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From: Thomas Jolliffe
Date: Wed, Apr 29 2009 1:10PM
Subject: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
No previous message | Next message →

Hello all,

I can't claim to be a long-term subscriber, but I'd appreciate a favour if
possible. I'm a final-year Computer Science student at Newcastle University
and for my dissertation I've been investigating the effect which what we
call "Web 2.0" has had on accessibility.

As part of this investigation, I've implemented what I think are some good
practices, and to demonstrate a number of them working together I've created
a somewhat simplified interface for YouTube, which you can find at
http://tube.majestyc.net/. It makes use of technologies such as JavaScript,
in line with what we can reasonably expect on the web nowadays, but also of
things like WAI-ARIA live regions to aid the use of such dynamic scripting.
Similarly, the video player uses a Flash object, but controlled by
JavaScript firing from standard HTML buttons, instead of using buttons
integrated into the Flash object itself.

In order to evaluate what real-world users think, I've set up an online
questionnaire, available at the horrible address of
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube, and via TinyURL at
http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval. It's built using the website Survey Gizmo and,
while it's not exactly perfect from an accessibility perspective, it's a
pretty clean page and after a quick run-through myself with JAWS I didn't
find too many glaring problems. I'd have liked to have built a system
myself, but unfortunately simply haven't had time.

Some people have questioned my use of YouTube, given that many of the site's
intended audience will have visual impairments. However, not only is it a
good demonstration of multimedia on the web, I don't think we shouldn't
dismiss a video site outright. So many users are partially sighted, and the
impact of YouTube across the web - and, arguably, society - has been
enormous. And, let's not forget, it provides audio as well as video.

Many thanks in anticipation of your responses, every single one is greatly
appreciated. I am running somewhat behind schedule, so I'm looking to gather
as many responses as possible in the next few days. If anyone knows of a
good place to post this, let me know, or feel free to simply quote this
message.

There's a link on the 'Thanks' page to email me if you'd like to see an
electronic copy of my dissertation when it's finished, but anyone
(questionnaire or no questionnaire) is welcome to email me directly and I'll
add you to the list.

Once again, you can find the site at http://tube.majestyc.net/ and the
questionnaire at http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube (or,
if you trust a TinyURL link, at http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval).

Thanks for reading,
Tom

From: David Andrews
Date: Wed, Apr 29 2009 1:40PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

You name Home Page Reader as a screen reader in your survey. It was
discontinued years ago, and wouldn't support ARIA, I would ask about
"system Access" a low-cost screen reader attaining some popularity.

At 02:08 PM 4/29/2009, you wrote:
>Hello all,
>
>I can't claim to be a long-term subscriber, but I'd appreciate a favour if
>possible. I'm a final-year Computer Science student at Newcastle University
>and for my dissertation I've been investigating the effect which what we
>call "Web 2.0" has had on accessibility.
>
>As part of this investigation, I've implemented what I think are some good
>practices, and to demonstrate a number of them working together I've created
>a somewhat simplified interface for YouTube, which you can find at
>http://tube.majestyc.net/. It makes use of technologies such as JavaScript,
>in line with what we can reasonably expect on the web nowadays, but also of
>things like WAI-ARIA live regions to aid the use of such dynamic scripting.
>Similarly, the video player uses a Flash object, but controlled by
>JavaScript firing from standard HTML buttons, instead of using buttons
>integrated into the Flash object itself.
>
>In order to evaluate what real-world users think, I've set up an online
>questionnaire, available at the horrible address of
>http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube, and via TinyURL at
>http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval. It's built using the website Survey Gizmo and,
>while it's not exactly perfect from an accessibility perspective, it's a
>pretty clean page and after a quick run-through myself with JAWS I didn't
>find too many glaring problems. I'd have liked to have built a system
>myself, but unfortunately simply haven't had time.
>
>Some people have questioned my use of YouTube, given that many of the site's
>intended audience will have visual impairments. However, not only is it a
>good demonstration of multimedia on the web, I don't think we shouldn't
>dismiss a video site outright. So many users are partially sighted, and the
>impact of YouTube across the web - and, arguably, society - has been
>enormous. And, let's not forget, it provides audio as well as video.
>
>Many thanks in anticipation of your responses, every single one is greatly
>appreciated. I am running somewhat behind schedule, so I'm looking to gather
>as many responses as possible in the next few days. If anyone knows of a
>good place to post this, let me know, or feel free to simply quote this
>message.
>
>There's a link on the 'Thanks' page to email me if you'd like to see an
>electronic copy of my dissertation when it's finished, but anyone
>(questionnaire or no questionnaire) is welcome to email me directly and I'll
>add you to the list.
>
>Once again, you can find the site at http://tube.majestyc.net/ and the
>questionnaire at http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube (or,
>if you trust a TinyURL link, at http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval).
>
>Thanks for reading,
>Tom
>
>

