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  • Insights from WebAIM’s Screen Reader Survey #10

    Insights from WebAIM’s Screen Reader Survey #10

    In today’s digital age, ensuring that your website is accessible to everyone is more important than ever. WebAIM’s Screen Reader Survey #10 offers valuable insights into how people with disabilities use screen readers, which can help you make your website more accessible. If you’re an IT director, company owner, or anyone involved in managing a website, understanding these takeaways can help you improve your site’s digital accessibility and ensure it meets standards like Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

    Targeted Demographic: Who Uses Screen Readers?

    The WebAIM Screen Reader Survey #10 highlights a diverse group of people who use screen readers. These users come from various backgrounds and have different needs, but they all rely on screen readers to access content online. Knowing your audience is vital to making your website accessible. Here is a breakdown of who these users are:

    1. People with Visual Impairments: This is the largest group of screen reader users, with 76.6% of respondents being visually impaired. They might have complete blindness or low vision that prevents them from reading text on a screen. Screen readers convert text into spoken words for these individuals, allowing them to navigate and understand web content.
    2. People with Learning Disabilities: Some users with learning disabilities find screen readers helpful. They might have difficulty processing written text or need assistance with comprehension. Screen readers can help by reading text aloud and breaking it down into more manageable parts.
    3. Older Adults: As people age, they may experience vision loss or other difficulties that make screen reading challenging. Older adults may use screen readers to compensate for reduced vision or cognitive changes that affect their ability to interact with digital content.
    4. People with Physical Disabilities: Some users with physical disabilities that affect their ability to use a mouse or keyboard may rely on screen readers to navigate websites. They might use adaptive technology to interact with their devices, making screen readers an essential tool for accessing web content.

    Targeted Age: Understanding the Age Range

    The survey also reveals insights into the age range of screen reader users. While screen readers are crucial for users of all ages, certain age groups use them more frequently:

    1. Younger Users: Younger users with disabilities are increasingly tech-savvy and may use screen readers alongside other assistive technologies. They often expect modern websites to be accessible and are quick to notice when accessibility features are lacking.
    2. Middle-Aged Users: This group may include people who have acquired disabilities later in life or who are managing long-term conditions. They often need screen readers to access work-related or personal online content.
    3. Older Adults: As mentioned earlier, older adults may use screen readers due to age-related vision loss or other issues. This demographic is growing, making it essential for websites to cater to their needs.

    Understanding the age range of screen reader users can help you design your website in a way that accommodates different life stages and technological preferences.

    Disabilities and Disability Types: Types of Disabilities Addressed

    Screen readers are used by individuals with a range of disabilities. Let’s take a closer look at the types of disabilities that screen readers help address:

    1. Visual Impairments: This includes both complete blindness and low vision. Screen readers convert on-screen text into speech, making content accessible to users who cannot see it. For users with low vision, screen readers can be combined with other assistive technologies, such as screen magnifiers.
    2. Cognitive Disabilities: Users with cognitive disabilities might struggle with memory, attention, or processing information. Screen readers can assist by reading text aloud, which can make it easier for these users to understand and retain information.
    3. Motor Disabilities: Individuals with motor disabilities might have difficulty using a keyboard or mouse. Screen readers can help by allowing users to navigate websites using voice commands or other adaptive technologies.
    4. Hearing Impairments: While screen readers are primarily used by people with visual impairments, some individuals with hearing impairments might also use them. For example, screen readers can be used in conjunction with other assistive technologies to provide a complete experience for users with multiple disabilities.

    The Importance of Digital Accessibility

    Understanding these demographics and disability types underscores the importance of digital accessibility. Web accessibility ensures that your website can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities. This is not just about compliance with standards like WCAG; it is about creating an inclusive digital environment.

    This is why digital accessibility should be a priority for your business:

    1. Legal Compliance: Many countries, including the United States, have laws that require websites to be accessible. Failing to meet these requirements can result in legal action, which can be costly and damaging to your reputation.
    2. Broader Audience: By making your website accessible, you open it up to a wider audience. This includes not only people with disabilities but also those who use assistive technologies or have temporary impairments.
    3. Better User Experience: Accessible websites often provide a better overall user experience. Features that help screen reader users can also benefit other users, such as more straightforward navigation and more readable content.
    4. Enhanced Brand Image: Companies that prioritize accessibility are seen as more inclusive and socially responsible. This can improve your brand’s image and help build a positive reputation.

    Making Your Website Accessible

    To ensure your website meets digital accessibility standards, follow these best practices:

    1. Adhere to WCAG Guidelines: WCAG is the gold standard for web accessibility. They provide specific recommendations for making web content more accessible. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines and implement them on your site.
    2. Test with Screen Readers: Regularly test your website with screen readers to identify any accessibility issues. This can help you ensure that your content is being read correctly and that users can navigate your site effectively.
    3. Seek Feedback: Get feedback from actual screen reader users. Their insights can be invaluable in identifying and addressing accessibility issues that you might not have considered.
    4. Stay Updated: Digital accessibility is an evolving field. Keep up with the latest trends and updates to ensure your website remains compliant and accessible.

