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How to Shop Online Easily Using a Screen Reader
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To find and buy items quickly using a screen reader, this guide shows you the quickest paths to checkout with JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, or TalkBack. Online shopping has become easier as screen readers and website designs have improved. Still, finding products, using filters, and checking out can sometimes be challenging. This guide offers practical tips for shopping online with JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, or TalkBack. Some steps may vary slightly depending on your screen reader, so be ready for minor differences to get the best results.
1. Choose Trusted, Accessible Retailers
Many large retailers focus on accessibility, including:
- Amazon
- eBay
- Apple
- Argos
- Tesco
- Boots
- John Lewis
These websites use clear headings and simple layouts. If you come across a site that is difficult to use, try reaching out to their support team or using tools like accessibility overlays. These tools can sometimes make the site easier to navigate.
2. Use Headings to Navigate
Most product pages are structured like:
- Heading 1: Product name
- Heading 2: Description
- Heading 2: Specifications
- Heading 2: Reviews
Use the following gestures to navigate through headings:
On JAWS, press H to move between headings.
On NVDA, press H to navigate through the headings.
On VoiceOver, swipe down with three fingers to move through sections quickly.
On TalkBack, swipe up or down with one finger to navigate easily on your phone.
3. Use Search Filters Efficiently
To efficiently use search filters, you can navigate features such as price, colour, size, or rating using specific keyboard shortcuts. For example, when you reach the price filter, press F to jump directly to it. Use the keyboard shortcut B when you are navigating to buttons, and press X for checkboxes. On mobile, swipe until you hear the control type you want.
On mobile, swipe until you hear the control type you want.
Filters help you find what you want faster, so you don’t have to scroll through lots of items.
4. Check Product Details Carefully
Look for:
- Clear descriptions
- Accessible customer reviews
- Audio descriptions of images (if provided)
- Accurate sizing charts
If images lack alt text, you can use an OCR tool like Seeing AI or Lookout. Because some retailers still skip alt tags, these apps fill the gap by turning images into text that your screen reader can read aloud. To use them, download the app from your device’s app store and follow the setup steps. After installing, point your camera at the image you want to check, and the app will read any text it finds. This can help you understand poorly labelled images.
5. Add Items to Basket & Checkout
During checkout:
- Look for properly labelled buttons like “Add to basket” or “Proceed to checkout.”
- Use forms mode where needed if you are on JAWS or NVDA.
- Use autofill for address and payment details where possible.
6. Avoid Scams With Simple Checks
Always check:
- Website address that starts with"https".
- The company has a real contact page.
- No strange pop-up request.
- Prices that seem too good to be true.
Final Thoughts
Shopping online with a screen reader is becoming easier and faster. By following these navigation tips and choosing trusted retailers, you can shop safely and with confidence on your computer or phone. If you run into accessibility issues, contact the retailer’s support team or reach out to advocacy groups focused on digital accessibility. Getting help can make shopping smoother and solve any issues you face. Save these tips and pass them on to fellow screen-reader shoppers, helping spread accessibility knowledge and reinforcing your confidence in digital shopping.