From: Randi
Date: Wed, Apr 29 2009 2:10PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

Hi Tom,

I am newly blind and new to screenreaders. I am using a macbook with
Leopard, and running Safari using Voiceover, the Apple screenreader. I
went to the accessible youtube page but there were no videos or
anything. It has your little intro and then nothing, so I couldn't
test any videos or anything. Is this something with the development of
the page? IE: Are tere frames I need to navigate to? Or do youthink
its to do with the Apple? I don't actually know if I have Adobe
installed, but I don't think I do. Just wanted to let you know that on
the Apple end. Apple isn't widely known about omong blind and visually
impaired users, but its growing like wildfire. If there's something I
can do on my end to check it out, please let me know. I use youtube
all the time, but the inability to control the videos is quite
frustrating. Keep up the great work on that front!

Good luck,
Randi

On 4/29/09, David Andrews < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> You name Home Page Reader as a screen reader in your survey. It was
> discontinued years ago, and wouldn't support ARIA, I would ask about
> "system Access" a low-cost screen reader attaining some popularity.
>
> At 02:08 PM 4/29/2009, you wrote:
>>Hello all,
>>
>>I can't claim to be a long-term subscriber, but I'd appreciate a favour if
>>possible. I'm a final-year Computer Science student at Newcastle University
>>and for my dissertation I've been investigating the effect which what we
>>call "Web 2.0" has had on accessibility.
>>
>>As part of this investigation, I've implemented what I think are some good
>>practices, and to demonstrate a number of them working together I've
>> created
>>a somewhat simplified interface for YouTube, which you can find at
>>http://tube.majestyc.net/. It makes use of technologies such as JavaScript,
>>in line with what we can reasonably expect on the web nowadays, but also of
>>things like WAI-ARIA live regions to aid the use of such dynamic scripting.
>>Similarly, the video player uses a Flash object, but controlled by
>>JavaScript firing from standard HTML buttons, instead of using buttons
>>integrated into the Flash object itself.
>>
>>In order to evaluate what real-world users think, I've set up an online
>>questionnaire, available at the horrible address of
>>http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube, and via TinyURL at
>>http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval. It's built using the website Survey Gizmo
>> and,
>>while it's not exactly perfect from an accessibility perspective, it's a
>>pretty clean page and after a quick run-through myself with JAWS I didn't
>>find too many glaring problems. I'd have liked to have built a system
>>myself, but unfortunately simply haven't had time.
>>
>>Some people have questioned my use of YouTube, given that many of the
>> site's
>>intended audience will have visual impairments. However, not only is it a
>>good demonstration of multimedia on the web, I don't think we shouldn't
>>dismiss a video site outright. So many users are partially sighted, and the
>>impact of YouTube across the web - and, arguably, society - has been
>>enormous. And, let's not forget, it provides audio as well as video.
>>
>>Many thanks in anticipation of your responses, every single one is greatly
>>appreciated. I am running somewhat behind schedule, so I'm looking to
>> gather
>>as many responses as possible in the next few days. If anyone knows of a
>>good place to post this, let me know, or feel free to simply quote this
>>message.
>>
>>There's a link on the 'Thanks' page to email me if you'd like to see an
>>electronic copy of my dissertation when it's finished, but anyone
>>(questionnaire or no questionnaire) is welcome to email me directly and
>> I'll
>>add you to the list.
>>
>>Once again, you can find the site at http://tube.majestyc.net/ and the
>>questionnaire at http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube
>> (or,
>>if you trust a TinyURL link, at http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval).
>>
>>Thanks for reading,
>>Tom
>>
>>

From: Thomas Jolliffe
Date: Wed, Apr 29 2009 2:20PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

There aren't any frames, and it sounds like you have Flash installed already
(indeed, you must do if you use YouTube). Fairly sure it's not an Apple
issue, I'm primarily a Mac user myself, and I've just checked it in Safari
to make sure I hadn't missed any compatibility issues.

The bit you're probably looking for is the search box - currently, the only
way to get to videos is by searching, as much because it's more a
proof-of-concept site for my university work as anything else (or example,
you'll probably notice that things like comments and related videos are
limited to a maximum 25 results). The search box is actually at the top of
the page, perhaps not the smartest position for it on the home page, but
that's where it is. Stick something in the text input, hit the search button
and you should be away.

Like I said above, it's as much a proof-of-concept as it is a long-term
project. However, if there is demand for it, I'm happy to do further
development in the future.


