Screen Reader: What It Is, How It Works, and Practical Examples

What is a screen reader?

A screen reader is software that interprets visual information displayed on a device’s screen and converts it into speech or digital braille output. This type of technology enables people who are blind or have low vision to navigate digital interfaces, read content, fill out forms, and use applications fluently.

What is it for?

Its main objective is to make digital information accessible, eliminating visual barriers through an auditory or tactile interface. It’s used not only on websites but also in emails, documents, mobile apps, and more.

How does work on the web?

Screen readers don’t read the screen itself, but rather the underlying code, especially the semantic structure of HTML. They interpret tags like <h1>, <p>, <nav>, and attributes like aria-label or role to provide the user with a navigable and logical experience.

What do these tools read?

Analyzes elements such as:

• Hierarchical headings (<h1> to <h6>)
• Lists (<ul>, <ol>)
• Links and buttons
• Form labels (<label>)
• Images with alt attributes
• Tables with <th>, <caption> tags
• ARIA roles and states (e.g., aria-expanded, role=”button”)

A page with a good semantic structure radically improves the user experience.

Examples of popular screen readers

There are several tools, each with specific features. Below are the most commonly used ones:

1. NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

• Free and open source.
• Widely used by developers for accessibility testing.
• Compatible with Windows.

2. JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

• Paid, but with extensive professional features.
• Excellent technical support and customization.
• Widely used in corporate environments.

3. VoiceOver

• Integrated into Apple devices (macOS, iOS).
• Fluid and efficient.
• Compatible with touch navigation on iPhone/iPad.

4. Windows Narrator

• Native to Windows, although with more basic functionalities.

Screen readers and web accessibility

Screen readers are closely tied to compliance with standards such as WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and the EAA (European Accessibility Act). These standards recommend:

• Use headings and lists correctly.
• Ensure all interactive elements (buttons, links) have accessible labels.
• Include descriptive alt text for images.
• Avoid content that relies solely on color or visual elements.

How does a blind person navigate the Internet?

Blind people use keyboard shortcuts to jump through headings, lists, links, or regions of a page. For example, in NVDA, the “H” key jumps from one heading to another. This requires that the content be properly structured.

Best practices for designing sites compatible with these tools

1. Use semantic HTML.
2. Add ARIA roles and attributes only when necessary.
3. Label forms correctly.
4. Avoid inaccessible elements such as uncontrollable automatic sliders.
5. Test your site with real screen readers.

Conclusion

Screen readers are not only an inclusion tool, but also an indicator of good website quality. An accessible site not only improves the experience for people with visual impairments, but is also clearer, more navigable, and more useful for all users, including the AIs that process digital content.

Is your site truly accessible? It’s time to check it.