    Wrapping Up

    WebAIM’s Screen Reader Survey #10 provides crucial insights into who uses screen readers and how they interact with web content. By understanding the demographics, age ranges, and disability types of screen reader users, you can make informed decisions about improving your website’s digital accessibility. Adhering to WCAG guidelines and incorporating accessibility best practices will not only help you comply with legal requirements but also enhance the user experience for everyone.

    For IT directors and company owners, prioritizing web accessibility is a smart move that benefits both your users and your business. By taking these insights to heart, you can create a more inclusive and effective online presence.

    If you’d like to talk further about your web accessibility initiative, Schedule a Complimentary ADA Strategy Briefing with the experts at 216digital. We will help you take the steps towards web accessibility on your terms by developing a strategy to integrate WCAG 2.1 compliance into your development roadmap.

    Greg McNeil

    August 6, 2024
    ADA Web Accessibility
    digital accessibility, screen readers, Web Accessibility, WebAIM’s Screen Reader Survey, WebAIM’s Screen Reader Survey #10, Website Accessibility
  • Screen Readers 101: Making Your Site Accessible

    Screen Readers 101: Making Your Site Accessible

    In today’s digital age, making your website accessible to everyone is more important than ever. One critical aspect of digital accessibility is ensuring that your site is compatible with screen readers. But what exactly are screen readers, and why is it so important to make sure your website works well with them? In this blog post, we’ll dive into what screen readers are, who uses them, how they browse the Internet, and how you can test your website to ensure it’s screen reader-friendly.

    What are Screen Readers and Who Uses Them?

    Let’s start with the basics. A screen reader is a piece of software that reads aloud the text displayed on a computer or mobile device screen. It’s a vital tool for people who are blind or have severe visual impairments. However, screen readers are also used by individuals with other disabilities, such as those with learning disabilities or certain cognitive impairments, who may find it easier to listen to content rather than read it.

    So, who exactly uses screen readers? The answer is billions of people around the world. In the United States alone, there are an estimated 12 million people over 40 with a visual disability. For these individuals, screen readers are essential for accessing the Internet, working, and communicating. Without screen readers, many websites would be entirely inaccessible to them.

    How Do Screen Reader Users Browse the Internet?

    Browsing the Internet with a screen reader is a completely different experience than browsing with sight. For starters, screen reader users don’t navigate web pages visually—they rely on audio cues and keyboard commands to get around.

    Here’s a simplified version of how it works:

    1. Screen Reader Starts Reading: When a screen reader user opens a webpage, the screen reader begins reading the content from top to bottom. It reads out the text, describes images (if alt text is provided), and announces the presence of links, buttons, and other interactive elements.
    2. Keyboard Navigation: Instead of using a mouse, screen reader users navigate through the website using keyboard commands. They might use the Tab key to move between links, headings, and form fields, or shortcuts to jump to specific sections of the page, such as the main content or a list of links.
    3. Listening for Context: Screen reader users often listen to the content at a much faster speed than normal. They also rely heavily on headings, landmarks, and other structural elements to understand the layout and flow of the page. For example, a user might jump from heading to heading to quickly scan the page and find the information they need.
    4. Interacting with Elements: When a user encounters a form field, button, or link, the screen reader announces what it is and sometimes gives instructions on how to interact with it. For example, if there’s a “Submit” button, the screen reader might say, “Button: Submit. Press Enter to activate.”

    For screen reader users, a well-structured, accessible website is key to having a smooth and efficient browsing experience. But if a website is not properly optimized for screen readers, it can become frustrating, confusing, or even impossible to use.

    Why is Screen Reader Testing Important?

    Now that you have a basic understanding of what screen readers are and how they’re used, let’s talk about why testing your website for screen reader compatibility is so important.

    Ensuring Digital Accessibility

    First and foremost, screen reader testing is crucial for ensuring digital accessibility. As a website owner, developer, or content creator, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your website is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Screen reader testing helps you identify and fix issues that could prevent people who rely on these tools from accessing your content.

    Complying with Legal Requirements

    In the United States, websites are required by law to be accessible to people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act are two key laws that apply to web accessibility. If your website is not accessible, you could be at risk of legal action, which could result in costly fines and damage to your reputation. By performing screen reader testing, you can ensure that your website complies with these laws.

    Improving User Experience

    Accessibility isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s also about providing a better user experience for everyone. When your website is accessible to screen reader users, it’s also likely to be more user-friendly for other visitors. For example, clear headings, logical page structure, and well-labeled buttons benefit all users, not just those with disabilities.

    Reaching a Wider Audience

    By making your website accessible to screen reader users, you’re opening it up to a wider audience. This can lead to more traffic, better SEO, and ultimately, more success for your business. Accessibility should be seen as an investment in your website’s future, not just a legal obligation.