On 29/04/2009 21:10, "Randi" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:

> Hi Tom,
>
> I am newly blind and new to screenreaders. I am using a macbook with
> Leopard, and running Safari using Voiceover, the Apple screenreader. I
> went to the accessible youtube page but there were no videos or
> anything. It has your little intro and then nothing, so I couldn't
> test any videos or anything. Is this something with the development of
> the page? IE: Are tere frames I need to navigate to? Or do youthink
> its to do with the Apple? I don't actually know if I have Adobe
> installed, but I don't think I do. Just wanted to let you know that on
> the Apple end. Apple isn't widely known about omong blind and visually
> impaired users, but its growing like wildfire. If there's something I
> can do on my end to check it out, please let me know. I use youtube
> all the time, but the inability to control the videos is quite
> frustrating. Keep up the great work on that front!
>
> Good luck,
> Randi
>
> On 4/29/09, David Andrews < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>> You name Home Page Reader as a screen reader in your survey. It was
>> discontinued years ago, and wouldn't support ARIA, I would ask about
>> "system Access" a low-cost screen reader attaining some popularity.
>>
>> At 02:08 PM 4/29/2009, you wrote:
>>> Hello all,
>>>
>>> I can't claim to be a long-term subscriber, but I'd appreciate a favour if
>>> possible. I'm a final-year Computer Science student at Newcastle University
>>> and for my dissertation I've been investigating the effect which what we
>>> call "Web 2.0" has had on accessibility.
>>>
>>> As part of this investigation, I've implemented what I think are some good
>>> practices, and to demonstrate a number of them working together I've
>>> created
>>> a somewhat simplified interface for YouTube, which you can find at
>>> http://tube.majestyc.net/. It makes use of technologies such as JavaScript,
>>> in line with what we can reasonably expect on the web nowadays, but also of
>>> things like WAI-ARIA live regions to aid the use of such dynamic scripting.
>>> Similarly, the video player uses a Flash object, but controlled by
>>> JavaScript firing from standard HTML buttons, instead of using buttons
>>> integrated into the Flash object itself.
>>>
>>> In order to evaluate what real-world users think, I've set up an online
>>> questionnaire, available at the horrible address of
>>> http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube, and via TinyURL at
>>> http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval. It's built using the website Survey Gizmo
>>> and,
>>> while it's not exactly perfect from an accessibility perspective, it's a
>>> pretty clean page and after a quick run-through myself with JAWS I didn't
>>> find too many glaring problems. I'd have liked to have built a system
>>> myself, but unfortunately simply haven't had time.
>>>
>>> Some people have questioned my use of YouTube, given that many of the
>>> site's
>>> intended audience will have visual impairments. However, not only is it a
>>> good demonstration of multimedia on the web, I don't think we shouldn't
>>> dismiss a video site outright. So many users are partially sighted, and the
>>> impact of YouTube across the web - and, arguably, society - has been
>>> enormous. And, let's not forget, it provides audio as well as video.
>>>
>>> Many thanks in anticipation of your responses, every single one is greatly
>>> appreciated. I am running somewhat behind schedule, so I'm looking to
>>> gather
>>> as many responses as possible in the next few days. If anyone knows of a
>>> good place to post this, let me know, or feel free to simply quote this
>>> message.
>>>
>>> There's a link on the 'Thanks' page to email me if you'd like to see an
>>> electronic copy of my dissertation when it's finished, but anyone
>>> (questionnaire or no questionnaire) is welcome to email me directly and
>>> I'll
>>> add you to the list.
>>>
>>> Once again, you can find the site at http://tube.majestyc.net/ and the
>>> questionnaire at http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube
>>> (or,
>>> if you trust a TinyURL link, at http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval).
>>>
>>> Thanks for reading,
>>> Tom
>>>
>>>

From: David Andrews
Date: Wed, Apr 29 2009 2:30PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

You put in a search term, and it will come up with a list of videos for you.

