FAQs
How to make a website screen reader friendly?
Use semantic HTML, provide descriptive alt text for images, label all form fields, ensure headings follow a logical order, and make all interactive elements accessible by keyboard. Testing with assistive technology is also essential.
How does a screen reader read a website?
A screen reader processes the code behind a page and reads it aloud or outputs it to a Braille display. It follows the underlying structure, moving through headings, links, lists, and landmarks in sequence.
How to test your website for screen readers?
Use tools like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver to experience your site the way users do. Combine this with keyboard-only navigation and automated testing tools, and whenever possible, gather feedback from real users of assistive technology through our Digital Inclusion Lab.
What is one way that people using a screen reader don't navigate a page?
They do not rely on visual layout cues such as menus on the left or banners at the top. Instead, navigation is done through headings, landmarks, and links announced in order by the screen reader.
What is the biggest challenge to following along with a screen reader as a user?
The most common challenge is poor structure. Missing headings, unlabelled forms, and unclear navigation force users to listen through large amounts of content without context, slowing down the experience.