    What Are the Different Approaches to Accessibility Testing?

    There are several different approaches to accessibility testing, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. To ensure that your website is fully accessible, it’s important to use a combination of these methods.

    Automated Testing

    Automated testing tools can scan your website for common accessibility issues, such as missing alt text, insufficient color contrast, and incorrect HTML structure. These tools are fast and can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. However, they can’t catch every issue—especially those related to screen reader compatibility.

    Some popular automated accessibility testing tools include:

    • WAVE: A web accessibility evaluation tool that highlights accessibility issues directly on your webpage.
    • Lighthouse: A tool built into Chrome that can audit your website for performance, SEO, and accessibility issues.

    While automated testing is a great starting point, it should never be the only method you use. Automated testing covers only 30-40% of accessibility guidelines and can miss more subtle or complex problems that require human judgment.

    Manual Testing

    Manual testing involves a human tester navigating your website and checking for accessibility issues. This approach is essential for catching issues that automated tools might miss, such as how well your website works with a screen reader. Manual testing can be more time-consuming and requires a deeper understanding of web accessibility, but it provides a more accurate picture of your website’s accessibility.

    During manual testing, you should:

    • Check Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that all interactive elements, such as links, buttons, and form fields, can be accessed and activated using only the keyboard.
    • Test with a Screen Reader: Use a screen reader to navigate your website and listen to how the content is announced. Pay attention to whether the screen reader correctly identifies headings, lists, buttons, and other elements.

    User Testing

    User testing involves real users with disabilities testing your website and providing feedback on their experience. This is the most effective way to identify and fix accessibility issues, as it provides insight into how your website works in the real world.

    To conduct user testing:

    • Recruit Testers: Find users who rely on screen readers and other assistive technologies to test your website. You can reach out to local organizations, online communities, or professional networks to find willing participants.
    • Observe and Take Notes: Watch how the testers interact with your website and take note of any issues they encounter. Pay attention to their feedback and use it to make improvements.
    • Iterate and Improve: After making changes based on user feedback, test again to ensure that the issues have been resolved.

    User testing can be more expensive and time-consuming than other methods, but it provides the most valuable insights.

    Not sure what form of accessibility testing is right for you? Check out our article, Choosing the Right Accessibility Audit for Your Goals, for more information.

    How to Perform Screen Reader Testing

    Screen reader testing is a crucial part of manual and user testing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing screen reader testing on your website.

    Choose Your Screen Readers

    There are several different screen readers available, each with its own unique features and quirks. The most commonly used screen readers in the United States are:

    • NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access): A free and open-source screen reader for Windows.
    • JAWS (Job Access With Speech): A popular screen reader for Windows, often used in workplaces.
    • VoiceOver: The built-in screen reader for MacOS and iOS devices.
    • TalkBack: The built-in screen reader for Android devices.

    To ensure that your website is accessible to the widest audience possible, it’s important to test with more than one screen reader.

    Familiarize Yourself with Screen Reader Commands

    Screen readers are controlled through a series of keyboard commands. Before you start testing, take some time to familiarize yourself with the basic commands for the screen reader you’re using. Most screen readers have a “practice mode” where you can learn and try out different commands.

    For example, in NVDA, you can press Ctrl + Alt + N to start the screen reader, use the Tab key to move through links and buttons, and press H to jump between headings.

    Navigate Your Website

    Start by opening your website with the screen reader turned on. Listen to how the screen reader announces the content, and use keyboard commands to navigate through the site. Pay attention to the following:

    • Headings: Are they announced correctly? Do they provide a clear structure for the page?
    • Links and Buttons: Are they labeled correctly? Do they make sense out of context?
    • Forms: Are the form fields and labels announced clearly? Is it easy to fill out the form using only the keyboard?

    Identify and Fix Issues

    As you navigate your website, take note of any issues you encounter. For example, if the screen reader doesn’t announce a button’s label, it may be missing an aria-label attribute. If a heading is skipped, it might be due to incorrect HTML markup.

    Once you’ve identified the issues, go back and fix them in your website’s code. Then, test again to ensure that the problem has been resolved.

    Test on Different Devices

    Screen reader behavior can vary depending on the device and browser being used. After testing on your primary device, try testing on different devices and browsers to ensure a consistent experience for all users.

    Conclusion

    In today’s world, making your website accessible to everyone isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-do. Ensuring your site works smoothly with screen readers is a big part of that. By taking the time to test and optimize your website for screen readers, you’re not only complying with legal requirements but also creating a better experience for all users. Plus, you’re opening the doors to a wider audience, which is always good for business.

    If you’re ready to take the next step in making your website truly accessible, why not schedule a complimentary ADA Strategy Briefing with 216digital? We’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of digital accessibility and ensure your site is welcoming to everyone. Let’s make the web a better place, one website at a time.

    Greg McNeil

    July 31, 2024
    ADA Web Accessibility
    assistive technology, digital accessibility, screen readers, Web Accessibility, web development, Website Accessibility

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