This guide is intended for Syracuse University staff who would like to use VoiceOver as part of a WCAG 2.x assessment of a web site or web application. It is not intended to be a comprehensive introduction to the VoiceOver screen reader. For in-depth instruction on using VoiceOver please refer to VoiceOver User Guide on the Apple website.
The WCAG 2.x A and AA Manual Evaluation form used by Syracuse University staff for testing web sites and web applications includes a number of checkpoints that are best tested using a screen reader. The following table lists the relevant checkpoints, a recommended testing technique with the corresponding VoiceOver keystrokes, and video clips illustrating VoiceOver output for each command.
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- VoiceOver was developed for use with Safari, but it is also compatible with Chrome.
- You must enable full keyboard access on your Mac and enable tab key navigation in Safari.
- VoiceOver includes a feature called the Rotor which is a popup window that displays information about the current page. You can use the Rotor as described below to quickly view a list of page headings, links, form controls, etc. Be aware that images are not listed in the Rotor by default. If you would like to be able to check for alternative text using the Rotor you must go to System Preferences > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Open VoiceOver Utility > Web > Web Rotor
- By default VoiceOver will offer audible and on screen instructions for how to interact with screen elements. Once you are comfortable with VoiceOver commands you may wish to lower the verbosity level by going to System Preferences > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Verbosity.
- It is recommended that you test on a Mac or Macbook with a full keyboard. If you do not have a full keyboard you may need to consult your system Help for guidance in using F1 - F12 keys, Home/End keys, etc.
- These instructions use the standard abbreviation 'VO' when referring to the VoiceOver modifier key, which by default is CTRL + Option.
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