Improving Screen Reader Accessibility: Insights, Tips and Guidelines

Despite rising demand for screen reader software and heightened advocacy for digital accessibility, many websites remain incompatible with screen readers. This disconnect indicates that, even as awareness of web accessibility grows, significant barriers to access persist for people using screen reader technology. Given that over 2.2 billion people worldwide are blind or have low vision, according to the World Health Organization, it’s imperative that organizations incorporate screen reader accessibility practices when creating digital content.

In this blog, we’ll explore several of the most common accessibility issues impacting screen reader users. We’ll also share best practices to help web teams create more seamless online screen reader experiences for everyone.

What is a screen reader?

Screen readers are tools that convert digital content through synthesized speech and refreshable braille displays. They interpret on-screen elements—such as text, form fields, tables, and links—and convert them into formats that enable people who are blind or have low vision to navigate, process, and interact with digital content.

Popular screen readers include JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver (for iOS, macOS, WatchOS, and TVOS devices), and TalkBack (for Android). Each offers unique features tailored to different devices and operating systems.

Who uses screen readers?

According to a WebAIM survey of screen reader users, conducted by the Institute for Disability Research, Policy, and Practice at Utah State University, people who are blind or have low vision make up the majority of screen reader users with disabilities. However, the survey highlights that people without disabilities also use screen readers.

In fact, over 12% of respondents reported using screen readers for reasons unrelated to disability, demonstrating the broader appeal and functionality of these accessibility tools. For instance, non-native speakers might use screen readers to help improve their comprehension of written English by listening to content while following along visually, reinforcing vocabulary and pronunciation. Additionally, people with lower literacy levels may find screen readers helpful for navigating complex information on websites or apps, as listening can enhance understanding when visual reading may be challenging.

These findings reinforce that screen readers are essential tools for many people, but they also offer benefits beyond their traditional use, ultimately supporting a wide range of users.

Is screen reader accessibility a legal requirement?

In many countries, ensuring that your digital content is compatible with screen readers is a legal requirement. Various laws and regulations focused on anti-discrimination mandate digital accessibility. To be accessible, it’s essential that digital experiences work with screen reader technology. Let’s explore three laws and one key standard governing web accessibility.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a U.S. civil rights law protecting individuals from disability-based discrimination. The U.S. Department of Justice has clarified that businesses open to the public are required to make their web content and mobile applications accessible—including ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers—to meet ADA requirements.

Section 508

Section 508 mandates that federal agencies must make their information and communication technology (ICT) accessible to people with disabilities. ICT encompasses websites, software applications, and other digital tools such as self-service kiosks, ATMs, copiers and telecommunication products used by the public and employees.

Web Accessibility Directive (WAD) & European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The EU Web Accessibility Directive (WAD) requires that the websites and mobile applications of all EU public-sector organizations meet specific accessibility standards, which include support for screen readers. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) extends these requirements to certain products and services provided by private-sector organizations.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

To comply with web accessibility laws, it is best practice to conform with established accessibility standards. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), for example, is an ISO standard developed by the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) that covers a wide range of recommendations for making web content accessible.

By conforming to WCAG standards, organizations can avoid creating many common barriers to access for screen reader users.

The W3C’s report, Accessibility Requirements for People with Low Vision, expands on WCAG by offering additional insights and guidance for organizations seeking to deepen their understanding of accessibility requirements for people who are blind or have low vision.

Screen reader user perspectives

According to WebAIM’s screen reader user survey, 85.9% of screen reader users think that “better (more accessible) websites” would improve their online experiences. Yet only 34.6% of respondents felt that web accessibility had improved over the last year—a decrease from 39.3% in 2021.

With hundreds of types of screen readers available, digital content that is compatible with certain screen reader technologies may not always be compatible with other screen reader technologies. These discrepancies, which can inadvertently block access for some screen reader users, often occur when websites, apps, or platforms are not properly coded for accessibility. Without adhering to proper coding practices, efforts to enhance website accessibility are likely to fall short, limiting the positive impact for people who use screen readers.

