Guides: D4D Accessibility Guide: Keyboard and Screen Reader Testing

Keyboard Compatability

All functionality must be usable with the keyboard. That is, users can access and move between links, buttons, forms, and other controls using the Tab key and other keystrokes. Websites should not require a mouse; for example, pop-up calendars should also let users type in a date.

Web Accessibility Initiative: Keyboard Compatability
W3C WAI's overview of ensuring that users can engage with a website using only a keyboard.

Keyboard Compatability Resources & Tools:

Keyboard Only Testing
NYU Digital Accessibility's knowledge-base article about keyboard only testing.
WebAIM: Keyboard Accessibility
Keyboard accessibility is one of the most important aspects of web accessibility. Many users with motor disabilities rely on a keyboard. Blind users also typically use a keyboard for navigation. Some people have tremors which don't allow for fine muscle control. Others have little or no use of their hands. Some people simply do not have hands, whether due to a birth defect, an accident, or amputation. In addition to traditional keyboards, some users may use modified keyboards or other hardware that mimics the functionality of a keyboard.

Screen Reader Compatability

Many computers and mobile devices today have built in text-to-speech software. Some people with disabilities, including people who are blind, use specialized software called screen readers. Screen readers provide important functionality such as navigating through headings, speaking image alternatives, and identifying internal and external links. They can also highlight the text as it is being read aloud for people to see and hear the content at the same time. Content must be coded properly so that all of the functionality of the text-to-speech software works with the content.

Web Accessibility Initiative: Text to Speech
Overview of how screen readers engage with websites to read text.

WebAIM: Designing for Screen Reader Compatability
Screen readers convert digital text into synthesized speech. They empower users to hear content and navigate with the keyboard. The technology helps people who are blind or who have low vision to use information technology with the same level of independence and privacy as anyone else. Screen readers are also used by people with certain cognitive or learning disabilities, or users who simply prefer audio content over text. Beyond the web, screen readers also work with documents, spreadsheets, and the user’s operating system.

Screen Reader Resources & Tools

Web Accessibility Initiative: Understandable Content (54 second video)
Web accessibility is essential for people with disabilities and useful for all. Learn about the impact of accessibility and the benefits for everyone in a variety of situations. Full set of resources to accompany this video can be found on this page.
Deque University Screen Reader Keyboard Shortcuts and Gestures
Compiled and centralized list of keyboard commands and shortcuts to engage with various screen reading software.
NVDA and Firefox (Windows)
The NVDA screen reader can be downloaded free of charge by anyone. We do this because we believe everyone, especially the world’s poorest blind people deserve access to computers and a way out of poverty. If you have the means, no matter how big or small, please consider making a donation before downloading NVDA. We rely on donations and grants to continue improving NVDA and to ensure it remains compatible with the world’s rapidly changing technology.
Voiceover and Safari (built-in on Mac)
This guide explains how to use VoiceOver, the advanced screen reader built into macOS Sierra, and includes lists of VoiceOver commands. To enter VoiceOver commands, press the VoiceOver modifier (represented as VO) and one or more other keys. You can set the VoiceOver modifier to be the Caps Lock key or the Control and Option keys pressed at the same time.