Accessibility Guide for Screen Readers: Ensuring Your Website is Inclusive for All

If you’re a business decision-maker—whether for a large corporation or a small startup—you’ve likely heard about web accessibility. Perhaps you’ve even taken initial steps to make your site more inclusive.

But have you ever wondered how people who are blind or have low vision actually navigate your website?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about screen readers, why they’re essential, and how to ensure your digital content meets modern standards.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a deep understanding of how to optimize your website for screen readers, aligning with Google’s best practices and the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) principle. We’ll also show you how these efforts can help you rank higher in features like Featured Snippets, Sitelinks, People Also Ask blocks, and more. Let’s dive in!

Understanding screen reader accessibility

Before we can tackle the “how,” we need a clear picture of what screen readers are. Screen readers are software programs that translate on-screen information—such as text, images (when labeled with alt text), and interactive elements—into speech or braille output. This technology helps people who are blind, partially sighted, or have reading disorders access computers, websites, and digital documents independently.

Screen readers work by parsing the structure behind the visual presentation of a page. For web content, that means interpreting HTML, ARIA attributes, and text in the Document Object Model (DOM) of a webpage. On desktop apps, they read from system accessibility APIs. Essentially, if something is displayed or has a textual representation in code, a screen reader can often verbalize it, provided the site or app is built accessibly.

When a user navigates with a screen reader, they typically rely on keyboard shortcuts or gestures (on mobile) to read and move through different segments of content. This is why coding your website with accessible best practices is crucial; if your content is incorrectly structured or missing alt text, that content remains invisible to people relying on screen readers.

Why screen readers matter

The World Health Organization reports that over 2 billion people have some form of visual impairment worldwide, and the National Institutes of Health estimates that 8% of Americans live with some type of visual disability. This is a huge demographic. Screen reader accessibility, therefore, isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a core requirement for a massive audience who rely on spoken or braille translations to engage with your content.

When you enhance your website’s screen reader compatibility, you’re doing more than satisfying a niche requirement. You’re opening your digital storefront to a community that often feels overlooked online. This inclusive approach reflects positively on your brand, signals social responsibility, and meets legal obligations. Ultimately, it’s a win for everyone.

Additionally, making your site accessible provides benefits for non-traditional use cases as well: for example, someone might want to listen to text while driving, or perhaps a user with reading difficulties processes information better via audio. You never know how people might need or prefer to consume your content.

Who benefits from screen readers?

While screen readers are critical for blind and partially sighted users, they also help many other groups, including:

• Individuals with reading disorders like dyslexia, who find text-to-speech supportive.
• Language learners who may improve vocabulary and pronunciation by listening to text while following along.
• People with cognitive disabilities who might rely on auditory input to process complex topics.
• Busy professionals who prefer an audio-friendly experience while commuting or multitasking.

In essence, screen readers have universal benefits. Whenever you optimize your site for these tools, you’re effectively future-proofing your content for a diverse global audience.

Common types of screen readers

Now that you understand why screen readers matter, let’s look at the range of solutions out there. Although there are many different screen readers, some have become industry standards due to their widespread adoption and robust feature sets.

Mobile screen readers

Mobile devices are an integral part of everyday life, and screen readers have evolved to meet that reality:

Apple VoiceOver (iOS)

• Built into every iPhone and iPad.
• Popular and user-friendly, with multi-finger gesture support.
• Integrates seamlessly with Siri for voice commands and broader device control.

TalkBack (Android)

• Pre-installed on Android devices by Google.
• Uses gestures, voice commands, and external braille displays for versatile input.
• Often second in popularity to VoiceOver, but still crucial to test on because of Android’s large market share.
• Ensuring compatibility with these two major mobile screen readers is vital if you’re serious about reaching the widest audience possible.

Desktop and laptop screen readers

Desktop computing remains the backbone for many professional environments. Two major players stand out:

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

• Open-source and free screen reader for Windows.
• Its popularity is steadily growing due to cost-effectiveness and frequent updates.
• Great for testing because it aligns with many international standards.

JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

• One of the oldest and most recognized Windows screen readers.
• Known for comprehensive support, but is also quite expensive (up to $1,200).
• Still widely used by large enterprises and institutions that can manage the licensing fees.

If you’re looking to do screen reader testing on Windows, NVDA is a great first choice because it’s free and widely used. If resources allow, test with JAWS as well for broader coverage.

Additional and specialized screen readers

While VoiceOver, TalkBack, NVDA, and JAWS cover the majority of use cases, there are additional products worth noting:

• Orca (Linux/GNOME): A free, open-source solution commonly used by Linux enthusiasts.
• Thunder: A free Windows screen reader, bundled with WebIE, aimed at simpler web browsing experiences.
• Dolphin Screen Readers (like Dolphin Guide): Offer large-print and speech output for people with low vision.
• BRLTTY: Focuses on braille output for Linux/Unix text consoles.
• CakeTalking: A specialized product that supports advanced music editing and recording for JAWS users.

Each specialized screen reader serves a unique audience—some for gaming, music production, or advanced braille support. The point is that multiple tools exist, and each might interpret your site slightly differently. Testing with a variety of them helps ensure you’re not leaving any group behind.

You might be interested in: Accessibility Testing: Using Assistive Technologies to Detect Accessibility Issues

Key standards and guidelines

Web accessibility isn’t the Wild West anymore. Over the years, guidelines have been established to steer developers and site owners toward a more inclusive web. Here are the cornerstones:

• WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) Published by the W3C, these guidelines specify how to make web content more accessible. They provide success criteria at levels A, AA, and AAA.
• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) In the United States, digital experiences are increasingly viewed through the lens of the ADA. This means your site should be accessible to avoid potential legal complications.
• Section 508 This applies to federal agencies in the U.S. and ensures that their digital offerings are accessible.European Accessibility Act (EAA) & Web Accessibility Directive (WAD) In the EU, directives require public sector (and certain private sector) entities to comply with web accessibility standards.

Adhering to these guidelines is not just about compliance—it’s also an ethical obligation. Plus, it positions your brand as forward-thinking, user-centric, and socially responsible.

You might be interested in our case study: Digital Accessibility & EAA: Telecommunications Industry Under Review.

Implementing E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

Google’s E-E-A-T principle emphasizes four pillars for content creators and site owners:

1. Experience: Show direct, hands-on experience with your topic.
2. Expertise: Demonstrate specialized knowledge in your field.
3. Authoritativeness: Cite credible sources, showcase brand authority, and use robust data where possible.
4. Trustworthiness: Be transparent, honest, and provide secure experiences (such as HTTPS and easy privacy policies).

In the context of accessibility and screen readers, E-E-A-T can be implemented by:

• Sharing personal or organizational experience with accessibility implementations.
• Detailing expertise with real-world code or project examples.
• Demonstrating authoritativeness by referencing well-respected resources (WCAG, W3C, respected accessibility experts, etc.).
• Building trust by offering transparent solutions and ensuring your site is safe and user-friendly for everyone.

Following E-E-A-T not only boosts your standing with Google’s algorithms but also enriches your users’ experiences, making them more likely to engage positively with your brand.

Building accessible websites: Essential techniques

Designing for screen readers means making your content understandable, navigable, and interactive for a broad range of users. Below are key techniques to keep in mind before jumping into any bullet points:

1. Use semantic HTML

• Properly structuring your HTML allows screen readers to interpret headings, paragraphs, links, and sections correctly.
• For example, <header>, <nav>, <main>, <footer> elements give clear structure to your site.

2. Include alt text for images

• Make sure images have descriptive alt text.
• Alt text should explain the purpose of the image, not just say “image of X.”

3. Ensure keyboard navigation

• Many screen reader users navigate via keyboard.
• Test your site using only the Tab, Enter, and arrow keys to check if all elements are accessible in a logical order.

4. Label links clearly

• Avoid generic link text like “click here” or “read more.”
• Use descriptive text such as “Read our latest accessibility whitepaper” to give screen reader users context.

