Document Testing with a Screen Reader

Document Testing with a Screen Reader
(3-Hour)

Using assistive technology (AT) can feel daunting at first. 

Let us introduce you to document testing methods working with NVDA, the most popular free screen reader on the market. Learn testing methods that will efficiently and definitively check your document for usability.

This hands-on lab will kickstart your screen reader capabilities, moving you from beginner to confident tester! Just install NVDA, register for this class, and we will give you all the tools you need to start testing your documents to ensure good user experiences.

Learn various screen reader shortcuts, follow our evaluation checklist, and get comfortable moving through any document with ease, evaluating it for usability.

Accessibility Topics Covered:

• The NVDA interface and core settings
• Basic screen reader shortcut keys for success
• How to walk through your document
• Key areas and features to check
• Usability pitfalls almost no one ever catches
• Checking tables for usability

Handouts

• Screen Reader Shortcut Key Basics Cheatsheet
• Testing for Accessibility and Usability with a Screen Reader Checklist

Please note: NVDA is only available for Microsoft Windows. NVDA can be used on a Mac by installing Windows using Boot Camp or a virtual machine. An alternative to NVDA on a Mac is Apple's VoiceOver. This built-in screen reader for macOS and iOS allows users to navigate between headings, content, links, and more using keyboard shortcuts. Most material covered in this course applies to any screen reader used to review digital assets.