*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
Screen readers are essential tools for users with visual impairments or those who find it challenging to read content on a screen. This article explores the basic functionalities of screen readers, situations where they are commonly used, and specific methods for making websites compatible with screen readers. By deepening your understanding of screen readers, you can gain valuable insights into how to create a more inclusive and accessible web experience for all users.
What is a Screen Reader?
A screen reader is software that reads aloud the content of a web page. It is used by a variety of people, including those with visual impairments, individuals with dyslexia, the elderly, or those with temporary visual limitations. Screen readers interpret web technologies like HTML and CSS, converting the text content into spoken words, allowing users to access the information audibly.
Popular Types of Screen Readers
- JAWS (Job Access With Speech): A widely used screen reader for Windows, known for its extensive features and functionality.
- NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access): A free and open-source screen reader for Windows, known for its flexibility and wide range of support.
- VoiceOver: Integrated into Apple products, VoiceOver is available on macOS and iOS, seamlessly integrated into Apple’s ecosystem.
- TalkBack: Google’s screen reader for Android devices, providing accessibility features for mobile users.
When Screen Readers Are Used
Screen readers are particularly useful in the following scenarios:
- Web Browsing by Visually Impaired Users: For users who cannot access visual information, screen readers are a primary tool for obtaining information.
- Users with Reading or Learning Disabilities: Screen readers help those who struggle to read text by providing an auditory way to comprehend content.
- Multilingual Users: Screen readers that support multiple languages allow users to easily gather information in languages other than their native tongue.
- Elderly Users: Screen readers are beneficial for elderly users who may experience vision decline or have difficulty using their hands.
How to Build Screen Reader-Compatible Websites
Creating a screen reader-friendly website is a crucial step toward improving accessibility. Following these guidelines will help you design content that works effectively with screen readers.
1. Use Semantic HTML
Correct use of semantic HTML tags is essential. For example, use <h1> through <h6> for headings, <ul> or <ol> for lists, and <nav> for navigation. This ensures that screen readers can understand the structure of the page and provide users with accurate information.
2. Provide Alternative Text
Always include the alt attribute for images. This allows screen readers to convey the image’s content to users. The alternative text should be descriptive and accurately reflect the image. For instance, for a product image, use a description like “red floral dress” to give users a clear understanding of the visual.
3. Clarify Links
Avoid ambiguous expressions like “click here” for links. Instead, use descriptive link text that explains the purpose of the link. For example, “Read the accessibility guidelines” is a clearer and more helpful link for screen reader users.
4. Label Forms Clearly
Each form field should be properly labeled using the <label> tag, which ensures that screen readers can correctly identify the field’s purpose. Also, provide error messages in a non-visual format, ensuring that users receive necessary information audibly.
5. Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications)
Implement ARIA attributes to enhance the accessibility of dynamic content. By assigning appropriate roles and states to elements, you help screen readers interpret dynamic content correctly.
Examples of Screen Reader-Friendly Content
Some examples of optimized content for screen readers include:
- News Websites: Structured with semantic HTML and clear heading hierarchies, ensuring logical reading order.
- E-Commerce Websites: Product images are equipped with descriptive alt text, and cart and checkout processes are easy to follow.
- Educational Websites: Learning materials are organized hierarchically, with detailed and clear explanations.
Conclusion
Screen readers are a powerful tool for users with visual impairments or for those who cannot easily read content on screens for other reasons. To make your website compatible with screen readers, focus on using semantic HTML, providing alt text, clarifying links, labeling form fields, and leveraging ARIA attributes. These efforts will help you create a more accessible and user-friendly web experience for all.
The use of screen readers is not only beneficial for a specific group of users but also plays a significant role in improving overall web accessibility. By adopting screen reader-compatible practices, you take a crucial step toward creating a web environment that is welcoming and easy to use for everyone.
We have released the UUU Web Accessibility Widget Tool, designed to make web accessibility easy to implement. This tool helps improve the accessibility of websites quickly and efficiently, even without specialized knowledge.
If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.