Summary
Starting out with a ten-minute live demo from an expert screen reader user, Samuel Proulx will introduce you to not only how they work, but the thought processes behind using the Internet with a screen reader. What are some of the most important things to take into account when attempting to construct a mental model of a screen reader user? How do these effect the way you think about designing for accessible, public use? How can civic designers learn to move beyond thinking visually, to create designs that work for everyone? After this introduction, the floor will open to your questions! If you have burning questions about how people who are blind use the Internet, or what design patterns work best and why or why not, this is your chance! Ask any question at all in an open, safe learning environment.
Key Insights
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Involving people with disabilities in the design process yields better products.
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Navigating web pages with a screen reader is semantic, relying on headings rather than a linear audio experience.
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Expert screen reader users can process information much faster than beginners when using assistive technology.
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Customization of screen readers is crucial because one-size-fits-all solutions don't work for everyone.
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The experience of the screen reader user differs significantly based on how elements are coded and structured in the HTML.
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Designers must consider how visual elements (like hover states) are communicated to screen readers.
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Interactive elements must provide clear feedback to screen reader users to indicate changes in state.
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Great accessibility practices require collaboration across teams, not just from one department.
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Attention to detail in coding, like ARIA attributes, enhances understanding for screen reader users when navigating complex interfaces.
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Real-world testing with actual assistive technology users leads to more effective accessibility integration.
Notable Quotes
"It's very difficult for someone who has never used assistive technology before to have the same experience as a daily user."
"Assistive technology is a skill; it has to be learned and takes considerable adjustment."
"When you're not looking at a screen visually, the mental model of a webpage is quite different."
"Screen readers are not concerned with visuals; they're focused on the webpage's code."
"Jumping through headings and landmarks allows me to quickly scan a webpage for relevant information."
"If something is only visible via hover, it needs to be communicated to the screen reader in a different way."
"Every website has unique expectations; designs should reflect if they are used occasionally or frequently."
"Accessibility isn't just a designer's responsibility; it needs to be distributed across the whole team."
"ARIA attributes can specify a button as pressed or expanded, aiding screen reader communication."
"When designing, consider how users will perceive feedback, not just visually but audibly."
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