Claude Code Introduces Screen Reader Mode for Improved Accessibility
Anthropic has added a screen reader mode to its Claude Code command-line interface (CLI) tool. By running `claude --ax-screen-reader`, the visual terminal UI is replaced with plain, linear text optimized for screen readers like VoiceOver and NVDA. This update significantly enhances accessibility, allowing visually impaired developers to use the AI-assisted coding tool more effectively. It represents a crucial step toward making advanced AI developer tools inclusive for all programmers. The mode introduces labeled lines, numbered menus, and an audio bell notification when user input is required. It can be permanently enabled via the configuration file or by setting the `CLAUDE_AX_SCREEN_READER` environment variable.
## BACKGROUND
Claude Code is an agentic coding tool developed by Anthropic that operates directly in the terminal to help developers write, edit, and test code. Screen readers, such as NVDA for Windows and VoiceOver for macOS, are assistive technologies that read text on a screen aloud for visually impaired users.