How screen readers work with landmarks
Latest screen readers will say the type of landmark the user is in as soon as the user enters into that area of that web page. It might say “banner region” or “main region”, for example.
When landmarks are added on a page, screen reader users can use them to explore the various sections of the web page. Landmarks allow screen reader users to jump to the main content of the page, navigation areas, and information contained in the header and footer of the web page without having to tab through different elements on the page. Landmarks give screen reader users another option to quickly learn about the content on the web page.
Method 1
List all landmarks
Screen Reader & Browser Command
JAWS with Chrome, IE: Insert + F3 (to open Elements List), then select landmarks
NVDA with Firefox, Chrome: Insert + F7 (to open Elements List), then select landmarks
Note:
When using a keyboard, use the Shift key plus the command listed below to go backward through landmarks.
Method 2
Go to One Landmark to the Next
Screen Reader & Browser Command
JAWS with Chrome, IE: JAWS 16 and above: Press R
JAWS 15 and below:; (semi-colon)
NVDA with Firefox, Chrome: Press D
Method 3
Go Navigate to the main content landmark
Screen Reader & Browser Command
JAWS with Chrome, Firefox, IE: Press Q
NVDA with Firefox, Chrome: Not available