Dave

At 03:10 PM 4/29/2009, you wrote:
>Hi Tom,
>
>I am newly blind and new to screenreaders. I am using a macbook with
>Leopard, and running Safari using Voiceover, the Apple screenreader. I
>went to the accessible youtube page but there were no videos or
>anything. It has your little intro and then nothing, so I couldn't
>test any videos or anything. Is this something with the development of
>the page? IE: Are tere frames I need to navigate to? Or do youthink
>its to do with the Apple? I don't actually know if I have Adobe
>installed, but I don't think I do. Just wanted to let you know that on
>the Apple end. Apple isn't widely known about omong blind and visually
>impaired users, but its growing like wildfire. If there's something I
>can do on my end to check it out, please let me know. I use youtube
>all the time, but the inability to control the videos is quite
>frustrating. Keep up the great work on that front!
>
>Good luck,
>Randi
>
>On 4/29/09, David Andrews < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> > You name Home Page Reader as a screen reader in your survey. It was
> > discontinued years ago, and wouldn't support ARIA, I would ask about
> > "system Access" a low-cost screen reader attaining some popularity.
> >
> > At 02:08 PM 4/29/2009, you wrote:
> >>Hello all,
> >>
> >>I can't claim to be a long-term subscriber, but I'd appreciate a favour if
> >>possible. I'm a final-year Computer Science student at Newcastle University
> >>and for my dissertation I've been investigating the effect which what we
> >>call "Web 2.0" has had on accessibility.
> >>
> >>As part of this investigation, I've implemented what I think are some good
> >>practices, and to demonstrate a number of them working together I've
> >> created
> >>a somewhat simplified interface for YouTube, which you can find at
> >>http://tube.majestyc.net/. It makes use of technologies such as JavaScript,
> >>in line with what we can reasonably expect on the web nowadays, but also of
> >>things like WAI-ARIA live regions to aid the use of such dynamic scripting.
> >>Similarly, the video player uses a Flash object, but controlled by
> >>JavaScript firing from standard HTML buttons, instead of using buttons
> >>integrated into the Flash object itself.
> >>
> >>In order to evaluate what real-world users think, I've set up an online
> >>questionnaire, available at the horrible address of
> >>http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube, and via TinyURL at
> >>http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval. It's built using the website Survey Gizmo
> >> and,
> >>while it's not exactly perfect from an accessibility perspective, it's a
> >>pretty clean page and after a quick run-through myself with JAWS I didn't
> >>find too many glaring problems. I'd have liked to have built a system
> >>myself, but unfortunately simply haven't had time.
> >>
> >>Some people have questioned my use of YouTube, given that many of the
> >> site's
> >>intended audience will have visual impairments. However, not only is it a
> >>good demonstration of multimedia on the web, I don't think we shouldn't
> >>dismiss a video site outright. So many users are partially sighted, and the
> >>impact of YouTube across the web - and, arguably, society - has been
> >>enormous. And, let's not forget, it provides audio as well as video.
> >>
> >>Many thanks in anticipation of your responses, every single one is greatly
> >>appreciated. I am running somewhat behind schedule, so I'm looking to
> >> gather
> >>as many responses as possible in the next few days. If anyone knows of a
> >>good place to post this, let me know, or feel free to simply quote this
> >>message.
> >>
> >>There's a link on the 'Thanks' page to email me if you'd like to see an
> >>electronic copy of my dissertation when it's finished, but anyone
> >>(questionnaire or no questionnaire) is welcome to email me directly and
> >> I'll
> >>add you to the list.
> >>
> >>Once again, you can find the site at http://tube.majestyc.net/ and the
> >>questionnaire at http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube
> >> (or,
> >>if you trust a TinyURL link, at http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval).
> >>
> >>Thanks for reading,
> >>Tom
> >>
> >>

From: John E. Brandt
Date: Wed, Apr 29 2009 3:15PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

Curious project Tom. But I am wondering why you limited the accessibility
question to only people with visual disabilities.

There are a number of people with hearing disabilities using YT. Many use
the YT videos to communicate with others via sign language - sort of "sign
language blogs." Yet, the vast majority of YT content is not captioned,
transcribed - nor has a signed component.

YT does have the capacity (now) to add captioning and in fact I created a YT
video with captioning as a test. But when I viewed this video using your
"accessible YouTube" interface, there was no way to turn the captioning on
making is thus, less accessible. Is there a way to adapt your system to
include the captioning if it so exists on a particular YT video?

Good luck with you dissertation.

~j

John E. Brandt
Web Design, Development, Consultation
Augusta, Maine USA
www.jebswebs.com
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
207-622-7937 

From: Randi
Date: Wed, Apr 29 2009 5:10PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

Tom,

Thank you for clearing that up. I will go check it out. I also wanted
to comment that having a search box easily found is nice. I like it at
the top of the screen. Though I suppose some people might browse
through header links and then search if they don't find something.
IDK, but I like it up top. I'll go check it out now.

On 4/29/09, John E. Brandt < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> Curious project Tom. But I am wondering why you limited the accessibility
> question to only people with visual disabilities.
>
> There are a number of people with hearing disabilities using YT. Many use
> the YT videos to communicate with others via sign language - sort of "sign
> language blogs." Yet, the vast majority of YT content is not captioned,
> transcribed - nor has a signed component.
>
> YT does have the capacity (now) to add captioning and in fact I created a YT
> video with captioning as a test. But when I viewed this video using your
> "accessible YouTube" interface, there was no way to turn the captioning on
> making is thus, less accessible. Is there a way to adapt your system to
> include the captioning if it so exists on a particular YT video?
>
> Good luck with you dissertation.
>
> ~j
>
> John E. Brandt
> Web Design, Development, Consultation
> Augusta, Maine USA
> www.jebswebs.com
> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> 207-622-7937
>
>

From: Randi
Date: Wed, Apr 29 2009 5:40PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

Tom,

WOW BRAVO! I love it. I absolutely love it!! Where do I start? I went
to the search box and typed the first thing that came to mind. An
audio of Dr. Demento Boulbous Bouffant. I know I didn't spell it
right, but it took me straight to it. This thing has made me laugh for
years and I haven't heard it in years. I listened all the way through
before exploring.

