When was the last time you navigated a website without using your eyes? For millions of people who are blind, have low vision, or experience other disabilities, screen readers provide access to digital content by converting text into speech or braille. Ensuring that your website is fully compatible with screen readers isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity for accessibility and inclusion.
But screen reader compatibility goes beyond just adding alt text to images. It requires thoughtful design, proper HTML structure, and rigorous testing to ensure a smooth, efficient experience for users who rely on assistive technology. In this post, we’ll break down the fundamentals of screen reader accessibility, common pitfalls to avoid, and best practices to ensure your website works seamlessly for all users.
Why Screen Reader Compatibility Matters
Screen readers enable users with visual impairments to interact with digital content. Popular screen readers include:
- JAWS (Job Access With Speech) – Widely used on Windows.
- NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) – A free and open-source alternative for Windows.
- VoiceOver – Built into macOS and iOS devices.
- TalkBack – The default screen reader on Android.
These tools don’t just read out loud; they allow users to navigate websites, complete forms, interact with complex applications, and more. If your site isn’t designed with screen readers in mind, you could be unintentionally blocking access to essential information, services, and interactions.
Beyond usability, there’s also a legal aspect to consider. Compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), and Section 508 often requires screen reader accessibility. Websites that fail to meet these requirements risk lawsuits, lost customers, and reputational damage.
Common Screen Reader Accessibility Issues
If you’ve never used a screen reader before, you might assume that simply adding text descriptions to images is enough. However, there are many common mistakes that can make a website frustrating—or even impossible—to use with assistive technology.
1. Missing or Incorrect Alt Text
Images that convey important information should always have descriptive alt text (alt attribute). Conversely, decorative images should have empty alt attributes (alt="") to be ignored by screen readers.
Good Example:
<img src="pie-chart.png" alt="A pie chart showing 40% market growth in Q1." />
Bad Example:
<img src="pie-chart.png" alt="Pie chart" />
This provides no meaningful information about the content of the image.
2. Poorly Structured Headings
Screen reader users often navigate by jumping between headings. If your site doesn’t use proper heading levels (<h1> to <h6>), users may struggle to understand the page’s structure.
Best Practices:
- Use
<h1>for the main page title. - Use
<h2>for main sections and<h3>for subsections. - Do not skip heading levels (e.g., jumping from
<h2>to<h4>).
3. Unlabeled Form Fields
Forms are notoriously difficult for screen reader users when labels are missing or unclear. Instead of using placeholder text as a label, always pair inputs with a <label> element.
Correct Way:
<label for="email">Email Address:</label>
<input type="email" id="email" name="email" />
Incorrect Way:
<input type="email" placeholder="Enter email" />
Screen readers may not read placeholder text reliably, and it disappears when users start typing.
4. Non-Descriptive Links and Buttons
“Click here” and “Read more” don’t provide useful context when read out of order. Instead, use clear, descriptive text.
Good Example:
<a href="/pricing">View our pricing plans</a>
Bad Example:
<a href="/pricing">Click here</a>
A screen reader user won’t know what they’re clicking on without additional context.
5. Lack of ARIA Landmarks and Roles
ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) provides additional information to screen readers about page structure and interactive elements. Use ARIA sparingly—native HTML is usually the best option.
Good Example:
<nav aria-label="Main navigation">
<ul>
<li><a href="/about">About Us</a></li>
<li><a href="/services">Services</a></li>
</ul>
</nav>
This ensures screen reader users understand the purpose of the navigation menu.
Bad Example:
<div class="nav">
<ul>
<li><a href="/about">About Us</a></li>
<li><a href="/services">Services</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
A plain <div> lacks the semantic meaning needed for accessibility.
Best Practices for Screen Reader Accessibility
Now that we’ve covered common issues, let’s go over key best practices to ensure your site is screen-reader-friendly.
1. Use Semantic HTML
HTML elements like <button>, <header>, <footer>, <main>, and <section> provide built-in accessibility without extra work. Avoid using <div> or <span> for interactive elements unless absolutely necessary.
2. Make Dynamic Content Accessible
If your site uses JavaScript to load or update content dynamically, ensure that screen readers can detect these changes.
- Use ARIA live regions (
aria-live="polite") for dynamically updated messages. - Ensure modals, dropdowns, and popups receive focus when opened and return focus when closed.
3. Enable Keyboard Navigation
Screen reader users often rely on keyboard navigation. Ensure that all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) are fully operable via keyboard alone.
4. Provide Skip Links
A “Skip to main content” link allows screen reader users to bypass repetitive navigation and jump straight to the main content.
<a href="#main-content" class="skip-link">Skip to main content</a>
<main id="main-content"> <!-- Main content starts here --> </main>
5. Test with Screen Readers
Even if you follow best practices, real-world testing is essential. Try navigating your site with:
- NVDA (Windows, free)
- VoiceOver (Mac and iOS, built-in)
- JAWS (Windows, paid but widely used)
Final Thoughts
Screen reader compatibility isn’t just about meeting compliance requirements—it’s about ensuring that all users, regardless of ability, can access and interact with your website. By using semantic HTML, labeling elements properly, structuring your content logically, and testing with real screen readers, you can create a more inclusive digital experience.
At AFixt, we specialize in remediation and training to help organizations create truly accessible digital products. If you need guidance on making your website screen-reader-friendly, contact us today to get started!
Let’s work together to build a more inclusive web—one accessible page at a time.
