Accessibility - Using a screen reader, keyboard and Alt text

Mar 15, 2023

I am reaching out for your help regarding a request from a customer to make an existing course more accessible. I have encountered an issue using the tab key and the system reading the text when viewing the course, and I am hoping someone can offer some suggestions.

Specifically, I have added Alt text to images that are not decorative and to text boxes on top of images. However, when I preview the course and try to navigate using my keyboard and a screen reader, the tab function does not work, and the screen reader doesn't read the text. I have attempted to publish the course and use NVDA, but I still cannot tab to the text boxes, and it still doesn't read any of the text on the screen.

I have tried using the Focus Order window, adding Alt text, or removing what doesn't need to be there. I also tried right-clicking on a text box and selecting Accessibility/Object is visible to accessibility tools, but to no avail.

If anyone has any suggestions or solutions, I would greatly appreciate your help.

I appreciate any help you can provide.

 

 

3 Replies
Sam Hill

Hi Danielle, the tab key is not really used by screen reader users for navigating content. The tab key only takes users to interactive elements such as buttons in the slide content.

Use the arrow keys down/up/left/right to navigate the content. Replace your instinct to press the tab key with the down arrow key. This will to you through the content from the top to the bottom of the page.

It is also worth learning a few shortcuts in JAWS and NVDA to help with navigation.

Danielle Joffe

Thanks for the response, Sam. Unfortunately, I tried using my arrow keys with NVDA and couldn't. I could use the tab key to scroll to the start button... but that was it.

What worries me is that the screen reader is not reading the text in the boxes or any Alt text.

I am pretty new to Articulate, although I do understand triggers and layers.

Any suggestions?

 

Kelly Auner

Hi Danielle, I'm happy to jump in here!

I understand that you're experiencing an issue with NVDA not reading the text in your course. I'd like to take a look at your file to investigate what's going on. I've opened a support case on your behalf and you should have received an initial email from our team. If not, please let me know! 

You can use the upload link to share your file in your support case, and we'll be sure to delete it from our systems once troubleshooting is complete.