I absolutely LOVE that I can start it and pause it and skip at my
will. As you know, that is not possible on youtube and I've discussed
this with other blind people as well. I am going to share this on
another list I'm on and ask them to give you feedback as well.

I LOVE that its not cluttered. I love that there aren't all those
headers. The comment section is nice but I never really read those
anyway haha. I didn't explore the next ten option at all but I will
play with it again. I've already bookmarked it.

Twho things that I would add. I could hear the controls pretty well
over the video until the video got a little loud. I have Voiceover set
to maximum volume, but the video still kind of drowns out the
controls. So if there would be a way to add volume control for the
video too, that would be great. If its there, I missed it in my
excitement. Also, a feature I missed was the embed links and such, for
putting a video on Facebook. This is solved easily enough by just
copying the URL like I did:

http://tube.majestyc.net/?v=cMfmzEpvW-http://tube.majestyc.net/?v=cMfmzEpvW-g

I pasted it to see if the link works.

Other than that, I can't think of anything to add right now. I know
someone did accessibletwitter.com for the same purpose, so will you do
something like that with this? I would hate to see you stop after your
dissertation. You are going to be valuable to us, I gotta tell ya.
Please don't ever take it down tee hee.

Excellent!
Randi

On 4/29/09, Randi < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> Tom,
>
> Thank you for clearing that up. I will go check it out. I also wanted
> to comment that having a search box easily found is nice. I like it at
> the top of the screen. Though I suppose some people might browse
> through header links and then search if they don't find something.
> IDK, but I like it up top. I'll go check it out now.
>
> On 4/29/09, John E. Brandt < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>> Curious project Tom. But I am wondering why you limited the accessibility
>> question to only people with visual disabilities.
>>
>> There are a number of people with hearing disabilities using YT. Many use
>> the YT videos to communicate with others via sign language - sort of
>> "sign
>> language blogs." Yet, the vast majority of YT content is not captioned,
>> transcribed - nor has a signed component.
>>
>> YT does have the capacity (now) to add captioning and in fact I created a
>> YT
>> video with captioning as a test. But when I viewed this video using your
>> "accessible YouTube" interface, there was no way to turn the captioning
>> on
>> making is thus, less accessible. Is there a way to adapt your system to
>> include the captioning if it so exists on a particular YT video?
>>
>> Good luck with you dissertation.
>>
>> ~j
>>
>> John E. Brandt
>> Web Design, Development, Consultation
>> Augusta, Maine USA
>> www.jebswebs.com
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>> 207-622-7937
>>
>>

From: Iza Bartosiewicz
Date: Thu, Apr 30 2009 7:40PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

Hi Tom,

Are you aware of a similar project by Chris Heilmann? He called it the Easy YouTube Player http://icant.co.uk/easy-youtube/. There is also a video on how this player works with a screen reader: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=QiuT0y0KR6I.

I've noticed that, just like your player, it does not support open captions, making it less accessible to people with hearing disabilities. I've used this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRS8MkLhQmM as a test.

So, I agree with John; it would be great if you could find a way of enabling closed captions on your player.

I hope this player will live beyond your uni project!

Best wishes

Iza

PS. I'm going to post your request to a couple of mailing lists I'm on: WANAU (Web Accessibility Network for Australian Universities) http://www.wanau.org and AATUG (The Australian Adapted Technology User Group) http://www.aatug.answd.org/. Hope you'll get some responses.

--

----
Izabella Bartosiewicz
Library Website Coordinator
RMIT University

p 03 9925 3103
e = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
h www.rmit.edu.au/library

Save a tree... Don't print this email unless you have to...