Beyond compliance: The need for usability

While complying with accessibility laws and standards provides a solid foundation for making your digital content accessible, this baseline compliance may not ensure that your website or application is usable by people with disabilities.

Legal standards may provide universal, technology-agnostic instructions for structuring digital content, but they may not capture the nuances of how real users interact with this content.

To bridge this gap, partnering with a team of trained experts—including people with disabilities—is invaluable. Firsthand experience with disability allows professionals to assess and enhance your website’s holistic accessibility, ensuring that your site is not only technically sound but also genuinely user-friendly for everyone.

Six screen reader accessibility best practices

In this section, we’ll outline eight best practices to enhance your website’s screen reader compatibility.

1. Use semantic HTML

Use semantic HTML by employing standard HTML elements that provide meaning and structure to your content, greatly aiding screen readers in interpreting and navigating your website. Beyond defining regions with “<header>,” “<nav>,” “<main>,” and “<footer>,” incorporate headings (“<h1>” to “<h6>”) to establish a clear content hierarchy, and use elements like “<input>,” “<button>,” and “<label>” to create accessible forms and interactive controls. Properly using these semantic elements ensures that assistive technologies can accurately convey your content to people who use screen readers, enhancing accessibility and improving the overall user experience.

2. Provide descriptive alt text for images

Alt text, short for alternative text, offers users a concise and informative description of images—including photos, charts, graphs, maps, and infographics. This description enables people who use screen readers or other assistive technologies to understand the context of visual elements on a page. When writing alt text, focus on clearly conveying the purpose of the image without using redundant phrases like “image of.” Prioritize relevant details that enhance the user’s understanding.

3. Ensure proper heading hierarchy

Use headings in a logical order, from “<h1>” to “<h6>,” to help screen readers identify content structure. This helps users understand the flow and hierarchy of the information on the page.

4. Test keyboard-only navigation

Thoroughly test your website to ensure all interactive elements—such as buttons, form controls, links, and interactive controls like sliders or carousels—can be accessed and operated using a keyboard alone. Testing for keyboard accessibility benefits all users, especially those using screen readers.

5. Minimize complex interactions

Ensure that all interactions are easy for screen readers to interpret—for example, avoid hover-dependent actions. Use simple, straightforward interactions whenever possible to keep content accessible.

6. Test across multiple screen readers

To ensure compatibility for a wider range of users, test your website or application using different screen readers. For example, Level Access’s standard tools are NVDA for web content on Windows, VoiceOver for iOS devices, and TalkBack for Android devices. By testing compatibility with various screen readers, you can identify and address a broader range of potential accessibility issues, ensuring your digital content is accessible to more screen reader users.

Design for screen reader accessibility

Addressing the intricacies of evolving global accessibility laws and the dynamic nature of screen reader technology requires specialized knowledge. Partnering with a third-party web accessibility solution provider is a strategic move to ensure your users have seamless access to your websites, mobile apps, digital documents, and other online experiences.

Level Access brings a team of seasoned professionals who can deliver the technology and the expertise necessary to ensure your digital platforms are compatible with screen readers, complying with legal requirements and promoting inclusivity.

To learn how Level Access can enhance website functionality for screen reader accessibility, engage with our team today.

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FAQ

How do screen readers help people with disabilities?

A screen reader converts digital text and elements into synthesized speech or refreshable braille, enabling people who are blind or have low vision to navigate and interact with websites, applications, and other digital content effectively.

How can web teams ensure content is screen-reader friendly?

Navigating the complexities of digital accessibility, especially when optimizing website functionality for screen reader users, can be challenging for web teams. Partnering with experts is essential to ensure compliance with accessibility laws and to provide barrier-free user experiences across your digital content.

What are popular screen readers?

Many studies show that JAWS (Job Access With Speech) and NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access) are very popular among screen reader users on Windows platforms. For users of macOS, iOS, WatchOS, and tvOS, VoiceOver is the built-in and sole screen reader option, making it the default choice for users of these systems.