Assistive tool 2

                                                     NVDA: Non-Visual Desktop Access

                                                                  Reflection

Inclusive education is becoming more important in today's era. Every child including those with disabilities deserve a chance to learn and include them like normal children. For those students who are visually impaired, it means helping them to access with lessons, read materials and to complete the tasks independently. One such tool is NVDA which stands for non-visual desktop access. It is a free screen reader for window computers. It was invented by Michael Curran an Australian software developer who is visually impaired. He also invited James Teh, a visually impaired programmer to join the project. Together they co-founded the non-profit organization NV Access in 2007 to support the development of NVDA. It will read aloud everything which appears on computer screen. It also uses keyboard commands to help the users move around and to control the computer. For example, if a student open pdf file, NVDA will read the word aloud. If student press arrow key, NVDA will read line or letter. It will also tell the user when they are on the link or image. NVDA is available in many languages, and it's also connected to braille displays. In many schools, students use computers for writing, reading, exams and research as well. But visually impaired students cannot see what is on the screen. It helps them hear the screen through sound, which allow them to use computers independently.

Some benefits of NVDA are students can open word, PDF or any websites and have the content to read out aloud. It will also help the students to read each letter, word and sentences as students' type. This will help with spelling and grammar as well. With advantage there are also disadvantage as well. Both students and teachers need training to use NVDA properly. Without proper guidance, new users may feel confused. It works well with Microsoft apps like word or excels. Some school software may not work well with it. Some of the benefits are as per the Abner&Lahm (2002) explains that " screen reader help blind students to become more independent. They say that the students will feel more confident when they use computer on their own." NVDA is like talking helper for a computer. Visually impaired people cannot see the screen, but NVDA screen reads everything aloud. It tells what is written on the screen, where the cursor is, error they made and what button they are pressing. NVDA is connected to Braille. A braille display is a device that is connected to the computer. NVDA is also connected to Braille as it helps the user connect the braille display to their computer using USB or bluetooth. 

NVDA detect the device and work with it. It also sends the text on screen to the Braille display. Visually impaired person read the Braille with their finger while typing or browsing. For example, if a student type," today is rainy day", NVDA will read it aloud. There are many successes story behind the NVDA. As I have found one from testimonials (NV Access), " I currently study business at university. Screen readers for vision impaired people are really expensive. I think NVDA is a really good screen reader it gives everybody with a visual impairment equal opportunity whether you are poor or not. I find NVDA a lot more user friendly for internet browsing than a lot of other commercially available products that I have tried." Therefore, I think NVDA has helped a lot of people. I as a future teacher, exploring about NVDA has been eye opening. I now understand that visually impaired students don't have to wait for some other person to read to them. With NVDA, they can explore, learn and grow on their own. I strongly believe that inclusion is not only about putting children in the same classroom, but it is about making sure that everyone has tools they need to succeed. NVDA is one of the tools that will make learning fair and meaningful for all.

Our country is also working toward inclusive education, where children with disabilities learn together with others. For example, at the Muenselling institute in khaling, NVDA is already used. As per the Ministry of Education and skills development (2014) explains that the, "Institute has organized ICT training sessions in collaboration with SEN (Special Education Needs). In January 2014, they had already trained 48 visual impaired students and provided each with laptop, with the integration of assistive technology like screen reader in their curriculum." According to Friends of Bhutan Association, Austria (2025) explains that the, " Austria has supported the institute by providing smart TVs and equipment to improve access to digital media, enhancing the institute commitment to incorporate technology in education for the visually impaired." NVDA is a very powerful and practical tool for those students who are visually impaired. It also aligns with the goal of Gross National Happiness and education for all. 

With more professional training and support, NVDA will help many students to become confident, independent and successful. Therefore, as a future educator it's important to learn, share and use such tools to create a classroom where every child is seen, hear and valued.