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Is your web app accessible? In his talk at #RailsWorld, Bruno Prieto shares his first-hand perspective as a blind developer on building accessible web apps with real-world examples taking advantage of tools provided by Rails, Hotwire, and the browser. It's easier than you think! #rails #accessibility #webaccessibility Thank you Shopify for sponsoring the editing and post-production of these videos. Check out insights from the Engineering team at: https://shopify.engineering/ Stay tuned: all 2024 Rails World videos will be subtitled in Japanese and Brazilian Portuguese soon thanks to our sponsor Happy Scribe, a transcription service built on Rails. https://www.happyscribe.com/
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In the video titled "Making Accessible Web Apps with Rails and Hotwire," Bruno Prieto, a blind developer at 37 Signals, addresses the importance of creating accessible web applications using Rails and Hotwire. He draws from his personal experiences to highlight how accessibility can significantly enhance the web experience for users with disabilities. Prieto shares his journey of learning to navigate computers and the internet after losing his sight, emphasizing that accessibility tools are vital for independence and productivity. ### Key Points Discussed: - **Understanding Accessibility**: Prieto explains how web developers can make applications accessible by considering how users with screen readers interact with content. He describes his navigation process and the way he utilizes keyboard shortcuts to access headings and paragraphs more efficiently. - **Importance of HTML Semantics**: Proper HTML structure is crucial for both accessibility and search engine optimization. Prieto stresses that the order and semantics of HTML elements affect how content is read by screen readers, suggesting the use of <main> tags to identify significant parts of the web page. - **Heading Hierarchy**: Maintaining a proper heading hierarchy is essential. Prieto encourages developers not to rely on visual size but to use numeric values correctly to convey the significance of headings, similar to how they function in a table of contents. - **Creating Functional Links and Buttons**: The speaker emphasizes the importance of ensuring links behave as expected, advising against using empty anchor tags and advocating for the correct use of elements like buttons. This clarity is vital for users relying on assistive technologies. - **Challenges with Custom Inputs**: While custom elements can enhance design, Prieto warns that they can also lead to accessibility issues if not implemented correctly. He urges developers to prioritize native HTML elements that come with built-in accessibility features when possible. - **Managing Hidden Elements**: The correct management of hidden content is essential to avoid confusion for screen reader users. Using attributes like 'hidden' or 'display: none' properly can ensure that content is conveyed accurately. - **Testing for Accessibility**: Regularly testing applications with screen readers to check the reading order and functionality is crucial to ensure an optimal user experience for those relying on assistive technologies. ### Conclusion Prieto concludes his talk with the message that creating accessible web applications doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right approach and knowledge, developers can easily integrate accessibility into their projects from the start, rather than as an afterthought. By focusing on fundamental practices and standard conventions, developers can enhance the user experience for everyone, making the web more inclusive. His personal story serves as a reminder of the invaluable role accessibility plays in technology, opening doors for individuals with disabilities.
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