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This is the Mac OS desktop client for the popular team collaboration software.
Version
3.4.0
Free or Paid
Free
Version Of macOS App Was Tested On
10.14.4
Accessibility Comments
Accessibility issues still persist, but this app is usable. Message Input field still poses challenges due to the fact the platform is built on Google Chrome.
Usability
There are some accessibility issues with this app, but it can still be used if you are willing to tolerate these issues and learn how to work around them.
Other Comments
Get to know the keyboard shortcuts. Don't hesitate to bug the development team as they want to make sure Slack is usable by everyone.
In the latest version, it's very difficult to use the app because focus constantly jumps back to the message input field. Have you found a way to remedy this behavior?
Two workarounds you can try:
1. VO-Command-Shift-L backwards through the links which will take you to the time stamps. Don't let go of the VO keys and press right arrow to hear the message. Don't let go of the VO keys. You can press right or left arrows to move back and forth through the messages, so long as VO keys are held down. Don't let go of the VO keys until you're ready to go back to the input field.
2. Turn cursor tracking off. This will prevent focus from jumping around. You'll have to remember to turn cursor tracking back on if you switch apps.
Just started a new job and we are using Slack extensively. I am using a MacBook Pro with an external keyboard with a number pad with numpad commander.
Can anybody point to any good references for using Slack with a screen reader? I've gone through the support pages at the Slack web site. Any other blogs or tutorials written by people using VoiceOver?
Comments
Have you noticed issues with focus always jumping to the message
In the latest version, it's very difficult to use the app because focus constantly jumps back to the message input field. Have you found a way to remedy this behavior?
VO Focus Moving in Slack
Two workarounds you can try:
1. VO-Command-Shift-L backwards through the links which will take you to the time stamps. Don't let go of the VO keys and press right arrow to hear the message. Don't let go of the VO keys. You can press right or left arrows to move back and forth through the messages, so long as VO keys are held down. Don't let go of the VO keys until you're ready to go back to the input field.
2. Turn cursor tracking off. This will prevent focus from jumping around. You'll have to remember to turn cursor tracking back on if you switch apps.
Slack 2021 on Mac
Just started a new job and we are using Slack extensively. I am using a MacBook Pro with an external keyboard with a number pad with numpad commander.
Can anybody point to any good references for using Slack with a screen reader? I've gone through the support pages at the Slack web site. Any other blogs or tutorials written by people using VoiceOver?
Thanks
UPDATE: Just found this informative article. It does not talk specifically about Mac but one can get an idea of how the app functions.
https://accessible360.com/accessible360-blog/2019-10-28-slack-hints-for-screen-readers/