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Millions of children around the world learn to code by creating with Scratch and other block-based programming languages. However, these programming environments typically are not accessible for blind and visually impaired children to tinker, create, and learn alongside their sighted peers. This paper discusses the ongoing development of the OctoStudio coding app to support accessibility and tinkerability for blind and visually impaired learners. We discuss how we have applied core principles of tinkerability to create an accessible, mainstream app for use on mobile phones and tablets. We describe our iterative development process in collaboration with educators who specialize in the design and testing of accessible technologies for children. We conclude with suggestions for how the core principles of designing for tinkerability can be expanded to support accessibility and engagement of blind and visually impaired learners internationally.
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Position: Accessible Block-Based Programming: Why and How
Block-based programming environments are very popular for introducing children to programming. Unfortunately, they are not accessible to many children with visual or motor impairments. In this paper we outline why block-based environments should be made accessible for these children, describe current efforts to make environments accessible, and describe how developers can incorporate accessibility into their own block-based programming environments.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1738252
- PAR ID:
- 10181520
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- 2019 IEEE Blocks and Beyond Workshop (B&B)
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 19 to 22
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
-
Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Conference Paper:
- https://doi.org/10.1109/BB48857.2019.8941230
