Reaper is a very popular Digital Audio Workstation for audio content creators and music producers alike, due to it being more affordable and flexible than other mainstream software options. However it’s considered a favourite amongst blind and partially sighted musicians due to its potential for screen reader accessibility.
As you may have discovered by now, there is a lot of information scattered all over in terms of how to use all these softwares, but it’s often difficult to locate, and Reaper is no exception. This article aims to make life a little easier, as we’ll be sharing some helpful links tailored to assisting blind and visually impaired people who are considering using Reaper.
There are quite a few resources out there in terms of accessing Reaper, regardless of your method of learning.
For instance, the Reaper Accessibility Wiki offers text based articles from the official Reaper website, but in a more accessible format for screen readers. These articles range from downloading and installing reaper, to keyboard shortcuts and functions, to basic recording to video editing.
Similarly, the Reaper Made Easy series offers free training on how to use Reaper and is tailored to blind and visually impaired musicians. They use an audio tutorial based approach as opposed to text.
Another helpful resource we discovered for those who prefer an audio based approach is another tutorial series in the form of a YouTube playlist titled Reaper With A Screenreader. The videos and playlist were created by a blind audio engineer named Mohomed Rashad, and like the other resources mentioned, the contents delve into accessing different aspects of Reaper, using both JAWS and NVDA.
If yiure looking for more specific advice about Reaper, it’d be worth joining the Reapers Without Peepers community — it is a focus group made up of just under a thousand members, both beginners and advanced, and they discuss all things Reaper!
We hope you found this article helpful! Be sure to check out the rest of our knowledge hub for other tips and resources!
Jay on November 19, 2023