Request for Enhanced Accessibility Support for Blind and Visually Impaired Users

[MohomedRashad]

Hello,
I am a visually impaired individual who regularly uses screen readers to navigate the web. I recently discovered the ImprovedTube extension and have been pleasantly surprised by its features and functionalities. However, as a user who relies on accessibility tools, I have encountered challenges in using the extension effectively.
Problem Statement:
The ImprovedTube extension lacks adequate support for screen readers, making it difficult for blind and visually impaired users like myself to access its features. Navigating and interacting with the extension is cumbersome due to the absence of proper labeling, semantic HTML, and accessible controls.
Proposed Solution:
Given that the ImprovedTube extension is already HTML-based, I believe that enhancing its accessibility is entirely feasible. Simple modifications such as adding labels, checkboxes, and other semantic HTML elements would greatly improve its usability for blind and visually impaired users.
Expected Outcome:
By prioritizing accessibility improvements, we can ensure that the ImprovedTube extension becomes more inclusive and welcoming to all users, regardless of their abilities. These changes will not only benefit users like myself but also contribute to creating a more accessible online environment for everyone.
Additional Information:
I deeply appreciate the open-source endeavor behind the ImprovedTube extension and am grateful for the opportunity to utilize such a valuable tool. My recent discovery and use of the extension have been immensely beneficial, and I am eager to see it become more accessible for users with disabilities.
Thank you for considering this request.
Warm regards,
Rashad.

[ImprovedTube]

Hi! @MohomedRashad,
thought so sometimes. And I like to use checkbox lists only with tab & space-bar.
The original author of our GUI didn't stick to that standard, so that our buttons are div elements, with a data-value=false or true. The GUI is part of https://github.com/code-charity/SATUS.

Strangely browser extensions aren't that popular in the world and often unfunded, temporary or junior projects.
So i'm not sure how many extensions break the standard and how blind people might use browser extensions yet.

thanks!

[MohomedRashad]

Hello @ImprovedTube ,
Thank you for your prompt response and for providing insights into the current state of the ImprovedTube extension's GUI.
I understand that adhering to accessibility standards, such as using checkbox lists with tab and space-bar functionality, can sometimes be challenging, especially when working with existing codebases. I appreciate your efforts in considering accessibility and exploring ways to enhance the extension's usability for all users.
While browser extensions may not always prioritize accessibility due to various factors such as limited resources or project priorities, I believe that even small improvements in this area can make a significant difference for users with disabilities.
If there are any specific ways in which I can assist or provide feedback to help improve the accessibility of the ImprovedTube extension, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am eager to collaborate and contribute to making the extension more inclusive and accessible for all users.
Thank you once again for your attention to this matter.
Warm regards,
Rashad.

[ImprovedTube]

hi! @MohomedRashad which of our features did do you use / like yet?

And more generally, powerfully:

• is there anything like a global collaborated, voted wish-list or To-Do-list for code for blind people?
  • Searching on Github for disabilities OR "the blind" wasn't anywhere near as overwhelming as the size of the world once again.
    • And I only found 3 things above 100 stars:
      • Finger disability: Controlling windows with eyes: https://github.com/OptiKey/OptiKey
      • Speech disability: Quick keyboards to accompany voice synthesizers https://github.com/cboard-org/cboard (and a few more AAC's)
      • An inactive repo about appling computer vision for the Blind https://github.com/satinder147/DeepWay
    • So i wrote this topic: To-Do List? Growing & ranking vocabulary; Syncing lingustics, globalisation? ( Unicode emoji; emoticons skype kolobok .gifs memes msn stickers global Symbols ) mulberrysymbols/mulberry-symbols#71

[ImprovedTube]

and were my four levels of Indentation any fun BTW?

[MohomedRashad]

Hello @ImprovedTube ,
Thank you for your message and for inquiring about the features I have used and liked in the ImprovedTube extension.
To be honest, I haven't explored any specific wish lists or collaborative platforms dedicated to coding for blind individuals. However, I wholeheartedly agree that even small improvements such as properly labeling buttons and controls within the extension would have a profound effect on its accessibility.
Regarding the features I have used and appreciated in ImprovedTube, I particularly find Remove Shorts on Specific Pages, Control Video Speed/Quality, . These features have greatly enhanced my browsing experience, and I am grateful for the effort put into developing them.
If there are any specific ways in which I can assist in improving the accessibility of the ImprovedTube extension or contribute to similar initiatives, please let me know. I am passionate about promoting inclusivity and accessibility in technology and would be eager to contribute in any way possible.
Once again, thank you for your attention to this matter and for your dedication to improving accessibility in technology.

[ImprovedTube]

hi! @MohomedRashad

wish lists or collaborative platforms dedicated to coding for blind individuals

first adding some labels here: https://github.com/code-charity/Wish-Factory/labels

I am passionate about promoting inclusivity and accessibility in technology and would be eager to contribute in any way possible.

inviting you to join us and be allowed to set labels, make assignments etc.

[MohomedRashad]

Hi @ImprovedTube ,
Thanks for reaching out! If there are any specific tasks or areas you'd like me to focus on, please feel free to let me know. I'm here to help and eager to contribute wherever I can be most effective.
Looking forward to your guidance!
Cheers.

[ImprovedTube]

Hi! @MohomedRashad Thanks! Will see! Feel free to share more what's your preference or talent.
(or maybe whats your vision in percent?) (optionally by discord or email or so too.)

[MohomedRashad]

Hi @ImprovedTube ,
Thank you for your prompt response! It's great to hear that you're open to collaboration.
I'm a software engineer proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. While I haven't delved deeply into Chrome extensions, I'm keen to contribute to making ImprovedTube more accessible.
Upon reviewing the extension, I find it slightly intricate, but I'm confident that with some guidance, I can make impactful improvements. Given my visual impairment, I see enhancing control accessibility as a priority.
My immediate goal is to label and make the controls accessible to screen readers, thereby enhancing the extension's usability. Currently, the lack of labels and feedback renders it unusable for users like myself.
If you could offer guidance on initiating the Chrome extension development process and share any additional insights, it would be greatly appreciated.
Looking forward to your response.
Warm regards,
Rashad

[ImprovedTube]

hi! and thanks @MohomedRashad
Sorry i missed the last message! You can download the repo and load it at chrome://extensions unpacked(top left), which only appears with "developer mode"(=toggle in the top right).

We can edit the toggle and other UI in our "satus.js" (, which is a "web accessible resource" according to our manifest.json and thus reloads changes like a website, when the extension is opened. (Unlike the "content scripts" mentioned in the manifest.json, which require to reload the extension. To test such changes a bit faster, one can use this extension: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/extensions-reloader/fimgfedafeadlieiabdeeaodndnlbhid and set a shortcut like alt+x for it at chrome://extensions/shortcuts)

similar: #2493