5. Use ARIA (accessible rich internet applications) wisely

• ARIA roles and attributes can supplement HTML if you have dynamic or complex interfaces.
• However, don’t overuse them. Always use native HTML elements first.

6. Avoid auto-play and automatic navigation

• Audio or video that starts automatically can be disorienting for screen reader users.
• Offer user control to play or pause media.

7. Design accessible forms

• Use <label> tags associated with each form element.
• Group related fields in <fieldset> blocks with a <legend> to provide context.

8. Multi-language support

• If part of your text is in a different language, use lang attributes on those elements.
• This helps screen readers switch languages automatically.

When you integrate these techniques, you significantly reduce friction for visually impaired visitors. These steps also improve your SEO, because search engines thrive on well-structured, semantically rich content.

Real-world examples

Not every website faces the same challenges, but the principles remain consistent. Below, we’ll look at two hypothetical but common scenarios—an e-commerce platform and a government services portal. These examples illustrate how varying types of sites can encounter different accessibility issues, even though the underlying solutions often overlap.

How a hypothetical e-commerce site could improve

Imagine an online retail store that sells clothing and accessories. A screen reader user visiting this site might encounter:

• Unlabeled buttons. It’s common to find buttons that simply read “Button” to screen readers because they lack proper labeling. This can happen with “Add to Cart” or “Wishlist” icons.
• Minimal role, name, or value clarity. The navigation menu might use ambiguous ARIA labels, making it hard for users to identify where they are within the site.
• Confusing filters or sort options. If the product filter uses checkboxes or dropdowns without accessible names, screen readers may not announce them properly.

Potential fixes include:

• Using proper ARIA labels for purchase buttons. Take a look at the example below:

aria-label="Add to Cart"

• Making sure each navigation item has a descriptive label (e.g., “Men’s Clothing” vs. “Link”).
• Properly structuring filter sections with fieldsets and legends, so screen reader users clearly understand each filtering option.

These improvements won’t fix every scenario—especially for complex components like dynamic product galleries or pop-up modals—but they’ll go a long way toward creating a more intuitive shopping experience for screen reader users.

How a government services portal could improve

Now consider a government portal where citizens can apply for permits or view official documents. Screen reader users might find:

• Redundant titles or headings. A heading might say “Apply for Permit” multiple times or in nested places, confusing.
• Long, complex forms. If form fields aren’t clearly labeled, or if instructions rely solely on color-coded sections, the user can quickly get lost.
• Unclear link text. Links that say “Click to Continue” offer no context—are they continuing the application or navigating to an informational page?

Potential fixes include:

• Ensuring each heading is unique and descriptive to minimize repetition.
• Adding <label> tags or aria-labels to each form field (e.g., “Full Name,” “Date of Birth,” “Address”), grouping them logically in <fieldset> sections.
• Using descriptive, concise link text like “Continue Application” or “View Additional Resources” to convey meaning more clearly.

By labeling and structuring elements more mindfully, both an e-commerce site and a government portal can stand out for superior usability. And ultimately, that’s what robust screen reader support is all about—making sure users can accomplish tasks easily, no matter their abilities.

How to test with screen readers

Testing for screen reader compatibility can be done in multiple ways, blending automated and manual approaches:

1. Automated accessibility scans

• Tools like WAVE, axe, or Lighthouse can flag missing alt text, misused ARIA roles, etc.
• While useful, they don’t catch everything, especially around dynamic elements or subtle user-flow issues.

2. Manual testing with screen reader software

• Try NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, or TalkBack on a real device.
• Practice tabbing through your site or performing tasks like product checkout.
• Note any stumbling blocks or unclear labels.

3. User testing

• Enlist people experienced with assistive technology.
• They’ll provide insights into real-world usage that no automated tool can mimic.

The golden rule: Don’t wait until the last minute! Incorporate screen reader testing early in your design and development process. It’s far easier (and cheaper) to fix issues as they arise than to overhaul an entire site post-launch.

