Results of the WebAIM screen reader survey

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Wednesday, 12 March 2014 14:33pm

Accessibility service WebAIM has released the results of its international screen reader user survey. They reveal the experience of blind people using computers and the internet, and show what website and software makers can do to be more inclusive.

screen reader is a piece of software on a computer, smartphone or tablet which converts text to audio. It is the primary tool used by most people who are blind. The 2014 WebAIM survey, the fifth of its kind, received over 1400 responses.

Key findings

  • 74% of respondents stated that free or low cost screen readers (such VoiceOver and NVDA) are viable alternatives to commercial screen readers
  • 82% use a screen reader on a mobile device
  • 65% of mobile users use Apple iOS, compared to 16% for Google Android and 0.3% for Windows Phone
  • When asked if they believe that web accessibility has improved over the past year, 37% said yes, 42% said it had remained the same and 22% believed it had gone backwards
  • 81% believe that better websites make more impact on their access than better assistive technology
  • 78% of respondents would be comfortable with allowing websites to detect that they are using a screen reader if it meant for a better experience

Screen readers commonly used

  • JAWS: 64%
  • NVDA: 51%
  • VoiceOver: 36%
  • System Access or System Access To Go: 26%
  • Window-Eyes: 14%

Summary

Overall, the results show that people feel proficient with screen readers, and that the cause of exclusion online lies with website makers. In summarising the findings, Rakesh Paladugula from Maxability said that “92% of participants feel lack of awareness, skill, knowledge and fear that web accessibility hinders the look, feel and functionalities are the reasons for inaccessible websites.”

Recently, we published our tips for using a screen reader on a touch screen device.Information on improving websites for people who are blind, as well as those with other disabilities, is available on Access iQ.


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