1. Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to conduct tests on web content using screen readers. Our goal is to ensure that the content is accessible for visually impaired users.

By the end of the tutorial, you will be able to:
- Understand how screen readers work
- Navigate your website using a screen reader
- Identify and resolve accessibility issues

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS.

2. Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Screen Readers

Screen readers are software applications that convert on-screen content into speech or braille. They allow visually impaired users to interact with web content. Popular screen readers include JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver.

Using Screen Readers

To navigate a webpage using a screen reader, you should pay attention to elements like headings, hyperlinks, form inputs, and images. The screen reader will read these elements out loud, and users can use keyboard shortcuts to jump between these elements.

Identifying Accessibility Issues

Common accessibility issues include missing alt text for images, poorly structured headings, and lack of keyboard focus for interactive elements.

3. Code Examples

Example 1: Using Alt Text for Images

<!-- incorrect usage -->
<img src="logo.png">

<!-- correct usage -->
<img src="logo.png" alt="Company logo">

In the second example, we've added an alt attribute to the <img> tag which provides a text alternative for the image. This text will be read out by the screen reader.

Example 2: Structuring Headings Correctly

<!-- incorrect usage -->
<h1>Our Products</h1>
<h1>Product A</h1>
<h1>Product B</h1>

<!-- correct usage -->
<h1>Our Products</h1>
<h2>Product A</h2>
<h2>Product B</h2>

In the second example, we've used <h2> tags for the product names instead of <h1>. This provides a more structured outline that's easier for screen reader users to understand.

4. Summary

In this tutorial, we've learned about screen readers and how to use them to test web content. We've also learned how to resolve common accessibility issues.

For your next steps, you could:
- Learn more about ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) to improve the accessibility of your dynamic content and advanced user interfaces.
- Familiarize yourself with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to ensure your content is accessible to a wider range of people.

5. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Add alt text to all images on a webpage.

Solution:

<!-- Example -->
<img src="product.png" alt="Product image">

Exercise 2: Correctly structure the headings on a webpage.

Solution:

<!-- Example -->
<h1>Page Title</h1>
<h2>Section Title</h2>
<h3>Subsection Title</h3>

Exercise 3: Make all interactive elements on a webpage keyboard accessible.

Solution:

<!-- Example -->
<button tabindex="0">Click me</button>

In this example, we've added a tabindex attribute to the <button> tag which allows it to be focused by keyboard inputs.