Using screen readers
Learn how blind people use screen readers and how you can use them to test your learning materials
Screen reader user tests / screen reader crash course
Although the WCAG is very comprehensive and detailed, the review of the individual success criteria alone is not sufficient to confirm the accessibility of digital content with certainty. This is why we always rely on practical tests with screen reader users.
Screen readers are not only the most important assistive technology for blind and severely visually impaired people, but are also exemplary for all non-visual user agents.
Here you will find the most important information that will allow you to get an impression of the compatibility of your digital content with screen readers.
NVDA
Historically, screen readers for Windows (especially JAWS and NVDA) have become the benchmark for accessibility testing (compatibility with assistive technologies). Digital content that is compatible with Windows screen readers is usually also compatible with VoiceOver (screen reader on Mac).
We recommend and work with the free open source screen reader NVDA (Non-visual desktop access).
The most important facts in brief
- Screen reader users browse through content using arrow keys (up/down)
- Shortkeys allow them to jump to specific component types (e.g.: h for headings, t for tables, g for graphics, etc.)
- Use Enter or Space key to activate interactive component such as links or buttons.
Knowing this you are ready for your first experience with screen readers.
Delve a little deeper into the subject matter
Details are a little more complex.
Browse vs. focus mode
The distinction between browse mode (navigation with arrow keys and shortkeys) and focus / forms mode (operation of interactive elements, cf. keyboard operability) is important for understanding Windows screen readers.
Find a good summary of the topic in the
external page > Accessibility Developer Guide (ADG) / Browse vs. Focus Mode
Screenreader Reader Keyboard Shortcuts
Find a comprehensive collection of keyboard shortcuts for variours screenreaders on the valueable website of Deque University: