screen-reader-testing

# Screen Reader Testing

Practical guide to testing web applications with screen readers for comprehensive accessibility validation.

## When to Use This Skill

- Validating screen reader compatibility
- Testing ARIA implementations
- Debugging assistive technology issues
- Verifying form accessibility
- Testing dynamic content announcements
- Ensuring navigation accessibility

## Core Concepts

### 1. Major Screen Readers

| Screen Reader | Platform  | Browser        | Usage |
| ------------- | --------- | -------------- | ----- |
| **VoiceOver** | macOS/iOS | Safari         | ~15%  |
| **NVDA**      | Windows   | Firefox/Chrome | ~31%  |
| **JAWS**      | Windows   | Chrome/IE      | ~40%  |
| **TalkBack**  | Android   | Chrome         | ~10%  |
| **Narrator**  | Windows   | Edge           | ~4%   |

### 2. Testing Priority

```
Minimum Coverage:
1. NVDA + Firefox (Windows)
2. VoiceOver + Safari (macOS)
3. VoiceOver + Safari (iOS)

Comprehensive Coverage:
+ JAWS + Chrome (Windows)
+ TalkBack + Chrome (Android)
+ Narrator + Edge (Windows)
```

### 3. Screen Reader Modes

| Mode               | Purpose                | When Used         |
| ------------------ | ---------------------- | ----------------- |
| **Browse/Virtual** | Read content           | Default reading   |
| **Focus/Forms**    | Interact with controls | Filling forms     |
| **Application**    | Custom widgets         | ARIA applications |

## VoiceOver (macOS)

### Setup

```
Enable: System Preferences → Accessibility → VoiceOver
Toggle: Cmd + F5
Quick Toggle: Triple-press Touch ID
```

### Essential Commands

```
Navigation:
VO = Ctrl + Option (VoiceOver modifier)

VO + Right Arrow   Next element
VO + Left Arrow    Previous element
VO + Shift + Down  Enter group
VO + Shift + Up    Exit group

Reading:
VO + A             Read all from cursor
Ctrl               Stop speaking
VO + B             Read current paragraph

Interaction:
VO + Space         Activate element
VO + Shift + M     Open menu
Tab