https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/14ixy1z/update_on_reddits_plans_for_moderation/
created by AutoModerator on 25/06/2023 at 21:30 UTC
164 upvotes, 10 top-level comments (showing 10)
Reddit has announced a set of accessibility improvements to be included in their mobile apps, as a remediation for the issues pointed out by r/blind mods in the previous meeting. Reddit representatives invited r/blind mods to a meeting to announce these, on Friday, but the team was not able to attend on short notice.
We applaud Reddit for prioritizing these features, but would prefer a top-down corporate response that gives the product time enough time and addresses the broader community's concerns.
The combined experience and expertise in accessibility testing and remediation, and software development, along with the lived experience of the mod team leads us to question Reddit's methodology and internal corporate structure. These are not in line with industry standards, for a company with this impact.
Reddit has invited r/blind mods to “partner” with them to test the announced accessibility improvements. The mod team expects the company to follow industry standard practices and conduct this testing internally, by their own trained professionals, and through their accessibility audit vendor, at the same time. In so much as user testing is a valuable step in developing accessible software, a moderator has asked for information and terms, working under the assumption that this invitation is, as is industry standard, an offer for contract work. As this would constitute a potential conflict of interest for this mod, they encouraged the Reddit representative to provide details as soon as possible, to other mods who may be available. Given the timing and asynchronous nature of this exchange, we don’t expect to have feedback before start of business on Monday, Pacific time.
We will continue to work with Reddit, for our community, but their actions, as an organization, and the insight gleamed from our private meetings and communication don't provide enough confidence in the organization's ability to make due on their promises, in the long term. While we have had the great pleasure to meet with empathetic people who care about and want to understand the accessibility issues disabled people face, we feel that the management structure may not be conducive to the highest quality work in this field.
Comment by MostlyBlindGamer at 27/06/2023 at 20:03 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Reddit have clarified their invitation was for a demo, not formal user testing. r/blind mods are exploring this opportunity, and discussing timing, and potential accommodations. Reddit is also prepared to hold meetings on a set schedule, moving forward.
Comment by askablindperson at 26/06/2023 at 01:25 UTC
23 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I have to wonder who their accessibility auditing company is. Reputability can be so hit or miss and doesn’t always have blind voices depending on the company. I wonder if it would be worth trying to push them toward engaging with a reputable team of accessibility specialists endorsed by blind people themselves with blind staff so we know it’s being audited effectively. Maybe something like CENA (the center for excellence in nonvisual access).
Comment by lostinambarino at 25/06/2023 at 23:02 UTC
40 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Good on you for making clear you won't be doing such work uncompensated.
Comment by honestduane at 26/06/2023 at 17:21 UTC
12 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I need to be very clear here: the mods of /r/blind are just being asked to do work for free so that Reddit doesn’t have ADA liability.
Happy that the mods are happy to help make things accessible for us, but in reality reddit needs to take WCAG seriously and not depend on the free work of the blind.
Comment by [deleted] at 26/06/2023 at 07:24 UTC
11 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Yeah I’m done with Reddit, after the 30th I won’t be using it anymore
Comment by [deleted] at 25/06/2023 at 22:11 UTC
20 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Do you actually have proof they have an accessibility expert on their team?
Comment by [deleted] at 25/06/2023 at 23:52 UTC
22 upvotes, 1 direct replies
[deleted]
Comment by AutoModerator at 25/06/2023 at 21:30 UTC
15 upvotes, 0 direct replies
1: /message/compose/?to=/r/Blind
Comment by TwoSunsRise at 26/06/2023 at 03:09 UTC
7 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Thank you for working on this with them! 🙏🏼
Comment by The_Alchemyst at 25/06/2023 at 23:22 UTC
9 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Hey, we've been following this closely, we also spoke with a Bloomberg journalist. happy to support or be a part of the convo! Let us know - Team Lachi