Enable/Disable Screen Reader in Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu Linux’s screen reader, Orca, lets you control speech output for navigating your computer.

Orca reads aloud text and interface elements on your screen, helping people with vision problems use their PC.

This built-in tool comes with most Ubuntu desktop installs, so no extra downloads are needed. New versions, like Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, offer better integration with the system.

How to enable or disable Screen Reader in Ubuntu Linux

You can turn the Ubuntu Screen Reader on or off through your system settings. This tool reads aloud what’s on your screen, which is helpful if you have visual impairments or need to manage it when it’s not in use. Following a few steps lets you control the Ubuntu Screen Reader quickly.

If you want to use the Screen Reader in Ubuntu Linux because you’re having difficulties seeing text clearly on your screen or want to turn it off because you don’t need it, the steps below show you how.

Ubuntu Linux centralizes most of its settings. You can 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.

Conclusion:

This guide explained how to enable or disable the Screen Reader in Ubuntu Linux. 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.