Myth
Screenreader can read every digital content in an understandable way.
This myth is not true.
Screenreaders read out the text information of digital content. They enable people with visual impairments to perceive visual content via two other senses (acoustically via speech output or haptically via Braille output). The screenreader thus follows the two-senses principle. This means that information is made accessible through two other senses if one sense is restricted.
To enable a screenreader to read digital contents, content is to be designed as textinformation. This means:
- Objects, such as Pictures or tables, require an understandable alternative text.
- Texts needs a clean structure: e.g. heading levels, bullet points, standard text. These must be clearly formatted.
- Hyperlinks must be named so that it is clear where the links leads.
Screen readers are used by people with visual impairments. In addition to technically feasible measures, it is important to describe clear the location of objects in the text. This helps to locate objects specifically with the screenreader and to have them read aloud.
Visit us in our Student Office for Barriere-Sensitive Service (STUBBS), to talk with us about "Leichte Sprache" and Barriere-Sensitivity.
Talk
In this video, an expert presents the work with a screenreader. by using two websites. The expert illustrates how the screenreader renders the content in barrier-sensitive and non-barrier-sensitive structures.
STUBBS offers and support
The Student Office for Barriere-Sensitive Service (STUBBS) offers and supports you with services for the design of digital barrier-sensitive materials. Click the following button to view them.
Helpdesk opening hours
Out of opening hours (GOT 001.1 & digital), the STUBBS is often staffed – please check the door label and come in :-).
Granted by
StudyasU is granted by Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschullehre (Grant Nr. FBM2020-EA-1050) (August 01, 2021 - July 31, 2024)