Testing with Screen Readers
Use VoiceOver and NVDA to verify ARIA implementations.
Why Test with Screen Readers?
Automated tools catch only 30-40% of accessibility issues. Real screen reader testing reveals problems automated checks miss:
- Confusing reading order
- Unhelpful ARIA announcements
- Missing focus management
- Confusing interactive patterns
VoiceOver on Mac
VoiceOver is built into macOS — no install needed:
<!-- Activate: Cmd+F5 (or System Settings → Accessibility → VoiceOver) -->
<!-- Key commands:
VO = Control+Option
VO+Right Arrow = Next element
VO+Left Arrow = Previous element
VO+Space = Activate element
VO+U = Open rotor (landmark navigation)
VO+H = Next heading
Tab = Next focusable element
Shift+Tab = Previous focusable
-->