cross-browserscreen-readersjaws-screen-readeraccessibility

Can we automate Screen Reader testing for web accessibility


Is it possible to automate screen reader testing using Jaws and NVDA across all the browser platforms for checking web accessibility ?


Solution

  • Short answer is no, you cannot effectively do this.

    However there are lots of automated tools that will identify around 40% of accessibility errors, such as empty links etc.

    The reason you need to test manually is that they cannot test for things like logical tab order, keyboard traps etc.

    Axe do a decent plugin for Google Chrome that is reasonably good as a starting point. Look in the Play store for that.

    Other than that, learn how to use a screen reader (it doesn't take long) and test the site manually, you will pick up accessibility issues far quicker and learn more than trying to follow rules etc.