Screen-reader adaptation
We make the site correctly 'voiceable' by screen readers: a blind user should understand the structure, elements and actions by ear. We test with real screen readers, not 'by eye'. So that the site is usable for blind and low-vision users, rather than turning into mush for them. Honestly upfront: we test on the major screen readers and bring behavior to correct, but there are many 'screen reader + browser' combinations, and identical behavior of every version cannot be guaranteed; plus it requires semantic markup and maintenance on changes.
Screen-reader adaptation — overview
Screen-reader adaptation is bringing the site to correct operation with screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver): meaningful semantic structure, correct roles and labels of elements, a clear reading order, announcing dynamic changes, accessibility of interactive components 'by ear'. We test with real screen readers and fix what sounds unclear or is inaccessible. Honestly about coverage, this matters: there are several screen readers, and each behaves differently in different browsers — there are many combinations. We test and bring to correct the major, popular combinations, but identical behavior of ABSOLUTELY every version of every screen reader cannot be guaranteed — that is a feature of the ecosystem, we say so honestly. Honestly about the basis: correct screen-reader operation relies on semantic markup and ARIA (808) — these are related, sometimes done together. Honestly about 'not an overlay': real adaptation is fixes in the code/markup, NOT installing a third-party 'accessibility overlay' widget (such widgets are criticized, do not make the site accessible and sometimes hinder the screen readers themselves). Honestly about the process: new content and features can break voicing again — maintenance/discipline is needed. Honestly about the absolute: 'perfect for all blind users' cannot be promised; honestly — 'works correctly with the major screen readers / significantly improves accessibility'. Honestly about access: access to the code/templates is needed. An important boundary: this is screen-reader adaptation; ARIA markup is 808, keyboard navigation is 806 (often combined). Picture this: instead of 'the screen reader reads the site as a meaningless set' — the structure and elements are clear by ear. The base price starts from 25,000 ₽ (depends on the site complexity).
Problems we solve
- The screen reader reads the site as a meaningless set of elements.
- A blind user does not understand the structure and cannot act.
- Dynamic changes are not announced — the user 'gets lost'.
- Interactive components are inaccessible 'by ear'.
What's included in the Screen-reader adaptation service
- Semantic structure and correct element roles/labels
- A clear reading order
- Announcing dynamic changes (live regions)
- Accessibility of interactive components for the screen reader
- Testing with real screen readers (NVDA/JAWS/VoiceOver)
- Indicating boundaries (many SR+browser combos; not an overlay)
- A link with ARIA (808) and keyboard (806) if needed
- Handover and review with you
What you get
- The site is correctly voiced by the major screen readers
- The structure and elements are clear to a blind user
- Dynamics and interactivity are accessible 'by ear'
- Real adaptation in the code (not an overlay widget)
How the work goes: steps
- We test the site with real screen readers, record problems; collect access
- We fix semantics, roles, labels, announcements, interactivity
- We re-check on the major combos, give a maintenance plan, review with you
Why PDV Expert
- Fixed price and timeline — no surprises on the invoice.
- Report and recommendations in plain language — clear without a technical background.
- In touch at every step and answering questions about the result.
FAQ
Will it work perfectly in all screen readers and browsers?
We test and bring to correct the major popular 'screen reader + browser' combinations, and that covers most users. But honestly: there are many combinations, and identical behavior of absolutely every version of every screen reader cannot be guaranteed — that is a feature of the ecosystem. We do it by best practice and verify on real technologies.
Can we install an accessibility widget and not touch the code?
No, that is a common misconception. Third-party 'accessibility overlays' are criticized: they do not make the site really accessible and sometimes even hinder screen readers. Real adaptation is fixes in the code and markup. We do it for real, not an imitation by a widget.
Is this a one-off job?
The base adaptation — yes, but honestly: new content and features can break correct voicing again. Accessibility is a process: on changes, checking and maintenance are needed. We will give recommendations/discipline so that what is achieved does not fall apart over time.
About the provider
The «Screen-reader adaptation» service is provided by PDV Expert — a team specialising in «Site quality». We work under contract and deliver a written report with recommendations.