Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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I would appreciate some hot takes on web accessibility (self.Blind)
submitted by a11y-cat
Hi there! I'll try to make this quick as I tend to ramble.
I've been a web accessibility specialist for quite a few years now. While I'm happy that web accessibility is finally starting to get some recognition, I've been experiencing what I can only describe as ignorant virtue signaling from a lot of the greener folks. And it bothers me. While I may not be blind, I have some cognitive impairments due to brain damage and some often debilitating motor impairments. And nothing bothers me more than when someone assumes I'm incapable because of this. Or pity. God, I hate the pity. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm just projecting. But I just can't help feeling like a lot of advocates out there are creating this image of blind people like they're all screaming "HELP ME, I'M LOST AND CONFUSED!" at their monitors waiting for some knight in shining armor advocate to come to save them.
So I want to come directly to you all. Are there things you find problematic when people trying advocating for you? Are there things you're aware of that are considered law in the web accessibility world that you find either irrelevant or even more of a hindrance? Am I just projecting and you're all thrilled with every aspect of web accessibility? Even if you might appreciate what is going on in web accessibility advocacy, how could it be better?
I appreciate any feedback, opinions, and if you've been waiting for an opportunity to rant about something that annoyed you, here it is. Thanks!
I've been a web accessibility specialist for quite a few years now. While I'm happy that web accessibility is finally starting to get some recognition, I've been experiencing what I can only describe as ignorant virtue signaling from a lot of the greener folks. And it bothers me. While I may not be blind, I have some cognitive impairments due to brain damage and some often debilitating motor impairments. And nothing bothers me more than when someone assumes I'm incapable because of this. Or pity. God, I hate the pity. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm just projecting. But I just can't help feeling like a lot of advocates out there are creating this image of blind people like they're all screaming "HELP ME, I'M LOST AND CONFUSED!" at their monitors waiting for some knight in shining armor advocate to come to save them.
So I want to come directly to you all. Are there things you find problematic when people trying advocating for you? Are there things you're aware of that are considered law in the web accessibility world that you find either irrelevant or even more of a hindrance? Am I just projecting and you're all thrilled with every aspect of web accessibility? Even if you might appreciate what is going on in web accessibility advocacy, how could it be better?
I appreciate any feedback, opinions, and if you've been waiting for an opportunity to rant about something that annoyed you, here it is. Thanks!
mkdun 9 points 1y ago
I work in digital communications for a non-profit org supporting people with disabilities and recently had to have the talk about overlays vs. native accessibility. I get some of the worst responses in leaning away from overlays, especially as someone with low vision, though most people I work with don’t know that. Things like - “How many blind people do we support?” “Would this be worth the money?”
I’m happy to see this conversation at least happening, but it does expose true colors and that’s a little frustrating and sad. It’s also very telling that most people I’ve had these conversations with think blind people and those with low vision are completely incapable of navigating technology, and being independent in doing so.
I’m happy to see this conversation at least happening, but it does expose true colors and that’s a little frustrating and sad. It’s also very telling that most people I’ve had these conversations with think blind people and those with low vision are completely incapable of navigating technology, and being independent in doing so.
a11y-cat [OP] 5 points 1y ago
I hear ya, I'm in the anti-overlay party and have seen some absurd reasons to choose an overlay over implementing accessibility from the ground up.
I find that while a lot of people can grasp a lot of accessibility intention, folks are most blown away by the fact people who are blind use computers. Mentally, I think people draw the line at service dogs. If you can't relate to a way of life outside of your own or one that isn't considered "normal," then it may as well not exist. So the idea of someone using a computer NOT the way a sighted person would with a mouse and keyboard, the way all the stock photos tell people they should use a computer, is so outlandish people don't even consider there are other ways.
I find that while a lot of people can grasp a lot of accessibility intention, folks are most blown away by the fact people who are blind use computers. Mentally, I think people draw the line at service dogs. If you can't relate to a way of life outside of your own or one that isn't considered "normal," then it may as well not exist. So the idea of someone using a computer NOT the way a sighted person would with a mouse and keyboard, the way all the stock photos tell people they should use a computer, is so outlandish people don't even consider there are other ways.
Marconius 5 points 1y ago
When those inevitable metrics discussions rear their ugly heads in discussions with project managers and such, I just quote the worldwide numbers of disabled people, since not making something accessible immediately excludes the potential customers who may visit our sites or use our products at any given time. It's not about who is using it now, but ensuring that anyone can use it as they come along, so they tend to perk up when they hear that their bad decisions immediately would remove over 150 million potential customers from the userbase. It's hard work breaking accessibility work away from the stupid metrics mindsets, but talking in global numbers has definitely helped me move things along quickly, not to mention legal risk mitigation and trying to be proactive about doing the right thing and not leaving us open to getting sued.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
It does for sure reveal their true colors.
AllHarlowsEve 5 points 1y ago
I generally appreciate most ideas, but holy fuck I hate when sites offer keyboard shortcuts to basically hijack the screen reader rather than just making it work properly as we'd navigate ourselves. It's like reinventing the wheel, in the most annoying way.
bradley22 2 points 1y ago
I think reddit is great! But the new reddit with the keyboard shortcuts are just so fiddly.
You press a shortcut and it jumps you there but the screen reader doesn’t tell you you’ve jumped there.
You press a shortcut and it jumps you there but the screen reader doesn’t tell you you’ve jumped there.
Laser_Lens_4 3 points 1y ago
Overlays. I'm glaring at you accessiBe. It's like putting a band-aid over severe blunt force trauma. Fuck you and your triple-keystrokes. Make your website work properly with semantic HTML and aria code.
Emmenias 3 points 1y ago
I cannot think of any good rants to entertain you with myself right now, but this awesome article came to mind — perhaps you'll find it interesting?
https://adrianroselli.com/2020/06/accessibe-will-get-you-sued.html
https://adrianroselli.com/2020/06/accessibe-will-get-you-sued.html
a11y-cat [OP] 3 points 1y ago
I love any AccessiBe-bashing article! Thanks!
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