What is a Screen Reader? A Guide to Improving Web Accessibility

*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.

In web accessibility, screen readers are essential assistive technology for individuals with visual impairments or those who have difficulty seeing web content. This article provides a detailed explanation of the basic mechanism of screen readers, their main functions, the benefits for users, and key considerations for web developers.

Basic Mechanism of a Screen Reader

A screen reader is software that reads out the text content of web pages or outputs it to a braille display. This allows users with visual impairments to access information on websites. Screen readers are operated using keyboards or touch gestures, converting visual information into audio or braille. Some well-known screen readers include:

• NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access): A free, open-source screen reader available for Windows.
• JAWS (Job Access With Speech): A high-end screen reader for Windows.
• VoiceOver: A screen reader built into macOS and iOS.
• TalkBack: A screen reader available on Android devices.

Screen readers read HTML structures and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to interpret the content and communicate it accurately to the user. For example, heading tags (<h1>, <h2>, etc.) help users understand sections of a page, and link or button labels are read out accurately.

Main Features and Usage

Screen readers offer the following main functions:

• Text-to-Speech: Reads text content on the page, allowing access to information without relying on sight.
• Navigation: Users can navigate through a webpage using keyboard shortcuts or touch gestures, allowing access to headings, links, and form elements.
• Summary Information: Provides users with a summary, such as the number of links or headings on a page, helping with navigation.
• Braille Output: Some screen readers can output content to a braille display, allowing visually impaired users to read text in braille.

Users can adjust settings like speech speed or voice type to suit their preferences, making the web browsing experience more efficient.

Benefits for Screen Reader Users

Using a screen reader offers the following benefits to users with visual impairments:

1. Equal Access to Information: Allows users to understand text, links, buttons, and other elements accurately, providing access to the same information as sighted users.
2. Wider Internet Use: Enables access to a variety of web services like social media, email, and online shopping, improving the user’s quality of life.
3. Support for Independent Living: Allows users to independently gather information and complete online tasks, such as banking or scheduling medical appointments.

Screen readers are also beneficial for people with reading difficulties, learning disabilities, or those in temporary situations where visual access is limited (e.g., working in low-light conditions or when their hands are occupied).

Key Considerations for Web Developers

To improve web accessibility for screen reader users, web developers should keep the following points in mind:

• Use Semantic HTML: Properly use tags like <header>, <nav>, <main>, and <footer> so that screen readers can interpret the structure of the page correctly.
• Provide Alt Text for Images: Ensure that images and graphics have appropriate alternative text (alt attribute) to describe the content or function of the image.
• Clarify Link Text: Avoid vague link text such as “Click here” and instead use descriptive phrases like “Read more about our product details here.”
• Label Form Elements Clearly: Ensure that each form element is labeled properly, so the screen reader can convey the correct information to the user.
• Use ARIA Attributes Appropriately: Implement ARIA attributes (e.g., aria-label, aria-hidden) when necessary to ensure that users understand the role or status of interactive UI elements.

By following these practices, web developers can ensure that users who rely on screen readers can navigate and interact with content easily and effectively.

Conclusion

Screen readers are an essential tool that enables people with visual impairments to access the web. By designing and coding with accessibility in mind, web developers can create websites that are usable by all, ensuring equal access to information. Improving web accessibility benefits all users and is becoming an increasingly important focus.

Through understanding and consideration of screen reader users, we can create a more inclusive web experience that allows everyone to benefit from the internet’s vast resources.

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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.