Overview
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Virtual Lab Environment (VLE) offers an integrated screen reader option to help students access and interact with virtual desktops and applications.
Students who use assistive technology can choose to enable NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) directly from the VLE interface.
Once enabled, NVDA will automatically start when you launch a supported virtual desktop or application, eliminating the need to manually start the screen reader each time you begin a new virtual session.
Important: NVDA screen reader functionality is currently available only in the VLE's Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and Application Streaming environments. It is not currently available for all virtual lab environments.
What Is NVDA?
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a screen reader that provides spoken feedback about information displayed on a Windows computer.
NVDA can read:
- Text displayed on the screen
- Application menus and navigation options
- Buttons and interactive controls
- Dialog boxes and notifications
- Supported application content
NVDA helps students navigate and interact with Windows applications using keyboard commands and spoken feedback.
How to Enable the NVDA Screen Reader
You can enable the screen reader directly from the VLE before launching your virtual desktop or application.
Step 1: Access Your Virtual Desktop or Application
- Sign in to the UMGC Virtual Lab Environment using your normal course access method.
- Navigate to the Virtual Desktop section.
- Locate the Need a screen reader? option near the bottom of the page, below the list of available applications.
Step 2: Turn On NVDA
- Under Need a screen reader?, locate the Turn On NVDA button.
- Click Turn On NVDA to enable the screen reader preference.
- Once enabled, your preference will be used when you launch supported virtual desktops or streamed applications.
Note: You do not need to install NVDA on your personal computer to use this feature within the supported VLE virtual environment.
Step 3: Launch Your Virtual Desktop or Application
After enabling NVDA:
- Click Open Virtual Desktop to launch the full virtual desktop, or select Launch beneath an available application.
- Allow the virtual session to establish its connection.
- When the supported Windows session begins, NVDA will automatically start.
- You can begin navigating the virtual desktop or application using NVDA screen reader functionality.
NVDA will start inside the virtual Windows session rather than on your personal computer.
Does NVDA Start Every Time I Launch a Lab?
Yes. Once you enable the NVDA preference, the VLE remembers your selection.
When you start a supported DaaS or Application Streaming session, NVDA will automatically launch as the session begins.
You do not need to enable the screen reader each time you open a new virtual desktop or application.
Which Virtual Labs Support NVDA?
NVDA automatic startup is currently supported in the following environments:
| VLE Environment | NVDA Automatic Startup |
|---|---|
| Virtual Desktop (DaaS) | Supported |
| Application Streaming | Supported |
| Other virtual lab environments | Not currently supported |
The availability of NVDA within a session depends on the type of virtual lab you are using.
Audio Requirements for NVDA
Since NVDA provides spoken feedback, your browser and device must allow audio playback from the virtual desktop or application.
Before launching your session:
- Make sure your computer's volume is turned on.
- Ensure your headphones or speakers are connected and working.
- Verify that your browser tab is not muted.
- Allow audio playback for the VLE website if your browser requests permission.
- Confirm that your selected audio output device is functioning.
Important: NVDA audio is generated inside the virtual Windows session and transmitted to your device through the virtual desktop or application connection.
If you are connected but cannot hear NVDA, check your browser audio permissions, device volume, and virtual session audio settings.
Troubleshooting NVDA
NVDA Does Not Start Automatically
If NVDA does not start when your session begins:
- Return to the VLE Virtual Desktop page.
- Confirm that you have selected Turn On NVDA.
- Launch a new supported virtual desktop or application session.
- Allow the session to finish loading.
- If NVDA still does not start, submit a Support Ticket.
NVDA Starts, but I Cannot Hear Anything
If NVDA appears to be running but no speech is heard:
- Confirm that your computer volume is not muted.
- Verify that your speakers or headphones are functioning.
- Confirm that your browser tab is not muted.
- Make sure the VLE website is permitted to play audio.
- If using a browser-based virtual desktop, verify that audio playback is enabled for the session.
- Disconnect and launch a new session if necessary.
NVDA Is Not Available in My Lab
The automatic NVDA startup feature is currently limited to DaaS and Application Streaming environments.
If your lab uses a different virtual environment, the Turn On NVDA preference may not automatically launch a screen reader in that lab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install NVDA on my personal computer?
No. NVDA is started within the supported VLE virtual Windows environment. You do not need to install it locally to use this feature.
Will NVDA start automatically every time I launch an application?
Yes. Once you enable your NVDA preference, it will automatically start when a supported DaaS or Application Streaming session begins.
Can I use NVDA with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other streamed applications?
Yes. If the application is launched through a supported Application Streaming session, NVDA will start within that session. How well specific application features work with NVDA can vary.
Will NVDA read content on my personal computer?
No. This feature starts NVDA inside the virtual Windows session. It does not start a screen reader on your personal computer or read content outside the virtual session.
Does NVDA work on every virtual machine in the VLE?
No. The automatic startup feature is currently supported only in DaaS and Application Streaming environments.
What happens if I close my virtual desktop or application?
NVDA will automatically start again when you launch another supported session, provided your NVDA preference remains enabled.
Need Additional Assistance?
If you experience issues enabling NVDA, launching your virtual desktop, or hearing screen reader audio, please submit a Support Ticket through the UMGC support portal.
When submitting your ticket, include:
- The course and virtual lab or application you are trying to access.
- Whether you selected Turn On NVDA.
- Whether NVDA starts but produces no audio, or does not start at all.
- The browser you are using (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari).
- A screenshot of any error message, if applicable.
- A brief description of the issue.
Providing this information helps the Support Team identify and troubleshoot the problem.
UMGC Virtual Lab Environment (VLE)
The NVDA Screen Reader option is part of UMGC's continued efforts to improve accessibility and provide students with a more inclusive virtual learning experience.