Navigation and focus
- Skip links move directly to main content
- Headings follow a logical page hierarchy
- Keyboard focus has a high visibility outline
- Links and buttons use descriptive text
Accessibility statement
Accessible practice requires clear controls and flexible settings.
DictationFlow aims to make setup, playback and content understandable and operable for a broad range of users. This statement defines current support, limitations and improvement priorities.
What is built in
Current support focuses on structure and control clarity.
The practice desk uses native form elements where practical so browsers and assistive technologies can expose expected behaviour.
Reading and layout
- Text and controls use high contrast colours
- Layouts reflow for small screens and zoom
- Meaning is not communicated by colour alone
- Decorative brand marks are hidden from assistive technology
Motion and status
- Reduced motion preferences minimise animation
- Playback buttons include accessible names
- Important player states are presented as text
- The source can be revealed instead of remaining visually hidden
Keyboard guide
Keyboard use follows native browser behaviour.
Exact shortcuts can vary by operating system and browser.
| Key | Where | Expected action |
|---|---|---|
| Tab | Across the page | Move to the next interactive control |
| Shift + Tab | Across the page | Move to the previous interactive control |
| Enter or Space | Buttons and menu summary | Activate the focused control |
| ← / → | Target WPM range control | Decrease or increase the native slider value |
| ↑ / ↓ | Select fields | Move through available options |
Avoid relying on a shortcut during a timed take.
Browser and screen reader commands may conflict. Set up the session first, then use the labelled player controls that work best with your environment.
Product specific limits
Speech practice introduces specific access tradeoffs.
Hiding source text helps shorthand from speech practice, but that option should remain under the user’s control.
Speech output
Voice availability, pronunciation, rate and reliability depend on the browser and operating system. Some voices may use network processing. People who need consistent screen reader output may prefer their established assistive technology for general reading.
Source visibility
Stenography mode can hide the source during playback. Users can turn that setting off or pause and reveal the passage. The source hiding exercise is optional, not an access requirement.
Timed practice
A countdown and moving cadence are inherent to some exercises. Choose no countdown, pause when needed, or use a lower target WPM. Formal assessment accommodations are controlled by the relevant institution.
PDF and image extraction
OCR can produce incorrect or disordered text, especially with handwriting, columns, tables and low quality scans. Extracted content must be reviewed before it is safe to practise from.
Known improvement areas
Improvement priorities remain open.
Different browser, voice and assistive technology combinations still need broader testing.
Speech engine consistency
Pause, resume and voice loading can behave differently across browsers, especially on mobile devices.
Live progress announcements
Frequent word by word announcements would interrupt a screen reader. The interface prioritises concise status text, which may not suit every workflow.
OCR reading order
Imported multiple column or visually complex pages may not preserve a meaningful order after extraction.
Report a barrier
Report the barrier and affected outcome.
Use the feedback form and select Accessibility issue. A useful report includes:
- the page or control involved;
- what you were trying to do;
- what happened instead;
- device, operating system and browser;
- assistive technology and version, if relevant;
- the format in which you need the information or function.
Do not include private practice text or sensitive personal information. The feedback form uses an external processor and leaves your device, as explained before submission.
Response aim: reports will be reviewed and prioritised according to severity and feasibility. No fixed resolution time is promised.
Configuration