Blockly Accessibility Improvement

Makers Making Change is working with Blockly to improve the accessibility features of the block-based coding engine. Blockly is an open-source project of the Raspberry Pi Foundation and supported by Google, and is the engine behind popular block coding websites like Scratch and MakeCode for micro:bit.

With support from Google.org, we’re building a block coding app and conducting user testing to gather real feedback on its accessibility features. Your participation can directly shape this exciting work.

We are looking for screen reader users or AT professionals who can provide feedback on a block coding app. We are primarily seeking youth participants (or staff who work with youth), but would also be interested in testing with adult screen reader users depending on interest.

We are looking for participants who are:

• Ages 10 and older located in Canada (with preference given to youth ages 10 to 18)
• Comfortable using a computer with a screen reader
• Interested in block-based coding, previous experience is helpful but not necessary

The user testing involves:

• Joining a video call with two members of the MMC team for up to 1.5 hours long (the session will be recorded for internal purposes only)
• Following step-by-step instructions to complete basic block coding tasks
• Providing verbal feedback about your experience completing the tasks using your assistive technology

Compensation: Accessibility testers will receive an Amazon or Walmart gift card valued at $50. Testers must meet our approval criteria and complete the full session to be eligible. Compensation is limited to one session per person.

This round of user testing is expected to start in early March 2026, and we are asking participants to sign up before March 6, 2026 to allow for time to schedule sessions.