Using NVDA to Test Web Accessibility

Making your website accessible isn’t just a checkbox to tick—it’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Imagine trying to browse a site only to hit wall after wall because it wasn’t designed with all users in mind—that’s the reality for millions of people with disabilities. One of the most effective ways to understand and improve your site’s accessibility is by testing it with tools like NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access). NVDA is a free, open-source screen reader for Windows that provides audio feedback, enabling users who are blind or visually impaired to explore and interact with digital content.

If you’re a developer or designer aiming to make your website user-friendly for everyone, testing with NVDA can be a real eye-opener. This guide will walk you through everything you need to get started—from setting up NVDA to identifying common accessibility barriers. We’ll also compare NVDA with other screen readers and share tips on integrating accessibility checks into your workflow.

Why Testing with a Screen Reader Matters

Testing with a screen reader is crucial for building websites that everyone can use and enjoy. Did you know that over 8 million people in the United States have a visual disability? Worldwide, an estimated 2.2 billion people are affected by some form of visual impairment. That’s a considerable number of users who rely on screen readers like NVDA to navigate the web. Yet, despite this need, studies show that 95.9% of the world’s top million homepages still have detectable accessibility issues, many of which directly impact screen reader users.

Common Accessibility Barriers

While standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) exist to help ensure content is accessible, there’s still a gap between ticking the compliance boxes and actual usability. Some common accessibility barriers impacting screen reader users include:

Missing or Incorrect Alt Text: Without alt text, images lack context, making it hard for users to understand what’s on the page.
Improper Heading Structure: Jumping from an H1 to an H3 heading (and skipping H2) can make navigating a page disorienting.
Inadequate Link Descriptions: Using link text like “Click here” doesn’t tell users where the link will take them.
Lack of Keyboard Navigation: If elements aren’t reachable by the keyboard, users may not be able to navigate away from certain sections.

By testing your site with a screen reader like NVDA, you can spot and fix these barriers directly, ensuring your content is genuinely usable—not just technically accessible. This step is vital for engaging a wide audience, including customers who rely on screen readers for equal access.

Plus, by prioritizing screen reader accessibility, you’re not just meeting legal requirements; you’re showing that your brand values inclusivity, which can resonate with customers and build loyalty.

Getting Started with NVDA

Ready to dive in? First, you’ll need to install NVDA on a Windows computer. Just head over to its official website and follow the straightforward instructions. Once it’s installed, take a few minutes to explore the settings. NVDA lets you adjust things like speed, voice pitch, and how much information it reads out loud. Tweaking these settings can make your screen reader testing smoother and help you catch all the essential details without getting distracted.

Understanding the Basics of NVDA

At first glance, NVDA might seem a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry—once you get the hang of a few essential controls, you’ll be navigating like a pro. The main control is the Insert key, which you use along with other keys to execute commands. For example, pressing Insert + Spacebar toggles between browse and focus modes, showing how users move between different sections and interact with elements on your site.

Key Shortcuts to Know

Tab: Move through interactive elements like buttons and links.
Shift + Tab: Go back through items, helping you check the flow of navigation.
H: Navigate through headings in sequence (Shift + H moves backward), which is crucial for accessibility.
K for links or G for graphics: Jump to specific content, helping you quickly assess if important items are accessible.

Testing for Accessibility Barriers with NVDA

Once you’re comfortable with NVDA, it’s time to put your website to the test. The goal is to see how easy (or difficult) it is for a screen reader user to find and understand information on your site.

Check Your Navigation Structure

Screen reader users rely heavily on clear navigation. Headings should be marked in a logical order, and the Tab key should move through items sensibly. As you use NVDA, please pay close attention to how it announces headings, links, and interactive elements. For instance, links labeled “Read More” can be confusing, while “Learn More About Our Services” is much more straightforward. Descriptive link text is vital to helping screen reader users navigate confidently.

Confirm Image Descriptions

Proper alt text is a must for images. Use the G key to move through images and listen to the descriptions NVDA reads aloud. The alt text doesn’t need to be lengthy—just informative enough to give users an idea of the image’s purpose.

For additional information about alt text, read our article “Understanding Image Alt Text Descriptions.”

Test Interactive Elements Like Forms

Forms can be tricky for screen reader users if they’re not labeled well. As you move through form fields, listen to the labels NVDA reads. Each field should have a clear label, and error messages should be accessible, too. Testing with NVDA can reveal unlabeled fields or hidden error messages that might make filling out forms difficult.

Common Accessibility Barriers to Watch For

Using NVDA can help you spot common barriers that affect accessibility:

Keyboard Traps: These occur when users get stuck in one part of the page. Use the Tab and Shift + Tab keys to move around; if you find yourself stuck, it’s likely a keyboard trap.
Focus Indicators: Screen reader users (and keyboard users in general) need a visible marker to show where they are on the page. Test this by tabbing through your site to see if each interactive element has a clear indicator.
Content Flow: Listen to your site in linear order, from top to bottom. Does it make sense as you go? Unclear structure or skipped headings can confuse users trying to navigate the content in a meaningful order.

Documenting What You Find

As you test, it’s helpful to document any issues you come across. Be specific: note where each issue happens, what the problem is, and why it’s an accessibility issue. For example, if a button lacks a label, describe which button it is, where it’s located, and how this impacts screen reader users. Including step-by-step details on how you tested (like key sequences or what NVDA readout) can also help your team quickly recreate and fix the issue.

Trying Out Other Screen Readers

While NVDA is a fantastic tool, remember that users rely on different screen readers like JAWS or VoiceOver on Apple devices. Testing with more than one screen reader can uncover accessibility issues that one tool might miss. NVDA is particularly good with dynamic content and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes. So, if you can, try testing with multiple screen readers to get a fuller picture of your site’s accessibility.

Making Accessibility Part of Your Process

Accessibility testing with NVDA shouldn’t be a one-time thing—it works best when it’s part of your development process from the start. By catching issues early, you’ll avoid significant fixes later and create a better experience for everyone. During design, consider accessibility-friendly patterns like high-contrast colors and adjustable font sizes. During development, use NVDA to test as you go and do a final check once your site is live.

And if possible, getting feedback from users with disabilities can be incredibly valuable. While NVDA can help you simulate a screen reader experience, real users bring real-world insights that can highlight usability issues you might not think of.

Wrapping Up

Using NVDA to test your website’s accessibility is a powerful step toward creating a more inclusive online experience, but there’s so much more to accessibility than just technical adjustments—it’s about making your site welcoming to everyone, including customers who rely on assistive technology.

To help you navigate the broader world of ADA compliance and web accessibility, consider scheduling a briefing with 216digital. Our team can walk you through key accessibility requirements, share insights into your site’s current compliance level, and guide you on building a sustainable, accessible web presence. Let’s work together to make your website an inclusive, welcoming space for all users. Schedule your ADA briefing with 216digital today, and take the next step toward true digital accessibility.