and toolkits; public source code, issue tracker, and mailing list.
Alternative listings
Braille display access for Linux and Unix text consoles.
Accessibility & assistive technology resourcesBRLTTY is a system daemon that lets blind users read and navigate Linux/Unix text consoles through a refreshable braille display. It supports screen review, virtual terminals, cursor routing, braille translation options, cut-and-paste, and some basic speech output for console-based work.
0 votesVisit siteAssistive software for reading and computer access with sight loss.
Accessibility & assistive technology resourcesDolphin Computer Access develops assistive technology for people who are blind, partially sighted, dyslexic, or otherwise print-impaired. Its product range includes Windows screen magnification and screen reading, accessible reading apps, document conversion tools, education kits, and simplified technology for home use.
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Similar sites elsewhere
- NV Access — nvaccess.org
- Freedom Scientific JAWS — freedomscientific.com/products/software/jaws
- Dolphin ScreenReader — yourdolphin.com/en-gb/screenreader
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