Screen reader testing
Screen readers work by reading your page content aloud so you can hear it. They help people with severe visual impairments to use your service even if they can’t see it. They also help people with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, where reading may be difficult.
You must make sure your product or service works using at least one common screen reader.
How to test
You can use the test record templates in the Tools and Resources section for step by step guidance on how to test with common screen reader software.
Complete each test marking it as passed, failed, not checked or not present. Keep your results as evidence.
Types of screen reader software
JAWS on Windows
JAWS is licensed software for Windows which you will need to buy and install before you can use it.
JAWS works well on Firefox, and Chromium based browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. It also works well on Internet Explorer. However, Internet Explorer may not support all the features of websites which have been coded to modern standards. This could create false negatives in your tests.
The default JAWS key on Windows 10 in Desktop mode is the Insert key. On Laptop mode the default JAWS key is Caps Lock. So, in the testing template where you see JAWS these are the keys you will need to use unless you change the default configuration.
Narrator on Windows
Narrator is built into Windows. To turn it on, press: Windows key + Control + Enter. Press those keys again to stop Narrator.
Many commands in Narrator use a modifier key, called the Narrator key. The default Narrator keys are either Caps Lock or Insert. References to commands will usually just refer to the Narrator key as “Narrator”. For example, to change the rate at which Narrator speaks, press Narrator + the Plus sign (+) or Narrator + the Minus sign (-).
For more information on Narrator, read Microsoft’s Complete Guide to Narrator
VoiceOver on macOS
VoiceOver is built into macOS. To turn it on, choose:System Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver
VoiceOver is only fully supported by the Safari browser. So make sure all testing is done using Safari.
The default VoiceOver keys are Control + Option, so in the testing template where you see VO these are the keys you will need to use unless you change the default configuration.
For more information on VoiceOver, read Apple’s VoiceOver User Guide.
NVDA on Windows
NVDA is a free screen reader which you will need to install before you use it.
NVDA works well on Firefox, and Chromium based browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. It also works well on Internet Explorer, but Internet Explorer may not support all the features of websites which have been coded to modern standards which could create false negatives in your tests.
The default NVDA key on Windows 10 in is the Insert key. If you don’t have an insert key, you can configure NVDA to use Caps Lock in the settings.