Screen Reader Testing for Beginners: How to Test Your Website's Accessibility

Automated tools like EAAPass can detect 30-40% of WCAG issues. For complete coverage, you need to test with actual assistive technology. Here's how to get started with screen reader testing.

Free screen readers to start with

• NVDA (Windows) — free, open source, most popular for testing. Download from nvaccess.org
• VoiceOver (macOS/iOS) — built into every Apple device. Activate with Cmd+F5
• TalkBack (Android) — built into Android devices. Settings → Accessibility → TalkBack

What to test

• Page structure — does the screen reader announce headings in order? Can you navigate by heading level?
• Images — are alt texts read correctly? Are decorative images skipped?
• Links and buttons — do they announce their purpose? ("Buy now button" not just "button")
• Forms — are labels read when you focus each field?
• Dynamic content — when content updates (cart, notifications), is it announced?
• Navigation — can you use landmarks to jump between header, main, footer?

Essential keyboard shortcuts

NVDA (Windows)

• H — next heading
• Tab — next interactive element
• D — next landmark
• NVDA+F7 — elements list (all links, headings, landmarks)

VoiceOver (Mac)

• VO+Cmd+H — next heading
• Tab — next interactive element
• VO+Left/Right — move through content
• VO+U — rotor (navigate by element type)

Even 30 minutes of screen reader testing will reveal issues that no automated tool can catch.