Choose Accessible Coding Tools
The guidelines for technical compliance pertain largely to the tools being used to write, edit, and read the code. Therefore, it’s worth focusing on choosing tools that provide ways for users of assistive technology to access all language, including code.
Accessible tools usually allow users to change the font family, color, size, and formatting, as well as being easily compatible with various types of assistive technology, including screen readers, Braille printers, and keyboard-only navigation.
Accessible Coding Tools
Some examples of software for writing and editing code that provide accessibility features (including screen reader support):
JetBrains IDEs (IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, Rider)
Accessible Code Typography
Use short lines and adequate spacing to make long sessions spent reading code less of a strain on eyes.
Comment your code as much as will aid in documentation but avoid compromising any learning objectives.
Use plain language in coding assignments and in comments to code.
Accessible Code and Screen Readers
The video below demonstrates how to combine accessibility considerations with commonly used coding tools such as Visual Studio to create a Python coding environment that's accessible and inclusive for students who use screen readers. Screen readers are one of the most popular types of assistive technology, used by students with visual disabilities as well as, increasingly, by students for whom prolonged exposure to screens negatively affects their vision, attention, or cognition.