TTSWP is designed to help your site meet WCAG 2.1 AA and ADA accessibility guidelines. The plugin itself supports keyboard navigation, screen readers, and ARIA labeling. It also makes your written content accessible to people who prefer or need audio.
How TTSWP helps with accessibility
Text-to-audio for content
Providing an audio version of written content helps:
- People with visual impairments who use screen readers as a primary way to consume content
- People with dyslexia or reading difficulties who process spoken words more easily
- People with cognitive disabilities who benefit from multiple formats
- Visually able visitors who want to consume content hands-free
This directly supports WCAG Success Criterion 1.1.1 (Non-text Content) and 1.4.5 (Images of Text) by offering content in an alternative format.
The player itself is accessible
The TTSWP audio player meets WCAG 2.1 AA requirements:
- Keyboard accessible - every button and control can be reached and operated with keyboard alone
- Screen reader friendly - all buttons have descriptive ARIA labels
- Focus indicators - visible focus outlines on all interactive elements
- Color contrast - default colors meet 4.5:1 minimum contrast ratio
- No seizure risk - no flashing content
Keyboard shortcuts in the player
- Space or Enter on the play button toggles play/pause
- Tab moves forward through controls
- Shift+Tab moves backward
- Arrow keys on the speed selector change playback speed
- Arrow keys on the volume slider adjust volume
WCAG 2.1 AA checklist
Features TTSWP provides to support compliance:
| Criterion | How TTSWP helps |
|---|---|
| 1.1.1 Non-text Content | Audio version of text content |
| 1.2.1 Audio-only (Prerecorded) | Transcripts available (Speech-to-Text on PRO) |
| 1.4.5 Images of Text | Audio alternative bypasses image-of-text issues |
| 2.1.1 Keyboard | Player fully keyboard accessible |
| 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap | Tab order exits the player correctly |
| 2.4.7 Focus Visible | Clear focus outlines on all controls |
| 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions | ARIA labels on every control |
| 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value | Semantic HTML + ARIA |
TTSWP does not automatically make your entire site WCAG-compliant - your theme and content still matter. But the plugin itself does not block compliance.
ADA compliance in the US
The ADA applies to websites for businesses that serve the public. The WCAG 2.1 AA standard is the de facto benchmark for ADA web accessibility. By meeting WCAG criteria, you significantly reduce legal risk.
EAA (European Accessibility Act)
The EAA comes into force in June 2025. Covered businesses must provide accessible digital services. TTSWP's audio format meets several EAA requirements around content perceivability.
Best practices when using TTSWP
Provide transcripts
For video or podcast audio, transcripts help users who cannot hear well. TTSWP's Speech-to-Text feature (PRO) generates transcripts from audio.
Use descriptive labels
In the Shortcode Generator or in custom player placements, set a clear label ("Listen to this article" instead of just "Play").
Test with a screen reader
Chrome's built-in screen reader, macOS VoiceOver, or Windows Narrator all work. Navigate your post with only keyboard + screen reader and verify the player announces itself correctly.
Do not autoplay audio
Auto-playing audio is a WCAG concern. TTSWP lets you autoplay via shortcode attribute, but we do not recommend it for accessibility reasons.