Method

Testing your site with a screen reader: a beginner's guide

A few minutes with a screen reader reveal what no automated test sees. Here is how to start.

Nothing replaces the experience of a screen reader to understand what a blind person goes through on your site. The good news: testing it yourself is simpler than you think.

Which tool to use

On Windows, NVDA is free. On macOS and iOS, VoiceOver is built in. On Android, TalkBack is built in. Start with the one you already have at hand.

What to listen for

• Is the page title announced clearly on arrival?
• Can you browse the headings to understand the structure?
• Do images carry a relevant alternative?
• Do links and buttons have an explicit label?
• Do forms announce their labels and errors?

Stay humble

An in-house test does not replace evaluation by people with disabilities. But it radically changes how you design, and reveals obstacles that no automated tool flags.