>>> On 30/04/09 at 9:06, Randi < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> Tom,
>
> Thank you for clearing that up. I will go check it out. I also wanted
> to comment that having a search box easily found is nice. I like it at
> the top of the screen. Though I suppose some people might browse
> through header links and then search if they don't find something.
> IDK, but I like it up top. I'll go check it out now.
>
> On 4/29/09, John E. Brandt < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>> Curious project Tom. But I am wondering why you limited the accessibility
>> question to only people with visual disabilities.
>>
>> There are a number of people with hearing disabilities using YT. Many use
>> the YT videos to communicate with others via sign language - sort of "sign
>> language blogs." Yet, the vast majority of YT content is not captioned,
>> transcribed - nor has a signed component.
>>
>> YT does have the capacity (now) to add captioning and in fact I created a YT
>> video with captioning as a test. But when I viewed this video using your
>> "accessible YouTube" interface, there was no way to turn the captioning on
>> making is thus, less accessible. Is there a way to adapt your system to
>> include the captioning if it so exists on a particular YT video?
>>
>> Good luck with you dissertation.
>>
>> ~j
>>
>> John E. Brandt
>> Web Design, Development, Consultation
>> Augusta, Maine USA
>> www.jebswebs.com
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>> 207-622-7937
>>
>>

From: Hadi Rangin
Date: Sat, May 02 2009 4:25AM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

Hi Tom,

It is really a very useful project. Good job.
Here's a few improvement suggestion to make it even better:

1. Keep the list of shortcut key assignments on the page when the clip is
being played.
2. Add Volume control buttons (volume up/down) to the controls.
3. Add Stop and/or Rewind to beginning/Replay buttons to the controls.
Note: currently, when the clip is in progress, you can't replay it from the
beginning.
4. Optionally it would be great if all the controls were assigned to
shortcut keys.
5. How about Video size options? This might not be a use for screen reader
users (like myself) but people with motor disability can benefit from it.

Great job. Thank you.
Hadi


----- Original Message -----
From: "Thomas Jolliffe" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
To: "WebAIM Discussion List" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 2:08 PM
Subject: [WebAIM] Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube


> Hello all,
>
> I can't claim to be a long-term subscriber, but I'd appreciate a favour if
> possible. I'm a final-year Computer Science student at Newcastle
> University
> and for my dissertation I've been investigating the effect which what we
> call "Web 2.0" has had on accessibility.
>
> As part of this investigation, I've implemented what I think are some good
> practices, and to demonstrate a number of them working together I've
> created
> a somewhat simplified interface for YouTube, which you can find at
> http://tube.majestyc.net/. It makes use of technologies such as
> JavaScript,
> in line with what we can reasonably expect on the web nowadays, but also
> of
> things like WAI-ARIA live regions to aid the use of such dynamic
> scripting.
> Similarly, the video player uses a Flash object, but controlled by
> JavaScript firing from standard HTML buttons, instead of using buttons
> integrated into the Flash object itself.
>
> In order to evaluate what real-world users think, I've set up an online
> questionnaire, available at the horrible address of
> http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube, and via TinyURL at
> http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval. It's built using the website Survey Gizmo
> and,
> while it's not exactly perfect from an accessibility perspective, it's a
> pretty clean page and after a quick run-through myself with JAWS I didn't
> find too many glaring problems. I'd have liked to have built a system
> myself, but unfortunately simply haven't had time.
>
> Some people have questioned my use of YouTube, given that many of the
> site's
> intended audience will have visual impairments. However, not only is it a
> good demonstration of multimedia on the web, I don't think we shouldn't
> dismiss a video site outright. So many users are partially sighted, and
> the
> impact of YouTube across the web - and, arguably, society - has been
> enormous. And, let's not forget, it provides audio as well as video.
>
> Many thanks in anticipation of your responses, every single one is greatly
> appreciated. I am running somewhat behind schedule, so I'm looking to
> gather
> as many responses as possible in the next few days. If anyone knows of a
> good place to post this, let me know, or feel free to simply quote this
> message.
>
> There's a link on the 'Thanks' page to email me if you'd like to see an
> electronic copy of my dissertation when it's finished, but anyone
> (questionnaire or no questionnaire) is welcome to email me directly and
> I'll
> add you to the list.
>
> Once again, you can find the site at http://tube.majestyc.net/ and the
> questionnaire at http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube
> (or,
> if you trust a TinyURL link, at http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval).
>
> Thanks for reading,
> Tom
>
>

From: D Hubbard
Date: Sun, May 03 2009 6:15PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

Hello,

I'm new to this list so excuse my ignorant questions. Regarding the
accessible interface with youtube, is there something I should have
downloaded to try because I was confused. I thought it would be pretty easy
to use but perhaps I need to try a different search.

On another topic but related, has anyone developed an interface to make
Myspace more accessible? The owner surely doesn't seem too interested in
changing anything.

I'm having some issues and, if any JAWS user wishes to contact me off list,
I'd really appreciate it.

Address at end of message.

