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Purpose

As you know, a screen reader is an assistive technology used by individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or need additional assistance navigating a website. Screen readers provide a text-to-speech (TTS) experience for the user to translate the information on the screen into speech, which users can hear through speakers, headphones, or braille.

A combination of screen reader commands and operating systems commands can be employed to accomplish tasks a computer is capable of performing. These commands are prompted through keyboard shortcuts or mouse actions. The shortcuts are different based on the operating system and screen reader being used. Visual users can never fully experience what it is like to use a screen reader because our experience is fundamentally different. Nor are developers required to be proficient at using one. However, understanding how they operate and gaining empathy for the users that rely on them is crucial.

It is helpful if you watch the Screen Reader Demo video prior to completing this assignment

Instructions

Go to Screen Reader Assignment for step by step instructions for this assignment.

Use a text editor (Word, Google Doc, etc.) to answer the assignment questions and upload here once complete.

Overview

  1. Choose a screen reader to use from the three options below, depending on your operating system.
  2. Spend some time learning the basics of the screen reader by playing with keyboard shortcuts. You may want to find a simple website to play on for practice.
  3. Find the current weather conditions from two websites (national vs. local)
  4. Review a website you've created with the screen reader.
  5. Answer five reflections questions.
  6. Turn in your answers to Blackboard under the Week 12 submission link.

Note: You will not be proficient in using a screen reader, nor do I expect you to be an expert. This exercise is about experiencing a screen reader, not becoming an expert at using one.

If you want a challenge, try turning off your monitor while using a screen reader!

1. Choose a screen reader

Based on your operating system or preferences, choose one of the following.

Mac OS: VoiceOver

Apple computers come with a screen reader built-in, called VoiceOver. You can access it easily by pressing Command-F5. If VoiceOver is on, pressing Command-F5 turns it off.

Video - Screen Reader Basics: VoiceOver (12:10)

VoiceOver Shortcuts

Reading a Web Page using Apple Voice Over

Windows: NVDA

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free screen reader for Windows. If using NVDA it is recommend to use Edge as your browser.

Video: Screen Reader Basics: NVDA (9:01)

NVDA Shortcuts

How to read websites using a desktop screen reader

Google Chrome: ChromeVox

ChromeVox is an extension for the Chrome browser. It is the least sophisticated of the available options.

Install ChromeVox

ChromeVox Shortcuts

2. Obtain the current weather conditions from two websites

National News Station: The Weather Channel

  1. Go to The Weather Channel
  2. Using the tab key, go to the "Search City or Zip Code" input box.
  3. Enter your zip code and hit Enter.
  4. Find the keyboard shortcut to jump to headings (h1-h6) with your screen reader.
  5. Jump to the heading containing your city and weather.

Local News Station

  1. Pick one local news station to test.

    1. ABC Channel 27 - wkow.com
    2. NBC Channel 15 - nbc15.com
    3. CBS Channel 3 - channel3000.com
    4. FOX 47 - fox47.com

  2. Go to the local news website

  3. With a your screen reader, determine how to navigate to the weather page.
  4. Find out how to obtain the current weather conditions.

3. Test a website you created

  1. Use the screen reader on a website you've created. Try a website from the Website Development course, or maybe you have a different website you've made.

4. Questions

  1. What screen reader did you use, and what local news station did you pick?
  2. Did you find the national or local website easier to navigate? Why?
  3. What surprised you the most about using a screen reader? What was the most challenging aspect for you?
  4. On the personal website you tested, what do you think could be improved upon in terms of the screen reader experience?
  5. What issues did you face that you think would improve with more practice using a screen reader?

Submission

  1. Open the Week 11 folder in Blackboard

  2. Click on the Screen Reader Assignment submission link.

  3. Upload a document (MS Word, txt, or PDF) containing the answers to the above 5 questions.

  4. Click Submit.

Grading Criteria

Points Possible: 8

  • Questions Answered: Screen reader was used to investigate three websites. Five questions were answered to thoughtfully reflect upon the experience. Questions are answered with no spelling or grammatical errors, and demonstrate a thorough examination of the technology was completed.