Video demonstration of someone signing a Docusign form using a screen reader.

Question

Hello all,I work in the public sector for Olmsted County, MN, USA.  We are trying to raise empathy awareness with our staff about electronic accessibility requirements and compliance.  Is there or could someone create a video showing someone filling out and signing a Docusign form using a screen reader? Even better, a “bad” experience because the form wasn’t created properly, and an “ideal” experience where the source document was built using Style Headings, Numbered/Bulleted lists, and the form has meaningful data labels and tool tips.I’m in the process of learning how to use a screen reader but I am not proficient enough to create my own demonstration.  I am also curious, is the screen reader able to see the content of the document or just the fields? I noticed that hyperlinks in a Word Document are removed (flattened?) after the document is uploaded into an envelope/template.  Which in a way makes sense since the purpose of Docusign is to fill out and sign a form, not use the form as a launch pad to another website or email.  But would that also apply to Style Headings and Footnote links? Any information you can give me about the signers experience when using a screen reader would be most helpful.Thanks!Rachael LeybaOlmsted County, MN

Ma.Cubio · Answer

Hello ​@Rachael Leyba - Olmsted CountyThank you for reaching out to Docusign Communityand for your commitment to improving accessibility and empathy awareness — that’s a great initiative. I’ve gathered some information directly from DocuSign’s accessibility resources to help answer your questions.Screen Reader Experience in DocuSignDocusign’s eSignature signing process is designed to work with popular screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver. When screen reader mode is enabled, signers can have both the document content and form fields read aloud, not just the fields.During signing, the system provides a prompt that allows users to switch to “Screen Reader Mode,” which formats the document so assistive technology can read it in order. This mode helps users navigate through headings, paragraphs, and form fields using keyboard controls.Importance of Accessible DocumentsAlthough Docusign supports accessibility tools, the signer’s experience largely depends on how the original document is constructed before uploading it to DocuSign.DocuSign recommends that documents follow accessibility best practices, including: Using proper Heading Styles instead of just bold text, and using true Numbered or Bulleted Lists.Adding clear field labels and tooltips for all input fields.Keeping layouts simple and logical for easier keyboard navigation. These steps ensure screen readers can read the content correctly and that the signer can understand what each field requires.About Hyperlinks, Headings, and FootnotesWhen a Word document is uploaded into DocuSign, certain interactive elements like hyperlinks or embedded footnotes may become flattened or inactive. This is expected, as DocuSign focuses on completing and signing forms rather than linking out to external pages.However, heading structures and document reading order—if built correctly in Word or a tagged PDF—are still recognized and help screen readers navigate the document more effectively.Next Steps / RecommendationTo provide the best experience for signers who use assistive technology, DocuSign suggests:Building accessible source documents before uploading them.Testing envelopes using a screen reader (e.g., NVDA or VoiceOver) before sending.Providing tooltips for every field in DocuSign so users hear clear instructions.For your training idea, creating two short demonstration videos—a “challenging” experience with an inaccessible form and an “ideal” experience following DocuSign’s best practices—would be a great way to raise awareness.For your reference, you can also refer to the relevant articles below.DocuSign Accessibility OverviewMaking the Signing Experience Accessible to All5 Steps to Send an Accessible DocuSign Envelope(this includes a video using a screen reader)If you found the response to be a useful solution to your question, please “like” and mark it as the best answer by clicking “Select as Best” to make it easier for other users to find. Thank you!Sincerely,Ma. Cassandra | Docusign Community ModeratorIf this helped, feel free to Like👍and click "Best Answer"

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