Diane Hubbard

E-mail: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
----- Original Message -----
From: "Hadi Rangin" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
To: "WebAIM Discussion List" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
Sent: Saturday, May 02, 2009 6:22 AM
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube


> Hi Tom,
>
> It is really a very useful project. Good job.
> Here's a few improvement suggestion to make it even better:
>
> 1. Keep the list of shortcut key assignments on the page when the clip is
> being played.
> 2. Add Volume control buttons (volume up/down) to the controls.
> 3. Add Stop and/or Rewind to beginning/Replay buttons to the controls.
> Note: currently, when the clip is in progress, you can't replay it from
> the
> beginning.
> 4. Optionally it would be great if all the controls were assigned to
> shortcut keys.
> 5. How about Video size options? This might not be a use for screen reader
> users (like myself) but people with motor disability can benefit from it.
>
> Great job. Thank you.
> Hadi
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Thomas Jolliffe" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> To: "WebAIM Discussion List" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 2:08 PM
> Subject: [WebAIM] Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
>
>
>> Hello all,
>>
>> I can't claim to be a long-term subscriber, but I'd appreciate a favour
>> if
>> possible. I'm a final-year Computer Science student at Newcastle
>> University
>> and for my dissertation I've been investigating the effect which what we
>> call "Web 2.0" has had on accessibility.
>>
>> As part of this investigation, I've implemented what I think are some
>> good
>> practices, and to demonstrate a number of them working together I've
>> created
>> a somewhat simplified interface for YouTube, which you can find at
>> http://tube.majestyc.net/. It makes use of technologies such as
>> JavaScript,
>> in line with what we can reasonably expect on the web nowadays, but also
>> of
>> things like WAI-ARIA live regions to aid the use of such dynamic
>> scripting.
>> Similarly, the video player uses a Flash object, but controlled by
>> JavaScript firing from standard HTML buttons, instead of using buttons
>> integrated into the Flash object itself.
>>
>> In order to evaluate what real-world users think, I've set up an online
>> questionnaire, available at the horrible address of
>> http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube, and via TinyURL
>> at
>> http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval. It's built using the website Survey Gizmo
>> and,
>> while it's not exactly perfect from an accessibility perspective, it's a
>> pretty clean page and after a quick run-through myself with JAWS I didn't
>> find too many glaring problems. I'd have liked to have built a system
>> myself, but unfortunately simply haven't had time.
>>
>> Some people have questioned my use of YouTube, given that many of the
>> site's
>> intended audience will have visual impairments. However, not only is it a
>> good demonstration of multimedia on the web, I don't think we shouldn't
>> dismiss a video site outright. So many users are partially sighted, and
>> the
>> impact of YouTube across the web - and, arguably, society - has been
>> enormous. And, let's not forget, it provides audio as well as video.
>>
>> Many thanks in anticipation of your responses, every single one is
>> greatly
>> appreciated. I am running somewhat behind schedule, so I'm looking to
>> gather
>> as many responses as possible in the next few days. If anyone knows of a
>> good place to post this, let me know, or feel free to simply quote this
>> message.
>>
>> There's a link on the 'Thanks' page to email me if you'd like to see an
>> electronic copy of my dissertation when it's finished, but anyone
>> (questionnaire or no questionnaire) is welcome to email me directly and
>> I'll
>> add you to the list.
>>
>> Once again, you can find the site at http://tube.majestyc.net/ and the
>> questionnaire at http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/128706/accessible-youtube
>> (or,
>> if you trust a TinyURL link, at http://tinyurl.com/aiyt-eval).
>>
>> Thanks for reading,
>> Tom
>>
>>

From: John E. Brandt
Date: Sun, May 03 2009 6:35PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

I know of no accessible version of MySpace. There is a student project to
develop an accessible Facebook and there is currently an Accessible Twitter.

I have hear others suggest using the mobile portal for MySpace
http://m.myspace.com/login.wap

It's been a while since I have been on MySpace, but as I recall, the users
can do a fair amount of customizing of their "Space" and as a result all
bets are off trying to control that.

~j

John E. Brandt
Web Design, Development, Consultation
Augusta, Maine USA
www.jebswebs.com
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
207-622-7937 

From: D Hubbard
Date: Sun, May 03 2009 7:00PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

Thanks John,

By "mobile portal" do you mean via mobile phone?

I don't usually have a problem with facebook. I haven't tried Twitter,
maybe that's another thing to look into.

If you ever go back on Myspace to check it out, please let me know.

-Diane
----- Original Message -----
From: "John E. Brandt" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
To: "'WebAIM Discussion List'" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 8:32 PM
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube


I know of no accessible version of MySpace. There is a student project to
develop an accessible Facebook and there is currently an Accessible Twitter.

I have hear others suggest using the mobile portal for MySpace
http://m.myspace.com/login.wap

It's been a while since I have been on MySpace, but as I recall, the users
can do a fair amount of customizing of their "Space" and as a result all
bets are off trying to control that.

~j

John E. Brandt
Web Design, Development, Consultation
Augusta, Maine USA
www.jebswebs.com
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
207-622-7937

From: John E. Brandt
Date: Sun, May 03 2009 7:20PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

Yes, it is the portal for mobile phones, but you can access it with a
regular browser.

