Optimize Screen Reader Compatibility – 5 Best Practices for Accessible Websites according to BFSG

From June 28, 2025, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) applies – and with it, the obligation for digital accessibility for websites and web applications. A key requirement: screen reader compatibility. It enables people with visual impairments to have unrestricted access to digital content.

But accessible web design offers more than just legal protection:

👉 Improved Google ranking,

👉 Higher conversion rates,

👉 Growing reach,

👉 Stronger user engagement.

Why is Screen Reader Compatibility Crucial for Accessible Websites?

A screen reader reads content aloud and allows people with visual impairments to access websites. However, many websites are not correctly optimized – leading to a poor user experience, legal warnings, fines, and ranking losses.

Your advantages with a screen reader-optimized website:

✅ Protection from fines – BFSG according to WCAG 2.1 & DIN EN 301 549

✅ Better Google ranking – Accessible websites perform better in search results

✅ Expanded reach – Over 2.5 million visually impaired people in Germany alone

✅ More leads & conversions – Improved usability boosts customer loyalty

1. Clear HTML Structure & Semantic Markup for Accessible Web Design and Accessibility

Structured content improves not only the user experience but also accessibility by screen readers & search engines.

✅ Correct heading hierarchy (H1–H6)

✅ List tags (<ul>, <ol>) for enumerations instead of plain text

✅ ARIA labels (aria-label, aria-labelledby) for interactive elements

📌 Example of clear HTML structure & semantic elements:

❌ Incorrect:

<div class="title">Contact</div>

✔ Correct:

<h2>Contact</h2>

2. Meaningful Alt Texts for Images & Graphics – for Visual Accessibility

Missing or poor alt text makes images incomprehensible for screen reader users. Alt attributes help screen reader users understand visual content.

📌 Example of correctly set alt texts:

❌ Incorrect:

<img src="product.jpg" alt="" />

✔ Correct:

<img src="product.jpg" alt="Smartphone with accessible app interface" />

3. Forms & Buttons for Accessible Interaction with Screen Readers

Inaccessible forms are a major barrier for users with visual impairments.

✅ Every field needs a <label> element

✅ Display error messages as text, not just color

✅ Enable keyboard navigation (tabindex="0")

📌 Good example of an accessible input field:

<label for="email">Email Address:</label>
<input type="email" id="email" name="email" required />

4. Optimize Keyboard Navigation & Focus Management for Better Accessibility

Many users do not use a mouse – the entire navigation must work via keyboard.

✅ Make focus styles (:focus) visible

✅ Enable Escape key for modal windows

✅ Optimize tab order (tabindex)

5. Design Dynamic Content & Pop-ups Screen Reader-Friendly

Live content & interactive components require special screen reader treatment:

✅ aria-live="polite" for automatic announcements

✅ No auto-playing videos without a pause button

✅ Pop-ups with focus management & semantic markup

📌 Example of an accessible live announcement:

<div aria-live="polite">New message received.</div>

❗ Don't know if your website is compatible with screen readers? Act now with navable!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Screen Reader Compatibility