Legal and regulatory requirements

If you operate in the United States or Europe, it’s important to know the legal impetus for web accessibility:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Courts have increasingly ruled that websites and apps are “places of public accommodation” that must be accessible.
• Section 508 (US): Government agencies are required by law to ensure their websites and digital documents are accessible.
• European Accessibility Act (EAA) and Web Accessibility Directive: EU member states must follow these directives for public sector sites, and certain private sector organizations are also included, depending on local laws.

Falling short of these requirements can result in legal actions, fines, and reputational damage. Proactively designing for screen readers reduces risk while showcasing your commitment to inclusivity.

Advanced considerations: Language attributes and more

For advanced or multilingual sites, consider these best practices:

• Language tag at the HTML root: This lets screen readers announce content in the correct accent or language.

For example, for English content, use:

<html lang="en">

And for Indonesian, use:

<html lang="id">

• Localized snippets: If a page is primarily in English but has a short Spanish quote, wrap those words like this:

<span lang="es">

• Hreflang attribute: Tells both screen readers and search engines that you’re linking to content in another language. For example, when linking to an Indonesian page, use:

hreflang="id"

Taking time to implement these attributes ensures your site is not only accessible to visually impaired users but also serves a globally diverse audience, improving SEO in multiple languages.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Below are frequent issues that trip up websites’ screen reader accessibility, along with a short intro before bullet points for clarity:

• Skipping headings: Don’t jump from <h1> to <h3> without an <h2> in between. Proper nesting helps screen reader users navigate logically.
• Generic link text: Overly vague text like “Read more” can be confusing when read out of context.
• Visual-only cues: Content that relies solely on color or images to convey meaning leaves screen reader users in the dark. Use textual or ARIA-based indicators.
• Unlabeled icons: Social media icons, search icons, etc., can appear as empty controls unless labeled with accessible text or aria-label.
• Overuse of ARIA: Using ARIA incorrectly can create more confusion. Always rely on native HTML semantics first.

Awareness of these pitfalls is half the battle. The other half is consistent testing and iteration throughout your development cycle.

Tools and best practices for ongoing accessibility

It’s easy to view accessibility as a “one-time project,” but real inclusivity is an ongoing process. 

• Regular audits: Use built-in browser audits like Lighthouse (Chrome DevTools) or third-party solutions like Axe.
• Human-in-the-loop testing: Engage visually impaired testers who use screen readers daily.
• Accessible design systems: Incorporate accessibility guidelines into your design system or style guide. That way, new components are consistently built for accessibility.
• Training your team: Make sure your developers, designers, and content creators are all aware of basic accessibility best practices.

Keeping these practices alive in your workflows ensures your site remains welcoming to all, even as you add new content or features.

Practical tips for all business sizes

Whether you’re a Fortune 500 corporation or a two-person startup, the fundamentals of screen reader accessibility apply equally. However, the path to implementing those fundamentals can differ depending on resource constraints. Here are practical considerations:

1. Small businesses

• Start with templates: Use accessible themes or CMS templates if you’re on WordPress, Shopify, or Wix.
• Leverage free tools: NVDA for screen reader testing is free; run it yourself or ask a friend familiar with the technology.
• Gradual upgrades: Tackle essential items like alt text, heading structure, and color contrast first.

2. Midsize companies

• Accessibility champions: Appoint an internal staff member dedicated to accessibility.
• Periodic audits: Budget for an expert-led review every quarter or biannually.
• Training: Invest in accessibility training for your dev team and content creators.

3. Large enterprises

• Dedicated accessibility teams: Have a specialized group that sets company-wide standards.
• Automated testing pipelines: Integrate accessibility testing into Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD).
• Vendor partnerships: Consider third-party solutions for large-scale monitoring, such as employing specialist consulting firms.

No matter your size, building an inclusive digital ecosystem not only protects you legally but also enhances brand reputation and user trust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes a screen reader-friendly website?
A website that uses semantic HTML, descriptive alt text, proper headings, and user-friendly labels for interactive elements.

