One of the most common tools helping students with visual impairments navigate the digital world is the screen reader. These software programs convert text into formats that are easier to access, typically transforming text into speech for visually impaired users. For those with both visual and hearing impairments, a screen reader can convert text into braille on a special display.
If you’re designing content for online courses, it’s important to understand how screen readers work and how to format your materials for accessibility. Use this job aid to ensure your course content is accessible to students using screen readers. By following general accessibility guidelines, your content will be compatible with any screen reader your students may use.
Tips for designing web content
Here are a few simple tips to make sure your content works smoothly for students using screen readers.
Use headings for structure and navigation
Headings create structure and make it easy to navigate for any student, and especially for screen readers.
- Stick to using “Heading 1” only once per page or document (usually for the title)
- Organize subtopics under headings 2, 3, and so on
- Avoid skipping heading levels (e.g., jumping from “Heading 1” to “Heading 4”), as this can confuse the screen reader’s structure.
Develop clear page or document titles
Titles help students using screen readers navigate to the right place, so it is important they are clear reflections of the content.
- State the purpose or function of the contents within the title
- Avoid using symbols or abbreviations that may make it unclear when read aloud. (Example, use the title “Sociology 1200 Lecture 1” rather than “SOC101-L1.”)
Provide descriptions for images
Since screen readers can’t interpret images, it’s essential to provide alternative text (alt text) that describes them.
- Add alt text attribute to all images, unless clearly marked as decorative
- Alt text conveys the same information that a sighted person would get
- Consider adding a description of the image directly into the content
Simplify tables
When information appears in a table, it is very important that screen readers are able to determine how the information in each cell relates to other cells.
- Always use the built-in table tools in Word or other programs
- Clearly mark your header row or column
Use descriptive hyperlinks
Screen readers often review links out of context, so it is important to be descriptive of what it is linking to.
- Avoid vague text like “Click Here” or “Next Page.”
- Use specific, action-oriented text like “View Course Syllabus” or “Read Chapter 1 Summary.”
Screen readers have opened up the digital world to users who have visual impairments. Enabling effective use of screen readers allow students to independently use digital tools in their class. It’s essential to consider the needs of screen reader users when designing accessible online course content.
