Ensuring the logical reading order of your content is essential for accessibility. A correct reading order allows students using assistive technology like screen readers to follow the content in the intended sequence. While AI tools do not currently check reading order, there are helpful software tools faculty can use.
This browser extension simulates how screen readers interpret web content. It helps visually identify the reading sequence of text and elements.
Install the Silktide Accessibility Checker Chrome Extension.
Go to your published webpage or Canvas page.
Click the Silktide icon in the Chrome toolbar.
Select "Screen Reader Simulation." This overlays numbers showing the screen reader's reading sequence.
Use the numbers to verify that headings, text, and links follow a logical top-to-bottom, left-to-right order.
NVDA is a free screen reader for Windows. You can use it to experience your content as a screen reader user would.
Download NVDA from nvaccess.org.
Install NVDA and restart your computer if prompted.
Open NVDA: Press Ctrl + Alt + N on your PC, or find NVDA in your Start Menu and open it.
Open your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Use the Down Arrow to move through content.
To hear the current line: press Insert + Up Arrow.
To pause/resume reading: press Ctrl.
Check if content reads in logical order and headings are identified.
Important: NVDA does not read alt text on some PDF readers. Use Acrobat’s built-in accessibility checker to confirm.
Adobe Acrobat Pro: To inspect the reading order of a PDF, use the built-in Read Aloud feature and the "Reading Order" panel.
Microsoft Word: Use Immersive Reader to listen to text in Word documents and check the logical sequence.
Microsoft PowerPoint: To adjust the object order of slides, use the "Reading Order Pane" under "Arrange" > "Selection Pane."
Use tools that highlight content in order—such as Silktide or PowerPoint's reading order pane.
Ensure content follows a natural top-to-bottom, left-to-right sequence.
Group related items in logical containers (e.g., lists, sections).
Avoid floating text boxes or objects out of sequence.
Use text-to-speech tools to spot reading order issues, even if they don’t catch all errors.
Pick a slide or PDF from your course. Use the Silktide Accessibility Checker or Microsoft PowerPoint's "Check Reading Order" to test how content is sequenced. Then adjust content to follow a logical flow. Optionally, explore NVDA or VoiceOver for a deeper understanding of how students experience your content.
If you're unsure how to test reading order, or encounter issues, contact Instructional Accessibility Designer Terisa O'Dowd for support:
todowd1@twu.edu