2. Is screen reader support mandatory?
In many regions, yes. The ADA, Section 508, and other regulations often consider inaccessible digital content discriminatory.

3. How do I test web accessibility with a screen reader?
Start with free screen readers like NVDA (Windows) or VoiceOver (on Mac and iOS). Perform typical user tasks (like product purchase) to see if any barriers arise.

4. Do screen readers handle dynamic content well?
They can, but only if you code them properly with ARIA states/roles and ensure the screen reader announces real-time changes.

5. Is a braille display necessary to test screen readers?
Not necessarily. Braille support is important, but most standard accessibility tests can be done with speech output alone.

6. What about multilingual sites?
Use the lang attribute at the HTML root, and specify any changes in language at the element level when switching languages mid-page.

Conclusion

As digital interactions become more integral to how we live and do business, screen reader accessibility is no longer optional. It’s a must-have for any brand or organization looking to serve its audience inclusively and ethically. This guide has shown you the importance of making your site accessible, from understanding how screen readers work to practical, real-world steps you can take to fix common pitfalls.

When you deliver an inclusive experience, your organization gains a competitive edge. You’ll expand your user base, improve SEO, meet (and exceed) legal requirements, and build a reputation as a thoughtful, forward-thinking entity. And it’s not just about business growth—it’s about creating an online environment that truly welcomes all.

Remember: accessibility is a journey, not a final destination. Technology will continue to evolve, new screen readers will emerge, and user needs will shift over time. Keep testing, keep learning, and stay open to feedback from the people who rely on assistive tools. In this way, you’ll ensure that your digital presence is always a place where everyone is invited—and can participate fully.

If you’re just starting, don’t be overwhelmed by the wealth of information. Tackle the basics first—semantic HTML, clear alt text, proper headings—and then move on to more advanced considerations. The key is consistent effort and a willingness to adapt.

In the words of global accessibility guidelines: If you do everything you’ve learned here, your site should be in great shape for screen reader usability. If you go a step further and involve real users in your testing and feedback process, you’re well on your way to making the web a better, more inclusive place.

We hope this guide has served as both a technical reference and a motivational boost. Embrace accessibility at your organization—no matter the size—and watch as the benefits unfold for your customers, stakeholders, and brand legacy.

Where to go from here?

• Implement quick wins. Label images, fix heading structures, and enable keyboard accessibility.
• Schedule an audit. Decide on regular intervals (e.g., quarterly) to revisit and refine accessibility.
• Keep learning. Engage in discussions, webinars, and read up on evolving ARIA guidelines and assistive tech developments.

Key takeaways

• Adhering to WCAG standards and regulations like ADA/EAA ensures both legal compliance and broader audience reach, safeguarding your brand’s reputation.
• Embracing inclusive design—from semantic HTML to proper aria-labeling—helps create accessible user journeys, whether users rely on screen readers or simply prefer audio-based experiences.
• Systematic testing (automated scans plus real-world screen reader trials) uncovers subtle issues, driving iterative improvements and more seamless UX.
• Consistency in using alt text, well-defined focus indicators, and proper form labels supports not only individuals with visual impairments but also those with learning or cognitive disabilities.
• Ongoing audits and team training are key to maintaining accessibility across the entire product lifecycle, ensuring an inclusive environment that elevates user trust and satisfaction.

Additional resources

Enhance your digital accessibility journey with these valuable resources:

• Our comprehensive accessibility testing services provide a thorough evaluation of your digital products against WCAG standards and accessibility best practices.
• Equip your team with practical knowledge through our customized accessibility training programs for designers, developers, content creators, and QA specialists.
• Examine how the European Accessibility Act impacts telecommunications companies with our Digital Accessibility & EAA: Telecommunications Industry under Review white paper.
• Watch our Quality Forge 2024 - Digital Accessibility Conference featuring industry experts discussing the latest accessibility trends, legal requirements, and implementation strategies.

Is your platform screen reader-compatible? Contact us to learn more about our accessibility audits and testing services, and let's talk about how we can help you build a digital space that's both accessible and compliant.