~j

John E. Brandt
Web Design, Development, Consultation
Augusta, Maine USA
www.jebswebs.com
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
207-622-7937 

From: Randi
Date: Mon, May 04 2009 9:40AM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

I use the mobile Facebook on my computer and its much easier than the
regular one so maybe the same would hold for myspace.

As far as the accessible youtube, I've used it alot now and its always
been fine, and I haven't downloaded anything. What issues are you
having with it? I think you need to have Flash installed, but if
you've biewed other media content, you probably have it. I'm just
wondering what issues you're having with the accessible youtube? I'm
not a Jaws user, I use Voiceover, but maybe we can figure it out.

Welcome to the list!

Randi

On 5/3/09, John E. Brandt < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> Yes, it is the portal for mobile phones, but you can access it with a
> regular browser.
>
> ~j
>
> John E. Brandt
> Web Design, Development, Consultation
> Augusta, Maine USA
> www.jebswebs.com
> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> 207-622-7937
>
>
>

From: D Hubbard
Date: Mon, May 04 2009 2:15PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

Thanks Randy, I'm not having issues now. I don't know what happened but
when I went back to the site and did another search, I really liked it. I
wasn't having much trouble with the site to begin with but this is so much
better.

I'll have to check out both the mobile Facebook and Myspace.

Thanks again and I'm glad to be a part of this list as well.

-Diane
----- Original Message -----
From: "Randi" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
To: "WebAIM Discussion List" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 11:35 AM
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube


>I use the mobile Facebook on my computer and its much easier than the
> regular one so maybe the same would hold for myspace.
>
> As far as the accessible youtube, I've used it alot now and its always
> been fine, and I haven't downloaded anything. What issues are you
> having with it? I think you need to have Flash installed, but if
> you've biewed other media content, you probably have it. I'm just
> wondering what issues you're having with the accessible youtube? I'm
> not a Jaws user, I use Voiceover, but maybe we can figure it out.
>
> Welcome to the list!
>
> Randi
>
> On 5/3/09, John E. Brandt < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>> Yes, it is the portal for mobile phones, but you can access it with a
>> regular browser.
>>
>> ~j
>>
>> John E. Brandt
>> Web Design, Development, Consultation
>> Augusta, Maine USA
>> www.jebswebs.com
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>> 207-622-7937
>>
>>
>>

From: Randi
Date: Mon, May 04 2009 3:10PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | Next message →

Hi Diane,

Glad its working for you. I really like being able to control the
video, unlike the regular youtube. The only real issue I've run into
is the lack of a volume control. I had a video going last night and it
was so loud I couldn't hear my reader haha.

On 5/4/09, D Hubbard < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> Thanks Randy, I'm not having issues now. I don't know what happened but
> when I went back to the site and did another search, I really liked it. I
> wasn't having much trouble with the site to begin with but this is so much
> better.
>
> I'll have to check out both the mobile Facebook and Myspace.
>
> Thanks again and I'm glad to be a part of this list as well.
>
> -Diane
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Randi" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> To: "WebAIM Discussion List" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 11:35 AM
> Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
>
>
>>I use the mobile Facebook on my computer and its much easier than the
>> regular one so maybe the same would hold for myspace.
>>
>> As far as the accessible youtube, I've used it alot now and its always
>> been fine, and I haven't downloaded anything. What issues are you
>> having with it? I think you need to have Flash installed, but if
>> you've biewed other media content, you probably have it. I'm just
>> wondering what issues you're having with the accessible youtube? I'm
>> not a Jaws user, I use Voiceover, but maybe we can figure it out.
>>
>> Welcome to the list!
>>
>> Randi
>>
>> On 5/3/09, John E. Brandt < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>> Yes, it is the portal for mobile phones, but you can access it with a
>>> regular browser.
>>>
>>> ~j
>>>
>>> John E. Brandt
>>> Web Design, Development, Consultation
>>> Augusta, Maine USA
>>> www.jebswebs.com
>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>> 207-622-7937
>>>
>>>
>>>

From: Christian Heilmann
Date: Mon, May 04 2009 3:25PM
Subject: Re: Evaluation: Accessible Interface to YouTube
← Previous message | No next message

Randi wrote:
> Hi Diane,
>
> Glad its working for you. I really like being able to control the
> video, unlike the regular youtube. The only real issue I've run into
> is the lack of a volume control. I had a video going last night and it
> was so loud I couldn't hear my reader haha.
I've done Easy YouTube which has a volume control:
http://icant.co.uk/easy-youtube/?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkdZmi85gxk

I can send the source code on, it is actually pretty easy to create a
volume control.