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Re: Flexbox layout ordering and tabbing order

for

From: Moore,Michael (Accessibility) (HHSC)
Date: Oct 13, 2015 8:02AM

" The idea is that this share information really should be after the article -- but it would be below the page scroll and less likely used. That is people position things visually to get more attention from visual users -- even if it's not the appropriate place for something in the structure. So why force the screen reader user to wade through content that was only positioned as such to assist a person who could see?"

If the page is coded properly screen reader users have more methods available than most to bypass content at the top of the page. Headings, landmarks, and other specific features allow for a wide range of navigation options for the screen reader user. I do support expanding the functionality of user agents (browsers) to allow more options for sighted keyboard users to take advantage of the same features. Or for the development of better AT for keyboard users. But getting something out of the way for screen reader users should not be a design decision if you are using properly structured landmarks and headings. And really if the idea is to get a user to share a particular article or post, placing the sharing icons at the top of the page is probably the wrong place - put them at the start or end of the article. Placing them at the end makes the most sense. It will help people avoid sharing articles and blog posts that they did not bother to read...<wink/>

Mike Moore
Accessibility Coordinator
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Civil Rights Office
(512) 438-3431 (Office)