Episode 520: Backend Accessibility with Hilary Stohs-Krause
Jul 24, 2024
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Hilary Stohs-Krause, an expert in backend accessibility and team accommodations, dives into the often-overlooked importance of accessibility in coding. She discusses how simple writing and clear documentation can enhance team collaboration. Stohs-Krause emphasizes the need for thoughtful code comments and critiques note-taking apps that hinder readability. Practical strategies for creating accessible documentation are shared, as well as the impact of minor coding adjustments on inclusivity for all programmers.
Backend accessibility emphasizes creating inclusive coding practices and communication strategies that benefit both teams and users with disabilities.
Improving documentation and API structure through clear language, consistency, and semantic formatting fosters better understanding for all team members.
Deep dives
The Importance of Backend Accessibility
Backend accessibility involves considering how code, product development, and team communication impact employees and users with disabilities. The speaker emphasizes the need to expand the definition of disability to include hidden disabilities and situational challenges faced by coworkers and clients. This perspective highlights that accessibility improvements can simplify processes not only for those with official disabilities but for everyone. Incorporating small changes in coding practices and team interactions can create a more inclusive environment, benefiting the entire team.
Enhancing Code Readability
Improving code accessibility can involve making it more readable through the use of semantic methods and thoughtful variable naming. The speaker suggests adopting a narrative style in coding, making it clear how to transition from one point to another, which simplifies code comprehension for all team members. Attention to line lengths and logical ordering of methods can reduce confusion during code reviews and debugging processes. This approach is about anticipating questions and potential confusions, thereby creating a more efficient development experience.
Creating Accessible Documentation
Documentation accessibility is essential for fostering an inclusive work environment and facilitating understanding among diverse team members. Strategies include using clear language, avoiding jargon, and providing semantic formatting for ease of navigation. Incorporating images of code along with the actual code text allows for proper referencing and comprehension. Furthermore, avoiding socially charged terms and implementing tools to analyze and simplify writing can enhance access and understanding for all users.
Improving API Accessibility
Ensuring API accessibility entails creating predictable, well-structured endpoints and using clear naming conventions for data payloads. Consistency in how data is represented helps users, including those with disabilities, to easily infer how to interact with the API. The use of word separators in keys and avoiding abbreviations can enhance clarity for screen readers and non-native speakers. Additionally, attention to color contrast in documentation can further improve accessibility for users navigating the API.
In our last episode, we talked about Web Accessibility. But, did you know that there are accessibility concerns on the backend and in our interactions with our teams. Hilary Stohs-Krause joins the show to tell us more about how we can be more accommodating to our teams.