--- title: How a Blind Person Uses a Mobile Device description: A blind person will interact with your website or app on a mobile device differently than they will on a desktop computer. Read about the differences. image: https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/npr.brightspotcdn.comdims4default909f0292147483647striptruecrop7952x4472+0+0resize1760x990!formatwebpquality90.webp --- - [skip to menu](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-difference-in-website-accessibility-for-the-blind-in-desktop-vs#nav) - [skip to content](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-difference-in-website-accessibility-for-the-blind-in-desktop-vs#main-content) - [skip to footer](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-difference-in-website-accessibility-for-the-blind-in-desktop-vs#footer) Test the accessibility of your website for free! Try UsableNet AQA. 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[Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) - [Who We Serve](https://usablenet.com/strategic-relationships) ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/e-commerce-accessibility-solutions) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) Close Open Menu - Solutions ## Solutions [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) A managed service combining experts, technology and legal support to make your website accessible [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) Accessibility management and testing software for designers, developers, and testers [Accessibility Audits & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) Expert guidance and training to empower your team to create accessible digital experiences Which accessibility remediation approach is right for me? [Take our Quiz](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz) - Resources ## Resources [E-books & Guides](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) [Tools](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Tools) [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Essential Resources [ADA accessibility lawsuit tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Checklist: how to achieve and maintain digital accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Which remediation approach is right for me?](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [A Primer on ADA and Digital Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/a-primer-on-ada-and-digital-accessibility?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) The EAA is in Effect — Is Your Website Compliant? [Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) - Who We Serve ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-e-commerce-consumer-goods) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-europe) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) # How a Blind Person Uses a Mobile Device **By** [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1) on Dec 3, 2020 **Topics:** [Web Accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility), [Mobile Apps](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-apps), [UX Research & Design](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ux-research-design) 0 Comments - - - ![Person using a mobile phone ](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/npr.brightspotcdn.comdims4default909f0292147483647striptruecrop7952x4472+0+0resize1760x990!formatwebpquality90.webp) *Editor's Note: This blog is a summary of our November 12 Webinar, "How a Blind Person uses a Website on Mobile versus Desktop." [Watch the webinar in full here. ](https://info.usablenet.com/on-demand-webinar-how-a-blind-person-uses-a-website-on-mobile)* As our world becomes increasingly reliant on the internet, a norm accelerated by the global pandemic, a larger focus has been put on businesses to [uphold the ADA](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-compliance) in their digital presence.  While many businesses focus energy on keeping their websites accessible for desktop users, it’s important to remember that mobile sites and apps need to be accessible too. A blind person will interact with your website or app on a mobile device differently than they will on a desktop computer. Understanding the difference in functionality can help you avoid common mistakes that prevent true accessibility. Let’s take a look at how the experience differs from one device to another and what you can do to make sure your content is accessible on both.  Many modern websites are complex with frequent updates and code changes. A website may have many user paths, content behind gateways, or difficult forms to fill out on a screen reader. Simply put, the more complicated your website, the more demanding it may be to maintain accessibility.  ## Why use WCAG for ADa compliance on Desktop & Mobile A screen reader is an assistive technology used primarily by people with visual disabilities. Screen readers translate on-screen information into speech so the person using the screen reader can listen to the content displayed on a site.  The experience for a person with a visual disability is slightly differently on mobile vs. desktop, however, and it’s important that brands understand the difference when they’re structuring their content.  ## How a Blind Person uses a Website on Desktop  On desktop, a user who is blind may utilize their keyboard to navigate and explore elements or anchor points on the site. This includes linked in-text, navigation menus, clickable CTAs, and even forms. [The WCAG](https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/) defines exactly how to ensure that these elements are labeled and organized to be meaningful, consistent, and functional.  ## How a Blind Person uses a Website on a Mobile Device Keyboard navigation isn’t an option on mobile. Instead, people who are blind or have a visual disability will use a combination of gestures to explore a site and touch elements. When an element like a link or CTA button is touched, the screen reader will read the content of the link aloud. Double tapping selects the option that is read.  The applied WCAG can be used to assess the coding of different elements, along with the design and UX support. One best practice is to test with user testers who are members of the disability community and active screen reader users. User testing with people who have disabilities allows you to ensure that you have accessible and well-designed mobile content.   [![Learn more about accessibility testing. Download our free guide. ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3280432/0b07d4ea-5a7c-4539-8f15-457b73b34c60.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3280432/0b07d4ea-5a7c-4539-8f15-457b73b34c60) ## The Most Popular Screen Readers When you’re testing your desktop and mobile site, prioritize testing your main user journeys with the most popular mobile screen readers. According to a [2019 survey of screen reader users by WebAim](https://webaim.org/projects/screenreadersurvey8/) these are:  - VoiceOver - TalkBack for Android - Voice Assistant - VoiceView - Mobile Accessibility for Android - Mobile Speak - Nuance Talks You’ll also went to test your site with the following popular desktop screen readers across multiple different browsers: - JAWS - NVDA - VoiceOver ## Inclusive Design for Mobile Having a strong, fully-functional and fully-accessible desktop site is an great start for businesses when it comes to ensuring equal access to all potential and existing customers. It’s not enough, however, because your customers with visual disabilities may be relying on mobile almost as frequently as they’re using desktop. When designing for native apps, UI and layout have as equal an impact on the experience for your end users with visual disabilities as ensuring the code follows accessibility best practices.  [With mobile accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/mobile-app-accessibility-techniques-for-inclusive-design-part-1), it is as important to focus on the design of the interface for a user who will navigate via touch as it is to label elements for proper navigation with a screen reader. *Interested in seeing a demonstration of exactly how screen readers work on mobile and desktop sites? [Watch the webinar in full here. ](https://info.usablenet.com/on-demand-webinar-how-a-blind-person-uses-a-website-on-mobile)*   *[![The European Accessibility Act is Now in Effect - Schedule a Consulation now to see if you're affected](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3280432/interactive-191261690494.png)](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJjAZjUrMMXfgS4MvF8DquQcE4zcVXwZM5QCsiWvD%2BiuwMqIw6K4wQVaefGTkC3hjfwEKSYrcmDhmGQ6ZMDYdkkwvLHVM9Jl0yTJMFQ0NvhP8V0vdx8x1N2xJGj3%2BHLN%2FAiZqr11nJT1AtPrVtFGPyw5f84rTy7ND3CQvnNRjte97380GoRG6foFB4fhtJUUYcQlyvlHqBKL3VTgH2nSqoaTFN5EcHP&webInteractiveContentId=191261690494&portalId=3280432)* ![UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo%20150%20x%20150.png) ### [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1) Founded in 2000, UsableNet created some of the first tools and platforms to make websites accessible and usable for all people. 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We provide accessibility solutions to Fortune 1000 companies, small and medium enterprises, government, and education organizations across industries including retail, travel, hospitality, food services, automotive, financial services, and healthcare. - - - - ### Related posts ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ![The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/The%20Low-Cost%20Moves%20That%20Strengthen%20an%20ADA%20Website%20Defense.png) [The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-low-cost-moves-that-strengthen-an-ada-website-defense) Jun 16, 2026 ### Sign Up for the UsableNet Blog ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ### Posts by Topic - [Web Accessibility (311)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility) - [User Experience (113)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/user-experience) - [ADA Lawsuits (45)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-lawsuits) - [ADA Website Compliance (38)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-website-compliance) - [European Accessibility Act (34)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/european-accessibility-act) - [Mobile Web (30)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-web) - [Mobile Apps (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-apps) - [Retail (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/retail) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Consultation%20Icon.svg) Need to improve digital usability, accessibility or performance? 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Stay up-to-date on our insights, the latest tech news and digital trends. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "UsableNet", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1" }, "dateModified" : "2025-06-11T18:22:05.599Z", "datePublished" : "2020-12-03T16:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "How a Blind Person Uses a Mobile Device", "image" : [ "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/npr.brightspotcdn.comdims4default909f0292147483647striptruecrop7952x4472+0+0resize1760x990!formatwebpquality90.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/the-difference-in-website-accessibility-for-the-blind-in-desktop-vs", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo_Black.png" }, "name" : "UsableNet Inc." } } ```