Screen reader accessibility is an essential consideration for any website design, as it ensures that users with visual impairments can still navigate and consume content on your site.
As the world becomes more digital, it’s important to make sure that everyone can access online content, regardless of their abilities. Approximately 7 million Americans live with a visual impairment according to estimates. To interact with websites as well as other digital information, the majority of these individuals depend on auxiliary tools like screen readers.
It is your responsibility as a website designer, developer, and/or administrator to ensure that these people can browse your website.
A screen reader is a software program that reads text on a computer screen aloud, allowing visually impaired users to interact with digital content. However, designers do not create websites with screen reader accessibility in mind, making it difficult or even impossible for users to access the information they need. In this article, we will provide tips on how to design your website for screen reader accessibility, ensuring that your site is inclusive and accessible to all users.
What Is a Screen Reader?
A type of software application called a screen reader transforms digitized text into auditory and/or sensory form.
People who are blind or have poor eyesight, as well as individuals with cognitive disabilities utilize screen readers to engage with the content. Many screen readers offer advanced capabilities that make it easier for users to traverse OS panels, computer programs, and websites.
A well-liked assistive technology is an integral part of screen reader functionality. They make it possible for those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to or would have a lot of difficulties using digital gadgets on their own.
Screen readers benefit those who:
- Have learning problems like dyslexia or cognitive issues
- Find it difficult to read print
- Are learning a language
- Prefer listening to reading for content consumption
Some people who have visual problems could also utilize screen readers. For instance, one may use a screen reader to read text-based material while seeing photos and other media on a website.
How Are Screen Readers Operated?
When combined with other programs on a gadget, a screen reader is a piece of program that is installed on the gadget (or, in certain situations, added as a browser extension).
Screen readers are available for all kinds of operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android and are provided as freeware or paid.
A user uses the keypad to operate the screen reader. A screen reader is a set of keypad instructions used to read, spell the word aloud, and more.
Screen readers can convert textual information into voice and braille. Screen readers use Text-to-Speech (TTS) technique to read the content. User can increase or decrease the reading pace.
Several screen readers can also translate displayed information into braille. Users link a refreshable braille panel to their computer. The screen reader analyzes the content by reading the braille letters on a pad.
How To Find Out if a Particular Website Is Screen Reader Accessible or Not?
Try using a screen reader to browse your website. Even for websites that you believe have easily accessible navigation, this might be eye-opening.
The use of a screen reader to browse your website might reveal significant problems that nonetheless pass web accessibility assessments.
Whenever screen readers come upon a navigation component that is not correctly identified, they often have problems.
While the majority of screen readers can understand anchor text, there are several elements that can provide crucial information for a screen reader.
It is crucial to make sure header-level tags accurately represent page structure, to help screen readers understand the page layout. For instance if you use a H1 tag with a H2 tag on top of your website, it will not be clear to screen reader users.
A website that uses generic link descriptions like “Click here” or “Learn more” is not user-friendly. Use descriptive link descriptions to easily reach your audience.
Make sure webpage names are comprehensive to help people who use screen readers switch amongst different websites with ease.
Why You Should Optimize Your Website for Screen Readers?
A screen reader translates digital text aloud to those with vision problems. Screen readers depend on the data that browsers offer to them.
This means that the site developer is eventually in charge of responsibilities. Only the developer can determine how usable a website is.
Over 1 billion disabled people have 600 billion USD in buying power. Additionally, having accessible websites helps your SEO and enhances the perception that you are a socially responsible company.
How to Create a Screen Reader-Friendly Design?
Consult screen reader users
Ensure to consult with a screen reader user to get their feedback on all the accessibility issues on your website. You can also do this periodically.
You may ask an accessibility expert to evaluate your website regularly. If you actively put this into practice, you’ll be doing a multitude of people’s businesses and your own a huge favor.
Structure HTML semantics
Screen reader accessibility depends on HTML accessibility. The most fundamental component of most web pages is HTML. Hypertext Markup Language is what it is called. Tags, metatags, and attributes in HTML specify how components of a website should be displayed.
HTML with semantics makes sense in context. For instance, use contextual tags like “header,” “nav,” “main,” “aside,” “section,” and “footer” instead of generic ones like “div,” “span,” and “b” to mark up the full-page design.
By doing this, you can make sure that the screen reader can analyze the material it encounters very precisely and speak out the text in a manner that is understood by the listener.
Link descriptions
Use meaningful hyperlink descriptions to provide your users with the information about the destination of a link.
Alternative text
Use appropriate alternate text for images to enhance a website user’s experience. It aids those who use screen readers and have visual impairments. It also enhances SEO and gives search engines additional context.
ARIA
Accessible Rich Internet Applications is the abbreviation for ARIA. Developers may provide HTML elements with useful context thanks to a set of programmable improvements.
ARIA enables developers to express a variety of HTML semantic notions using HTML attributes. This increases the capability of HTML components beyond what is presently available with semantic HTML tags.
Use sentence punctuation
Screen readers pauses for periods, commas, new paragraphs, and other punctuation to mimic speech. Make sure you’re using punctuation correctly to get the greatest results.
Final thoughts
Screen reader accessibility is an important aspect of web development. It helps to ensure that visually impaired individuals can access and navigate your website with ease. Some key tips to keep in mind include providing clear and descriptive content, using proper heading structure, etc.
By following these guidelines, you can create a website that is inclusive and accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.
