The following is a sample test plan for screen reading software and Web Pages. It is recommended that this test be performed using both a user of screen reading software (referred to as "SRU") alongside a sighted assistant (referred to as "SA"). This allows the SA to note instances where the information or functionality available to the SRU is different from the information or functionality available to the SA.
This test plan has been divided into five parts, indicating areas in which users of screen reading software will likely encounter difficulties. The test/report document is coordinated to these five areas.
Graphics can pose a significant problem for users of screen reading software. When an image is placed on a web page, the screen reading software cannot interpret the information contained in the image. It can tell the user that the image exists and its file name, but cannot translate the image to text for the screen reader user. Screen readers require that graphics be properly labeled with ALT attributes so that the screen reading software can provide the user with the description provided by the web page developer.
Graphics that are used to impart a meaning, especially when used as navigation aids, should be described in a meaningful way. For an icon of a magnifying glass which is used to link to a site search page, an appropriate ALT attribute might be "Link to Search Page."
The link below denotes a Web page with appropriately labeled graphics:
American Foundation for the Blind — http://www.afb.org
Links allow the web site visitor to traverse the different web pages contained on the web site. Users of screen reading software can only properly browse a web site when links are properly labeled and/or provide an adequate contextual environment for the user to discern what they will find by activating the link. Improperly labeled links on a web site yield little to no feedback for the user of screen reading software (e.g., "Click here"). Navigation aids should be consistently placed in the same location on all web pages.
Testing for "Skip Navigation" Links
Many web pages may present redundant links at the top of the page. This causes problems for those individuals using screen readers. Solving this problem is easy, using a "skip navigation" link at the top of the page. This allows the user to bypass the redundant links and gain quicker access to the main content of the page.
A good example of a web page with links that are all properly labeled is:
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic National Headquarters — http://www.rfbd.org
Forms pose some unusual problems for screen reading software users. There are so many varieties of forms that navigating them can be challenging. Users of screen reading programs will have to have some knowledge of just how their screen reading program interacts with forms. Familiarity with the use of these forms is required when testing the ability of a Web sites forms to work properly.
Form Elements
Forms contain the following elements, which screen reading users need to be able to navigate. These elements include edit fields, check boxes, combo boxes, radio buttons, and list boxes.
Edit Boxes
These fields are setup to allow users to enter free-form data such as first name, or street address.
Check Boxes
Check boxes allow users to select specific options. These boxes act like switches they can be checked, or not checked. Users encountering these fields will use the space bar to either check these fields or uncheck these fields, depending on their default state.
Radio Buttons
Radio buttons are groups of pre-labeled buttons with specific values, either checked or unchecked, and only one of which can be checked at any one time. Screen reading software users change the state of these buttons by tabbing to that button, and depressing the space bar.
Combo Boxes
The combo box contains a list of items, however, only one item in this list can be chosen unless the page developer has specified otherwise. Screen reading users who encounter this kind of list will use Alt + down arrow keys to open the list, and then using the either the down arrow or up arrow keys to scroll to the desired selection.
List Boxes
List boxes allow users to select multiple items within a list. Screen reader users may select contiguous items, hold the SHIFT key down and use the down or up arrow until all desired items are selected. Users wishing to select noncontiguous items hold the CTRL key while pressing either the up or down arrow. When the desired item is heard, press the space bar and continue as above.
The use of tables on web sites can provide the user of screen reading software with numerous challenges. When the HTML code used properly, screen reading software will be able to interpret tables. When testing web sites with tables, users of screen reading software should have experience with navigating tables. Screen readers use key strokes that allow users to traverse the table row by row, and column by column. Users should be familiar with how their screen reading program interacts with these tables.
Although frames are becoming less popular among web developers, they can be made accessible when the page is properly designed and labeled. Screen readers can navigate through web pages with frames by means of key strokes. The most common problem with frames occurs when the frame is not properly or meaningfully titled. Frames with titles such as "frame 1," and "top left," do not provide enough meaningful information for the screen reader user. Frame names like "navigation," and "main content" work nicely. Frame titles should also indicate the frame's relationship to the other frames comprising the page.
Back to Section Table of Contents
Back to Curriculum Table of Contents