Website accessibility is often discussed in broad terms, but when you look at how people actually use websites, the gaps become much clearer.
For users who rely on screen readers, those gaps can make a website difficult or impossible to use. This is not a niche issue. Screen readers are a core tool for many visually impaired users, and if your site is not built with them in mind, you are effectively excluding part of your audience.
This is also where accessibility moves from theory into something practical. It comes down to how your site is structured, how content is written, and how interactions are built.
How screen readers actually work
A screen reader converts what is on the page into spoken output. It does not interpret a design in the same way a visual user would. It relies on the underlying structure of the page to understand what content exists and how it is organised.
That means it reads content in a linear way, moving through headings, links, and sections based on how they are coded. If the structure is unclear or inconsistent, the experience quickly breaks down.
A page might look well designed, but still be difficult to navigate when read aloud.
Why structure matters more than appearance
One of the most important factors for screen reader users is structure.
Using proper HTML elements creates a hierarchy that can be navigated. Headings should follow a logical order, starting with a single main heading and then moving through subheadings in sequence. This allows users to jump between sections and understand how content is organised.
The same applies to lists, navigation, and page regions. When the correct elements are used, the structure becomes clear. When they are replaced with generic containers or styled visually without meaning, that clarity is lost.
Interactive elements are another common issue. Buttons, links, and form controls need to be coded as what they are. A clickable element built using a generic container may look identical, but a screen reader will not recognise it in the same way.
Writing for people who can’t see the page
Images are a key part of most websites, but they need to be described properly.
Alt text provides that description. It should explain what the image is showing in a way that adds context, not just label it. A vague description does not help someone understand what is being presented.
At the same time, not every image needs to be described. Decorative elements that do not add meaning should be ignored by screen readers so they do not create unnecessary noise.
The approach to considering users with screen readers is less about following a rule and more about deciding whether an image contributes to understanding.
When additional labelling is needed
In more complex interfaces, additional information is sometimes required to help screen readers interpret the page.
ARIA attributes can be used to define regions or describe interactions that are not fully supported by standard HTML. Used properly, they can improve clarity and navigation. Used unnecessarily, they can do the opposite.
If the underlying HTML is already structured correctly, adding extra roles and labels often creates duplication or confusion. The focus should be on getting the basics right first, then using ARIA where it genuinely adds value.
Navigation without a mouse
Many users who rely on screen readers may also navigate using a keyboard.
This means everything on the page needs to be accessible without a mouse. Links, buttons, and form fields should be reachable in a logical order, and all functionality should be usable through keyboard input.
This is an area where problems often appear. Interactions built with custom scripts or visual behaviours may not respond to keyboard controls unless they have been designed to do so.
Testing this is straightforward. Unplug your mouse and try to use your website. If you can’t use your own site without a mouse, there’s a problem.
Testing with real tools
The most reliable way to understand how accessible a site is involves testing it with the same tools your users are using.
Screen readers such as NVDA and VoiceOver are widely available and free to use. Running through key pages with these tools will quickly highlight where content is unclear, skipped, or misinterpreted.
What works visually does not always translate when read aloud. Testing is always the best way to expose any gaps.
Clear content makes a difference
The way content is written also has a direct impact on accessibility.
Long, complex sentences and unclear structure make it harder for users to follow along when content is read aloud. Breaking content into clear sections, using headings properly, and keeping language straightforward all help to improve the experience.
As in all walks of life, the main aim is to make everything you say as easy to understand as possible, by anyone who wants to understand.
Why this should be built in, not added later
Accessibility is often treated as something that can be addressed at the end of a project.
In practice, that approach creates more work. Fixing structural issues, rewriting content, and reworking interactions after a site is built is far more complex than getting it right from the start.
When accessibility is considered early, it becomes part of how the site is designed and developed. The result is a more usable, more consistent experience for everyone.
Where to start
Making a website accessible to screen readers cannot just be a technical exercise in isolation. It has to be based on a combination of technical testing and user testing, whether you test it yourself or get other people to test it for you. If you’re not sure how your site performs, the first step is to review it.
That means looking at structure, content, and interaction from the perspective of someone using assistive technology. An accessibility audit will highlight where issues exist and what needs to be addressed. From there, improvements can be made in a structured way, focusing on the areas that have the biggest impact.
If you’d like some help better understanding how your site could be better optimised for screen readers, get in touch with us to organise an accessibility audit today.
