If your website isn’t screen-reader friendly, a big part of your audience can’t use it at all. Screen readers are essential tools that let blind and low-vision users browse the web using speech or a refreshable Braille display. If you’ve ever wondered what is a screen reader or how to design in a way that works well with them, this guide gives you the essentials in plain, practical language.
You don’t need to be an accessibility expert to improve your site’s structure. Most fixes come down to writing clearer content, structuring pages properly, and giving assistive technologies the clues they need to announce everything correctly.
What Is a Screen Reader?
A screen reader is assistive software that translates on-screen content into speech or tactile Braille output. Instead of “seeing” a page, users navigate through a virtual accessibility tree:
Links are announced as Hyperlink
Buttons are announced as Button
Headings are read aloud in hierarchy
Images are announced by their alt text
Form fields are described by labels
Popular screen readers include NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. Each interprets websites based on semantic HTML, ARIA attributes, and proper labeling. If your structure is clean, screen readers can guide users smoothly. If not, everything becomes guesswork.
Why Screen Reader Friendly Design Matters
Making your website accessible to screen reader users isn’t just about compliance - it’s about usability, clarity, and respect for your audience. When your markup is clear, everyone benefits:
Users with blindness rely on speech or Braille output
Users with low vision benefit from structure and headings
Keyboard users with mobility impairments can navigate faster
Search engines understand your content better
Your content becomes easier to maintain and scale
A well-structured site is a better site for everyone.
Step 1: Use Proper Headings for Structure
Headings are how screen readers “scan” a page. A user can press a single key to jump from heading to heading, but only if the hierarchy is correct.
Follow these simple rules:
Think of headings as the Braille table of contents for your page - they must be predictable.
Step 2: Write Clear and Descriptive Hyperlinks
Screen reader users often browse a page by listing all hyperlinks out of context. If every link says “Click here” or “Learn more,” that list becomes meaningless.
Make your link text describe the destination:
This is a huge improvement for both screen readers and SEO.
Step 3: Add Accurate Labels to Forms
Screen readers don’t see placeholder text. They rely on labels.
Make sure each form input has a proper <label> or an ARIA label that clearly describes the purpose:
<label for="email">Email address</label>
<input id="email" type="email">
Avoid placeholder-only fields - they disappear as soon as the user types and provide no persistent context.
If your field has instructions (like character limits), include them in the label or associate them using aria-describedby.
Step 4: Provide Alt Text That Adds Meaning
Images should have alt text that explains their purpose.
Decorative images? Use empty alt: alt=""
Meaningful images? Describe them succinctly
Charts or infographics? Provide a text alternative
Screen readers will announce the alt text or ignore the image depending on what you set.
Step 5: Ensure Everything Works With a Keyboard
Most screen reader users rely on keyboard navigation. If your site only works with a mouse, it’s broken for them.
Test this quickly:
Press Tab to move through links and controls
Use Enter and Space to activate elements
Make sure your focus indicator is visible
If you lose track of focus, a screen reader will too.
Step 6: Use Semantic HTML Before ARIA
ARIA is powerful, but HTML is more reliable.
Use native elements whenever possible:
These give screen readers meaningful structure automatically. ARIA should enhance - not replace - good markup.
Step 7: Test With a Screen Reader (It’s Easier Than You Think)
You don’t need to be an expert. Spend five minutes with:
VoiceOver (Mac and iOS)
NVDA (Windows)
Try navigating your homepage or a form.
If you hear unlabeled buttons, confusing link text, or missing headings - fix them.
