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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nScreen readers are software programs that help blind or visually impaired individuals to read text on their computer screens, tablets, and mobile devices. However, screen readers may also be used by individuals that may not have time to read text, may speak a foreign language, or may have a reading disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, someone with dyslexia can benefit greatly from using a screen reader. The International Dyslexia Association uses a software called Browsealoud<\/a>. We will explore all of the cool functions this software has to offer after we learn more about how screen readers work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers at Towson University set out to explore how website accessibility can be an issue for individuals with disabilities. During the study, 100 blind participants were examined. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 84 participants used the JAWS screen reader<\/a>, 12 participants used the Window-Eyes screen reader, and the remaining participants used other screen readers. As of today, Window-Eyes has been discontinued. The screen reader software has now migrated to JAWS<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The scientists used diaries to record user experiences. A frustration scale was used to determine a participant\u2019s level of frustration. The scale ranged from 1<\/strong> – not very frustrating<\/em> to 9<\/strong> – very frustrating<\/em>. The average score was 7<\/strong>. Overall, 308<\/strong> frustrating experiences were recorded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The following frustrations were discovered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the results of the study, \u201cusers reported losing, on average, 30.4% <\/strong>of time due to these frustrating situations\u201d (Lazar, Allen, Kleinman, & Malarkey). For more information about frustration on the web, check out the infographic below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers concluded that these frustrations can be avoided. In fact, they claim that these website improvements are very easy to implement. For example, \u201cThings such as clearer wording on forms, alt text, frame names, and links would go a long way to improving the user experience.\u201d (Lazar, Allen, Kleinman, & Malarkey).<\/p>\n\n\n\n With knowledge comes power! The best thing that website developers can do is to learn more about website accessibility. Their goal should be to discover ways to incorporate and improve it on their website. This can be accomplished by taking the time to learn how to use screen readers or by performing usability testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By sending commands via a keyboard or a braille display, an individual can control how a screen reader navigates and speaks. Many screen readers try to have a human-like voice reading the content. However, the playback voice can still sometimes sound a bit robotic or monotoned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fun fact, people that have experience with using a screen reader \u201coften like to speed up the reading rate to 300 words per minute or more\u2014well beyond what an inexperienced listener can easily understand\u201d (WebAIM). Curious about how this sounds? Check out the video below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Researching Screen Readers <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n How Do Screen Readers Work? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n