At PDFKit, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to creating solutions that cater to all users, regardless of their abilities. Our commitment to accessibility has sparked a company-wide initiative to integrate inclusive language and enhance the accessibility features of our products, such as PDFKit for iOS and PDFKit for Android.
In our ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, we have focused on enhancing the user experience of PDFKit for Web. The latest major versions, 2020.5.0 and 2020.6.0, introduce significant improvements to make the user interface (UI) more accessible. In this article, we will delve into some of the key enhancements we’ve implemented and provide examples of UI elements that have been refined.
Enhanced Support for Screen Readers in Browse Mode
Screen readers, such as NVDA and JAWS, operate in different modes to facilitate easier navigation for users:
- Browse Mode (Virtual Cursor): This mode allows users to navigate through content without focusing on specific page elements. Screen readers intercept certain keystrokes to facilitate seamless reading.
- Focus Mode (Forms): In this mode, screen readers allow users to interact with form fields and other focusable elements without interruption.
To enhance accessibility, we have leveraged WAI-ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to provide semantic and accessibility descriptions for our UI elements. By strategically implementing the “application” role, we ensure that assistive technologies do not interfere with custom interactions and widgets within the PDFKit for Web interface, thus facilitating smoother navigation for users of screen readers.
Optimizing Dropdown Menus
Dropdown menus are essential components of the PDFKit user interface. However, their functionality may not always be apparent to users. Dropdowns can be part of larger widgets, such as Comboboxes or Listboxes. We have provided guidance on how to effectively navigate dropdown menus using keyboard shortcuts and screen readers like VoiceOver on macOS.
Navigating Responsive Groups
On smaller screens, some toolbar items are hidden within responsive groups to optimize space. However, navigating these groups can pose challenges for users. We have addressed issues related to focus management within responsive groups, ensuring a seamless experience for users across different devices.
Improving Annotation Toolbar Navigation
Previously, navigating the annotation toolbar using keyboard controls was cumbersome. Users encountered difficulties in focusing on individual annotation properties, particularly on desktop devices. We have implemented enhancements to streamline keyboard navigation within the annotation toolbar, providing a more intuitive user experience.
Ensuring Contrast Accessibility
We understand the importance of contrast accessibility in ensuring readability for all users. Our user interface, including default light and dark themes, complies with WCAG 2.1 Level AAA standards for text contrast and at least AA standards for icons. We encourage users to utilize accessibility inspection tools to verify contrast ratios and ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines.
By prioritizing accessibility enhancements, we are committed to ensuring that PDFKit remains a user-friendly solution for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. We will continue to innovate and refine our products to uphold our mission of inclusivity and accessibility for all.