Enable/Disable Screen Reader in Ubuntu Linux
Orca is the built-in screen reader in Ubuntu Linux that reads text and button names aloud to help you navigate your screen. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and later versions include this accessibility tool automatically so you do not need to download extra software.
You can turn the screen reader on or off quickly with a simple keyboard shortcut whenever you need it.
Open System Settings, navigate to Accessibility, then select Screen Reader. Toggle the switch to On to enable or Off to disable. Once enabled, it can also be controlled via the accessibility icon in the top bar.
How to enable or disable Screen Reader in Ubuntu Linux
The Ubuntu Screen Reader (a built-in tool that reads text aloud) helps you navigate your computer if you have trouble seeing the display. You can turn this feature on or off by opening Settings, going to the Accessibility section, and clicking on Seeing. From there, use the toggle switch next to Screen Reader to turn it on or off whenever you need it.
Turn the feature on or off in a few clicks when you no longer need spoken feedback.
Ubuntu Linux centralizes most of its settings. Manage system settings, user accounts, and updates from the System Settings panel.
To open it, click the System menu at the top-right corner of your desktop’s top bar, then select Settings, as highlighted below.
In the Settings app, click the Accessibility tile to open the panel.
Within the System Settings - Accessibility panel, under the Seeing section, select the Screen Reader tile to expand its options.
To enable the Screen Reader, toggle the switch to the On position. To disable it, toggle the switch back to Off.
Once enabled, you can quickly toggle the Screen Reader on and off by clicking the accessibility icon in the top bar and selecting 'Screen Reader'.
Your settings are now applied. You can close the Settings app.
You now know how to control the screen reader whether you prefer using the desktop interface or a quick keyboard shortcut.
Please use the comment form below if you find any errors above or have something to add.
- Enabling Screen Reader in Ubuntu Linux provides accessibility to users with limited vision or difficulty in reading text on the screen.
- The feature can be easily enabled or disabled through the System Settings panel under Accessibility.
- Once enabled, the Screen Reader can be controlled through the accessibility icon in the top bar, allowing for convenient toggling on and off.
- The tight integration of the Orca screen reader with Ubuntu Linux reflects the platform's commitment to enhancing accessibility for all users.
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Richard
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Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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