NVDA goes PDF/UA

Help us adapt the free NVDA screen reader to the new PDF/UA standard for universally accessible PDF!

The PDF Association and Access for All are joining together to help NV Access add PDF/UA conformance to the free NVDA screen reader. The objective is to offer blind and low-vision computer users a better way to read and use accessible PDF documents on an equal basis with sighted users.

NVDA – the open source screen reader

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) is a free, portable open source screen reader that allows blind and visually impaired people to interact with and manage Windows, applications, web browsers and PDF documents.

NVDA provides synthetic speech output and supports eSpeak SAPI4 and SAPI5. While the user interface is available in German, English and French the application supports voices in many other languages. NVDA also supports screen readers utilizing a Braille display.

PDF/UA - Standard for accessible PDF documents

What requirements must a PDF document meet to be considered fully accessible to persons with disabilities? PDF/UA (ISO 14289), to be published in the fall of 2012, delivers a clear answer to this question when it comes to electronic documents and forms.

It should be noted that PDF/UA is limited to the PDF file format itself and does not address all aspects of accessibility. PDF/UA does not replace WCAG 2.0. Organizations with an accessibility policy that includes WCAG 2.0 can use PDF/UA to help achieve WCAG 2.0 conformance in their PDF content.

NVDA needs more development to become PDF/UA conforming AT

NVDA development is led by NV Access, a non-profit providing NVDA at no charge. While NVDA already reads PDF documents, conformance with PDF/UA and the ability to deliver the full benefit of PDF/UA-conforming files to users requires additional development.

All NVDA development costs are funded through donations. We need your support to make sure NVDA goes PDF/UA!

Objectives

Our goal is to make NVDA fully PDF/UA compliant such that it fully supports the potential of accessible PDF files. In close cooperation with the PDF Association and NV Access we will work with blind people to provide feedback to assist NV Access in implementing PDF/UA’s requirements.

To continue development of the free open source NVDA screen reader to conform to PDF/UA we need to raise at least CHF 100,000 in 2012.

Current status of donations as of October 5, 2012: CHF 10'000 out of 100,000

Join now

Help us enhance the free NVDA Screen Reader to support PDF/UA, support us with your donation!

As a company, organization or individual you can donate via PayPal or by bank transfer:

Per PayPal

Per Bank Transfer

Foundation "Access for All"
CH-8057 Zürich
PC: 85-710652-0
IBAN: CH96 0900 0000 8571 0652 0

Reason for payment: NVDA goes PDF/UA

Per invoice

We will send you an invoice with a wire transfer form to the amount of your desired donation. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Donations

The Swiss Foundation "Access for All" is a recognized non-profit, tax-exempt organization. "Access for All" is a member of proFonds, the umbrella organization of charitable foundations in Switzerland.

We are happy to send you a donation receipt.

Every contribution counts!

• Donate CHF 10 - or more: Thank you very much! Every donation is deeply appreciated.
• Donate CHF 1,000 - or more. Each donation of CHF 1,000 is listed with organization or individual name.
• Donate CHF 2,500 - or more. This should be seen! Each donation of CHF 2,500 is listed with name and link.
• Donate CHF 10,000 - or more. You deserve a special place! For all donations over CHF 10,000 we publish the logo on our website.