Making Facebook.com accessible to as many people as possible

Tatiana Iskandar

We recently shared the work we did to rebuild our tech stack to support the redesigned Facebook.com. When that project began, we saw an opportunity to integrate greater accessibility into the site …

Overview

The article discusses Facebook's efforts to enhance accessibility on its platform through a comprehensive rebuild of its tech stack. It highlights the integration of new accessibility tools and techniques, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation for improving user experience for individuals with disabilities.

What You'll Learn

1

How to implement linting and Flow typing for accessibility validation

2

Why scalable font sizes are crucial for users with impaired vision

3

How to utilize React Context for managing heading hierarchy

4

When to apply runtime analysis tools for accessibility monitoring

Prerequisites & Requirements

Basic understanding of web accessibility principles
Familiarity with React and its ecosystem(optional)

Key Questions Answered

What techniques did Facebook implement to improve accessibility?

Facebook introduced several techniques including linting and Flow typing for validating accessible markup, scalable font sizes using rems, and a centralized API for contextual keyboard commands. These enhancements aim to create a more inclusive experience for users with disabilities.

How does Facebook ensure proper heading structure for screen readers?

Facebook uses React Context to maintain a logical heading hierarchy, automatically adjusting heading levels based on the visual layout. This ensures that screen reader users can navigate the page effectively, enhancing their overall experience.

What is the purpose of runtime analysis tools in accessibility?

The runtime analysis tool introduced by Facebook validates markup in real-time as it is presented to users. It highlights accessibility issues visually, allowing developers to address problems proactively rather than relying solely on static analysis.

Why are reusable components important for accessibility?

Reusable components allow engineers to quickly build accessible experiences by inheriting functionality from a core set of base components. This ensures consistency in accessibility features across various browsers and assistive technologies.

Technologies & Tools

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Frontend

React

Used to implement accessibility tools and manage component behavior.

Tools

Flow

Used for typing and linting to validate accessible markup.

Tools

Eslint-plugin-jsx-a11y

Helps catch ARIA violations during development.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Implement linting and Flow typing early in your development process to validate accessibility properties.
By integrating these tools from the start, you can enforce stricter rules and prevent accessibility violations before they reach production.

2
Utilize scalable font sizes by coding in pixels and transforming them to rems during the build process.
This approach allows for easier adjustments to font sizes based on user preferences, enhancing legibility for users with impaired vision.

3
Leverage React Context to manage heading hierarchies dynamically.
This ensures that screen reader users have a clear understanding of the page structure, improving navigation and accessibility.

Common Pitfalls

1

Failing to maintain a logical heading structure can confuse screen reader users.

This often occurs in dynamic layouts where headings are not properly nested, making it essential to implement a system that automatically adjusts heading levels.

2

Neglecting to validate accessibility properties during development can lead to regressions.

Without proper linting and validation tools, accessibility issues may go unnoticed until they impact users, highlighting the importance of integrating these practices early.

Related Concepts

Web Accessibility Standards

Aria Practices

User Experience Design For Disabilities