A screen reader is a program that interprets what is on a display, such as text, buttons, and links, and presents it as synthesized speech or braille. Examples include NVDA and JAWS on Windows, VoiceOver on Apple devices, and TalkBack on Android.
Why it matters
Screen reader users navigate by headings, links, landmarks, and form labels, not by looking at the layout. If a page lacks proper structure, such as headings in order, labels on inputs, and alt text on images, these users may be unable to complete tasks. Testing with one reveals problems automated tools miss.
Good semantic HTML does most of the work.
Example
<label for="email">Email address</label>
<input id="email" type="email" name="email">A screen reader announces Email address, edit text. Without the label, it would say only edit text.
Common mistakes
- Using images of text or icons without text alternatives.
- Skipping heading levels or using headings only for styling.
- Assuming that if the page looks right, it works with a screen reader.
Related
- WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
- PDF (Portable Document Format)
- SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
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यह पेज सामान्य जानकारी है, जिसे हमारी संपादकीय टीम ने लिखा है और दस्तावेज़ीकरण बदलने पर अपडेट किया जाता है। सर्वर और प्रदाता अलग-अलग होते हैं, इसलिए बदलाव पहले सुरक्षित तरीके से जाँचें। देखें: संपादकीय नीति और अस्वीकरण.