Screen reader
Can you use a screen reader to access the page content?
Why it’s important:
- Evelyn is visually impaired and uses a screen reader to navigate the web.
Next steps
- Confirm a screen reader can select controls and announcement of information is correct. Download the NVDA screen reader (NV Access) or request through your IT service provider.
- Announcement of information should be in the appropriate order and context. For example labels before form fields, headers before content.
- Check that HTML documents include a language attribute (html lang="en"). This will assist the screen reader to use the correct accent and pronunciation.
- If forms are present, make sure the screen reader reads labels and instructions.
- Some screen readers don't announce the asterisk character. Include 'required' in all labels or apply the aria-required="true" attribute.
- Check contextualized page titles are in use, each web page needs its own title. If the page is part of a multi-step process such as a sign-up form or checkout flow, include the step number such as Step 1 of 3.
- Make sure all links are descriptive. For example, the link text 'Read More' provides no context about where the user will go if they click it.'Read more about our services' describes what’s on the other side of the link.
References
Resources
- 12 Screen reader facts for Accessible Web Design(this link opens an external website)
- Designing for Screen Reader Compatibility(this link opens an external website)
- Video: Web Accessibility Perspectives - Text to Speech(this link opens an external website)