# Screen reader accessibility would amazing! :) **URL:** \ **Category:** Community Ideas\ **Created:** [August 10, 2021, 1:56pm UTC](https://forums.rocket.chat/t/screen-reader-accessibility-would-amazing/11892 "2021-08-10T13:56:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jan\_eccoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cc9497/32.png) [@Jan\_eccoo](https://forums.rocket.chat/u/Jan_eccoo)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2021, 1:56pm UTC](https://forums.rocket.chat/t/screen-reader-accessibility-would-amazing/11892/1 "2021-08-10T13:56:39Z")
I’m under the impression that there are compatibility issues with rocket.chat and screen readers and I think it would be absolutely incredible if rocket.chat becomes an accessible app. I think this would give r.c an edge over Telegram, Signal and possibly WhatsApp. I have tested rocket.chat across a few different platforms and OSs. Below are notes that cover a few issues discovered: **Rocket Chat with VoiceOver screen reader on macOS:** - It is challenging and an unintuitive experience to access the following sub-menus: avatar/personal menu, create new channel and filters. Once the sub-menu is opened I must tab through all of the elements on the page before keyboard focus enters the sub-menu. - When in a chat/channel and I receive a message from a participant, then the screen reader does not inform me that I have received a message. VoiceOver announced 1 out of 8 messages that I received whilst in a chat/channelRocketChat - probably depends on where keyboard focus is, but it didn’t seem clear. - When I open a channel, VoiceOver sometimes started reading random older messages. - Doesn’t inform user of a new message if they are not in the chat. **VoiceOver on iOS** - Given that I am on RocketChat home screen, VoiceOver does not announce when a new message arrives. - When I am in a chat or channel then VoiceOver does not announce when I receive a new message - Does not describe ‘Directories’ icon, when in focus VO doesn’t say anything **TalkBack on Android** - Wasn’t able to login to my workplace because the “Login with `workplace` ID” button does not work with TalkBack. I would press the button, but nothing would happen. - Can’t open a chat from the main screen - TalkBack did not announce a when new message arrived, when on home screen and when in chat. - Send message button doesn’t work. When in focus TB says ‘Send button, double tap to activate’, though when I double tap it does not send the message. What are your thoughts on rocket.chat becoming a chat service that can be used by blind and partially sighted people? ---
**Author:** ![john.crisp](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex021/user_avatar/forums.rocket.chat/john.crisp/32/2711_2.png) [@john.crisp](https://forums.rocket.chat/u/john.crisp)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2021, 4:29pm UTC](https://forums.rocket.chat/t/screen-reader-accessibility-would-amazing/11892/2 "2021-08-10T16:29:03Z")
Hi and thanks for taking the time to look at and document these issues. I am trying to be super careful in typing this as clearly as I can! I am going to refer these comments to our UI/UX team for comment. They are working on a lot of developments now so this is great feedback. I will try and get a proper response from them. Best regards, John ---
**Author:** ![leticia.peuser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/67e7ee/32.png) [@leticia.peuser](https://forums.rocket.chat/u/leticia.peuser)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2021, 5:25pm UTC](https://forums.rocket.chat/t/screen-reader-accessibility-would-amazing/11892/3 "2021-08-10T17:25:18Z")
Hi, I’m Leti from the UX Team, thanks a lot for your time and feedback, all your inputs are super helpful for us, as John said, we are working hard on many Ux/UI improvements, and we will start focusing and prioritize accessibility, this list of issues is a good starting point. Thank you again. Bests Leti ---
**Author:** ![Jan\_eccoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cc9497/32.png) [@Jan\_eccoo](https://forums.rocket.chat/u/Jan_eccoo)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2021, 7:55pm UTC](https://forums.rocket.chat/t/screen-reader-accessibility-would-amazing/11892/4 "2021-08-10T19:55:23Z")
Hi John, Your message was perfectly clear message to me. Thank you for sharing my post with your colleagues 🙂 All the best, Jan ---
**Author:** ![Jan\_eccoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cc9497/32.png) [@Jan\_eccoo](https://forums.rocket.chat/u/Jan_eccoo)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2021, 7:57pm UTC](https://forums.rocket.chat/t/screen-reader-accessibility-would-amazing/11892/5 "2021-08-10T19:57:27Z")
Hi Leti, Thank you for your reply 🙂 I do not doubt that you are working hard. Rocket.chat is great in many ways. I am delighted to hear that you will start focusing on and prioritising accessibility. Please feel free to get in touch if you think I can be of more assistance. I have more detailed notes available too. Warm regards, Jan QA tester, Equal Care Coop. ---
**Author:** ![leticia.peuser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/67e7ee/32.png) [@leticia.peuser](https://forums.rocket.chat/u/leticia.peuser)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2021, 12:13am UTC](https://forums.rocket.chat/t/screen-reader-accessibility-would-amazing/11892/6 "2021-08-12T00:13:44Z")
Thanks Jan, your help and feedback are very useful for us. I’m sending you a DM so I can coordinate an interview or a quick call. Bests Leti