Blockly is commited to developing inclusive tools that help all students succeed, including those with disabilities.
Working with the Blockly team made me optimistic about a more accessible future for computer science education.
Elissa Hozore
Accessibility Lead, Computer Science Teachers Association
Our work with Blockly has lead to making block-based coding even more accessibile to more people, including those with disabilities.
Lucy Gill
Head of Product, Micro:bit Educational Foundation
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn computer science. This Fund will enable CS-education focused nonprofits to build and launch accessible features into their block based product and curricula. Together, we can make coding education a welcoming and engaging experience for everyone.
Explore the partner organizations that are working with Blockly to help make block-based coding more inclusive.
This experimental plugin enables keyboard navigation in Blockly. It offers different actions that might make Blockly easier to navigate for users with low vision or mobility impairments, or who are otherwise unable to use a mouse.
Discuss trade offs between various navigation methods.
Discuss different user testing approaches.
Share relevant research and other context.
IMPORTANT: The 0.6 version of the keyboard navigation plugin that existed prior to Blockly v12 has been removed. Please use the newest version of the plugin.
We're focused on implementing keyboard navigation, and initial screen reader functionality.
These efforts aim to enhance Blockly's usability for all users by integrating accessibility features into the core library, partner platforms, and educational materials.
We published Blockly v12 and the Keyboard Navigation plugin, together enabling a more accessible Blockly editor.
We're implementing initial screen reader functionality with ARIA attributes for fields and workspace components in the Blockly library. Read the project details here.
Keyboard navigation is available for integration into partner platforms like Code.org, micro:bit, and MakeCode.
We'll be creating new, comprehensive documentation on Blockly's accessibility features.
Partner platforms are encouraged to audit and update existing curriculum materials to comply with accessibility best practices. We're available to provide technical support through our Community Forum.
After integrating accessibility features, partner platforms can develop training and support materials for teachers and students to help them use accessibility features effectively.
We're planning to add a control panel that can be used by partner platforms to help users manage Blockly accessibility features.
Below are helpful tips you can implement today when designing block-based product and instructional experiences.
Account for multiple modalities for students to engage with your environment, including auditory, textual, and kinesthetic elements. For example, use audio cues to make spatial coding more inclusive.
Break down lessons into smaller steps using scaffolding tools like graphic organizers and checklists to support student comprehension and executive function. This helps students build confidence and understanding over time.
Create lessons that represent information in various ways, like magnetic blocks, 3D printed blocks, different block shapes and colors, text-to-speech, graphics, videos, and more.
Account for multiple modalities for students to engage with your environment, including auditory, textual, and kinesthetic elements. For example, use audio cures to make spatial coding more inclusive.
Break down lessons into smaller steps using scaffolding tools like graphic organizers and checklists to support student comprehension and executive function, help students build confidence and understanding over time.
Create lessons that represent information in various ways, like magnetic blocks, 3D printed blocks, different block shapes and colors, text-to-speech, graphics, videos, and more.
Explore community projects that help make block-based coding more inclusive.
