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Assistive Technology Tests

We recommend running at least a sample of ebookseBooks through assistive technology in order to double check that iteverything works OK, and best if this is a range of the most commonly used tools that fulfill a range of functions. The minimum checks you complete should be checking that:

  • the file opens
  • the file displays properly in a way that's understandable
  • everything within the file can be used with that technology

BelowThere are somedifferent types of assistive technology that are commonly in use and you should check through at least one example of each type.

Contrast, Colour and Font Changers

Try different settings using:

  • Windows High Contrast mode
  • Different browser's settings, such as Firefox and Chrome

Screen Readers

NVDA (desktop screen reader) is a commonly used open source assistivedesktop technologyscreen toolsreader that you can download and use.

test

AWSwith. (desktopIt's also recommended to check using mobile screen reader)readers 2019such oras later    Chrome or Edge (latest version)
NVDA (desktop screen reader)    Latest    Chrome, Firefox or Edge (latest version)
VoiceOver on iOS (mobileor screen reader)    Latest    Safari (latest version
TalkBack (mobileon screenAndroid. reader)Complete Latestthe Chromefollowing (latesttests version)
Windowsusing Magnifierthese or Apple Zoom (screen magnifiers)    Latest    Any
Dragon (speech recognition)    15 or later    Chrome (latest version)

 technologies:

  • changing colours - using Windows High Contrast mode and Firefox browser settings

When testing, you should check:

you can get access to information
the information is understandable
everything on the interface is usable

 

Screen readers
You should test with screen readers by using them to:

readRead every element and header
tab

  • Tab through every link
    check
  • Check every landmark, for example your footer and any navigation
    check
  • Check your use of Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA)
    check
  • Check you can fill in any editable fields, for example writing and submitting a form


    • For

    more

    VoiceOver informationon aboutiOS using(mobile screen readers,reader)
    TalkBack including keyboard commands, read these WebAim articles on:

    using JAWS to evaluate web accessibility
    using NVDA to evaluate web accessibility
    using VoiceOver to evaluate web accessibility
    Screen magnifiers
    When using(mobile screen magnifiers,reader)


    Screen Magnifiers

    test up to at least 4 times magnification. Check:

    the spacing between elements, for example the gap between a form label and field
    that page elements display consistently on different page layouts - so someone who is zoomed in to a page can always find the search box, for example
    that users know when something happens outside the viewport - for example, with modals or error messages

     

    Windows Magnifier or Apple Zoom (screen magnifiers)

    Speech recognition
    ToRecognition

    test your service with speech recognition technology,

    use speech to:

    navigate to each feature
    activate every link, button, or interactive element, for example form controls or a media player
    enter text into any forms if applicable to your service
    Make sure you speak clearly, but naturally. You should also use a high quality headset rather than an in-built microphone in your local machine and make sure you’re at a consistent distance from the microphone. Say punctuation out loud and correct any spelling mistakes you make.

    Check the

    user guides for

    Dragon for(speech recognition)




    For more information onabout howusing screen readers, including keyboard commands, read these WebAim articles on:

    using JAWS to install,evaluate giveweb voiceaccessibility
    using commandsNVDA andto dictateevaluate differentweb typesaccessibility
    using ofVoiceOver text.to evaluate web accessibility

    https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/technology/testing-with-assistive-technologies

     

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