Screen readers – making digital content audible and understandable
Screen readers translate what happens on a screen into speech or Braille. They enable blind and visually impaired people to fully use websites, documents and apps. This makes them one of the most important tools for digital accessibility – because they create access where visual perception alone is not sufficient.
What is a screen reader?
A screen reader is software that makes digital information accessible to people without vision. It reads aloud text, headings, links and controls or outputs them via a Braille display. Unlike simple text-to-speech, a screen reader interprets the complete structure of a website – including heading hierarchies, form fields and navigation elements.
For it to work reliably, websites must be built with technical accessibility: with clear structures, alternative text for images and keyboard operability. Only then can the screen reader correctly reproduce the content.
Why screen readers are indispensable
Worldwide, over 280 million people are affected by visual impairments – many visually impaired and blind people cannot use digital content without aids. Screen readers create equal opportunities here: they make the internet, software and mobile applications accessible even without visual perception.
Through proper technical implementation, companies and government agencies can ensure that all people can independently use information, services and communication – a central goal of digital inclusion.
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enable access to education, information and culture
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support independent use of digital services
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promote inclusion in working life and everyday life
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are legally relevant under the BFSG
How a screen reader works
Speech output and Braille
Screen readers read aloud texts and structures of a website or output them via a Braille display – in real time and in logical order.
Access to code
Rather than interpreting the screen image, the screen reader reads the underlying HTML code via special interfaces (Accessibility APIs).
Recognition of structures
Headings, lists, tables and forms are recognized, logically ordered and conveyed to users acoustically or tactilely.
Control via keyboard
Screen reader users navigate through content via keyboard or gestures – therefore, complete keyboard operability is essential.
Cross-platform usable
Screen readers exist for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS – e.g. NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver or TalkBack.
Prerequisite: clean semantics
Only correctly marked HTML structures, alt-texts and labels enable reliable reproduction.
Types of screen readers
Screen readers exist for different platforms and use cases. They vary in features, control and target groups – but all pursue the same goal: to make digital content accessible to everyone. Blind and visually impaired people depend on screen readers.
Desktop screen readers
Programs like NVDA or JAWS are installed directly on the computer. They enable full access to operating systems, applications and websites and are frequently used in professional and educational settings.
Mobile screen readers
Integrated solutions like VoiceOver on Apple devices or TalkBack on Android provide accessible control of smartphones and tablets via speech, gestures and keyboard. They make mobile content accessible to all users.
Cloud and web-based screen readers
Tools like ChromeVox or web-based screen readers run directly in the browser or via the internet. They are particularly suitable for spontaneous testing and use on various devices without installation.
System-integrated & open-source solutions
Many operating systems offer integrated screen readers like Narrator (Windows) or Orca (Linux). Open-source projects also promote the further development of accessible software for individual needs.
Screen readers & SEO – why accessibility means visibility
Websites optimized for screen readers benefit twice: they are accessible and rank better. Search engines prefer clearly structured, semantically clean content with understandable headings and alt-texts. This increases visibility, engagement and user satisfaction.
Accessibility is therefore not an add-on, but a quality feature of modern web design – and a competitive advantage in the digital space.
Frequently asked questions about screen readers
Your new knowledge deserves impact.
Screen readers show that technology can build bridges. Every accessible website is a contribution to more inclusion, comprehensibility and digital equality.
Start with SiteCockpit in implementation – easily, securely and compliant. Your next step begins here.