How to Actually Make Your Website Accessible for Screen Readers

When businesses search for how to make a website accessible for screen readers, they are often given the wrong advice. They are told to “just install a widget.”

But screen readers (like VoiceOver on iOS or NVDA on Windows) are complex pieces of software. They don’t just “read the screen”—they parse the Document Object Model (DOM).

The “Talking Widget” Problem

Some accessibility widgets try to act as their own screen reader. This is a mistake. Users who are blind already have their preferred software set up exactly how they like it. When a widget starts “reading” the site aloud, it creates a chaotic audio experience where two voices are talking at once.

Three Ways to Improve Screen Reader Compatibility

1. Aria-Labels are Not Optional

If your accessibility widget for Shopify or WordPress adds a “search” button that is just a magnifying glass icon, a screen reader will just say “button.” You must use an aria-label="Search" to tell the software what the button does.

2. Live Regions for Dynamic Content

If a user adds an item to their cart and a little “Success!” message pops up, a screen reader won’t notice unless you use an aria-live region. This tells the software to interrupt the current reading to announce the update.

3. Proper Heading Hierarchy

Screen reader users often navigate a page by jumping from one <h1> or <h2> to the next. If you use headings just for “styling” (making text big), you break the user’s ability to skim your content.

Where Sienna Fits In

Sienna is designed to be “invisible” to screen readers. We don’t try to override the user’s software. Instead, we provide the visual and motor adjustments (like making the focus state more visible) that make the site easier to use alongside a screen reader.

Stop guessing and start testing. Open your site and try to navigate it with your eyes closed.