Forum Discussion
Sliders and Accessibility
Are sliders truly accessible? I was playing around and could toggle through the different layers using the slider and keyboard controls, but I couldn't get the screen reader to read any of the text on the layers because the arrow keys would only adjust the slider and not focus on the text.
I tested using NVDA.
28 Replies
In the focus order you need to move the slider above the layers and should then read the text may need to press down arrow on each layer
I made the changes you suggested, but I'm still encountering the same problem: When I press the up/down arrows it just changes the slider/layer number.
I agree with you I did not realise that up down worked on controlling sliders as well, I cannot get them to read either, may need an Articulate team member to drop in
Good to know it's not just on my end at least. Thank you for looking into it.
Hello Lauren!
In order to navigate through the Slider, the right and left arrow keys are used. Since those keys are also used to navigate to the next item, the Slider is going to take priority of the following text. This is expected behavior, but since you want the layers to be read, you might consider hiding the Slider on the layers so the text is technically the next item available.
I'm eager to see what other community members recommend!
Hi Lauren
I think this should be looked at, using a slider with layers is currently not accessible. I checked it and the up and down arrows also move the slider. As a normal way to use a slider or dial is to show a layer for me there needs to be a change in the focus order to allow the end of the layer to go back to the slider or dial. At the moment to make something like this accessible will probably need the addition of buttons there by hiding the slider on the focus order and for users requiring accessibility it turns into a tabbed interaction. I don’t think the suggestion of hiding the slider helps as on the first layer it then breaks the interaction for everyone.
Sent from my iPhone
Also interested in the resolution of this issue. I would think designers/developers would often use layers with sliders, making this functionality important for those concerned with accessibility.
Wondering if there has been any news on this. I'm in the same boat at the moment.
Hi Vanessa and Noelle!
Thank you for sharing how this functionality would be helpful to you. I have shared your comments with our team.
I have no updates to share at the moment, but you are linked to the bug, and we will be sure to let you know of any news.
For some additional context, here's how we define and tackle bugs.
Hi all on this thread. Later this month I am doing a demo at DevLearn on 10 Ways to Use Sliders at the Articulate User Conference. David Anderson alerted me to be ready to address questions on accessibility. I found this thread to be super helpful, especially your issues with layers. Since you have all been challenged with this, do you have any suggestions on how I should serve up the issues? I appreciate any thoughts! I'm not going to set up myself as an accessibility expert, but I would address the accessibility pros and cons of using sliders.
At the moment I would say you cannot make sliders where multiple content appears accessible as they do not allow the focus to move and then move back to the slider.
Sent from my iPhone
Thank you! I'll have to think about how to anticipate this.
Accessibility and Storyline never been best friends. If you get questions on that... tell them the real hard truth. Storyline for sure cannot deliver 100% accessible content without a lot of extra work and workarounds. As is Storyline cannot deliver accessible courses with the default elements and interactions provided in the tool.
Staff - any update on this?
Hi Kerry!
While I don't have an update on the reported issues related to sliders and accessibility just yet, you're in the right place and we'll let you know as much as we can, as soon as we can!
