For digital content to be considered accessible, users with all types of abilities need to be able to interact with it successfully. For example, individuals who rely on assistive technology, such as screen readers, or who navigate the web only with a keyboard, should be able to perform the same tasks on a website as someone without a disability.

It’s wise to conduct accessibility testing to ensure as many users as possible have a successful experience on your website. Testing can take many forms, but let’s start with the basics before diving in headfirst.

What is a screen reader?

People who are blind or have low vision navigate the internet and access digital content using assistive technologies like screen readers. Screen readers are computer software that convert text and interface elements into synthesized speech or braille. While early screen readers were primarily text-to-speech tools, today’s screen readers, such as JAWS, enable users to navigate websites, applications, and software without needing to see the screen or a mouse.

How does a screen reader “read” digital content?

Although it may sound like a screen reader is simply “reading” whatever appears on the screen, it’s actually processing the underlying code. For a user to have a smooth experience, a website needs to rely on semantic HTML—standard controls like buttons, headings, and form fields—or use ARIA attributes to convey meaning when native elements aren’t available. For example, if a developer uses a generic element and simply styles it to look like a submit button, a screen reader won’t recognize its purpose unless the proper role or accessible name is added. Without that structure, the user won’t receive a clear indication that they’re on a submit button; instead, JAWS will announce it as an “unlabeled button,” making independent navigation nearly impossible. It’s not just frustrating for the user; it’s a brand risk for the site owner.

Also, keep in mind that a screen reader does not inherently understand images. Like a web crawler, it relies on alt text to convey to users what the picture depicts. While some screen readers, including JAWS, offer optional AI-generated descriptions, proper alt text remains essential.

Learn how a screen reader user experiences an accessible and an inaccessible website.

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What are the benefits of testing web content with screen readers?

Testing for screen reader compatibility is an essential part of any accessibility review. When you conduct manual accessibility testing (such as an accessibility audit), testers evaluate it to determine how well it conforms to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). While guidelines provide near-universal standards for an accessible digital experience, even content that is technically conformant may still be inaccessible: conformance isn’t the same as usability.

Screen reader testing exposes the real-world gaps: where navigation breaks down, where labels don’t make sense, or where tasks become difficult for users. It reveals gaps that automated tools alone cannot uncover.

Conducting an audit and executing remediations is a great first step, but testing with a screen reader will get you much closer to a real-world, accessible experience that works for users.

Why is it important to test for screen reader compatibility?

Every business wants to ensure its digital content is usable by every customer. But ensuring screen reader compatibility is also a practical risk-mitigation step. In 2024 alone, more than 4,000 digital accessibility lawsuits were filed against websites with barriers that made navigation or task completion impossible for screen reader users.

Lawsuits are not only costly, but they also create long-term brand risks, impacting reputation and customer trust. Today’s consumers are digitally savvy and expect accessible digital experiences. A digital accessibility lawsuit can significantly impact public perception and trust.

To lower your risk and provide an inclusive user experience, it’s critical to include screen reader testing as part of your overall accessibility testing methods.

How to test for screen reader compatibility

The most obvious way to test for screen reader compatibility is by using screen reader software to navigate your digital content and run through the key user flows to fully understand the experience.

However, using a screen reader like JAWS for testing requires proper training. Its learning curve takes some time for users to become familiar enough to use it for testing.

JAWS Inspect is a supplemental tool you can use to conduct JAWS screen reader compatibility testing without knowing how to use JAWS. It provides text output of the JAWS speech so QA testers can easily get an idea of a screen reader user’s experience and export bugs for remediation. JAWS Inspect has virtually no learning curve, so QA testers can start screen reader testing for accessibility issues almost immediately.

Improve your digital accessibility testing strategy

Incorporating screen reader testing into your accessibility review process is critical for reducing brand risk and creating a seamless, optimized user experience. Whether you use a screen reader directly, a tool like JAWS Inspect, or both, integrating this step will give you insight into how users actually experience your website.

Interested in learning more about screen reader testing? Contact us to schedule a call.