We are concerned about accessibility on our web site and would like to see how it is perceived and decoded by a common screen reader?
The easiest way to test screen readers on real browsers and devices online is to use BrowserStack. Access a real device cloud of 3000+ real browsers and devices to check how a website works with screen readers in real user conditions.
Screen readers translate web pages by reading HTML files directly, so everything the reader needs should be included in this file. Here are some basic steps you can take to help screen readers process your pages and make your website easy to navigate for screen reader users.
Short answer is no, you cannot effectively do this. However there are lots of automated tools that will identify around 40% of accessibility errors, such as empty links etc. The reason you need to test manually is that they cannot test for things like logical tab order , keyboard traps etc.
SortSite is a website testing tool available both as a desktop and web application that tests for accessibility, broken links, HTML and CSS standards, search engine optimization, and cross-browser compatibility. The generated report will show errors and warnings, and prioritize them based on level of impact.
No. At least not one that is any good nor represents how a screen reader actually reads a page or responds to ARIA.
The best answer is to test in real screen readers, ideally by getting real users as they know how to use these tools. Consider contacting your local blind association and see if they offer testing services.
Each platform has a screen reader, most are built in. Windows has the most variety.
Use Narrator (it is built in, though not very good right now it is getting much better). Use it with Edge.
Download the free NVDA screen reader (but please donate to support it). Use it with Firefox
Download JAWS and use it in 40 minute increments for free. Use it with IE11.
These are handy to get started with testing on your own. Keyboard shortcuts are necessary to use a screen reader well, beyond just hitting the Tab
key over and over and over.
Basic screen reader commands for accessibility testing
Screen readers and web browsers – what’s the best pairing for testing?
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