As we continue to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), it's crucial to address the barriers that individuals with disabilities face even before entering the workforce—starting with the job application process. Online applications have become the norm, yet many accessibility issues still make it difficult for assistive technology users to navigate them independently.
While I’ve previously covered accessibility concerns for desktop systems, this time I want to focus on the mobile experience, as more job seekers are completing applications on smartphones and tablets. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are slowly replacing traditional computers for all types of activities, even more complicated tasks like completing digital job applications. Some mobile apps even exist for this very purpose.
Additionally, modern web functionality allows job applicants to save their progress and continue from a smartphone or tablet later while on the go. My goal here is to highlight some of the most daunting accessibility flaws that negatively affect the mobile online job application process for blind technology users. This commentary will exclusively pertain to touch-based mobile screen readers.
File Uploads
Almost all online job applications require users to upload files, commonly a resume, cover letter, or reference document. This process is often problematic on mobile devices.
Typically, I have no issues finding the “Upload File” button, browsing the system file tree to find the necessary document, and selecting the file for upload. The issues usually begin once the file has populated on the website.
The uploaded document will often act as a cursor trap. Manual one-finger swipes will work effectively until the focus is placed on the uploaded file. At this point, the screen reader will either announce the file's name or speak vague, meaningless phrases like “Null, Document.”
The issue is that once at this point, manual swipes forward will not advance the position of the focus cursor. My screen reader will instead play the error notification sound, which indicates that nothing else is available in the current navigation sequence.
Sometimes, I can use direct touch to place focus past the uploaded document to regain screen reader control. However, if I attempt to navigate backward or review the application in its entirety from the top, I will get stuck in the focus trap again.
Text Field Troubles
Online job applications usually contain many text entry fields for user input of items such as personal information, references, and past employment records. However, a specific accessibility flaw related to the on-screen virtual keyboard found on many mobile job application websites makes text-field manipulation quite difficult.
This shortcoming is common when most or all of the page is occupied by empty text entry fields, and the device has a small display. If the on-screen keyboard is present and the screen reader focus is placed on the last text field that is visually noticeable directly above the keyboard, performing a manual swipe to advance the screen reader focus will put focus on the first row of keys on the virtual keyboard instead of jumping to the subsequent text field that is visually hidden by the keyboard.
To combat this flaw, I must dismiss the keyboard manually using a system command, place focus in the following text field, double-tap to bring up the keyboard, enter the required data, and then dismiss the virtual keyboard to repeat the process. This accessibility issue dramatically slows me down and makes a task that should take twenty minutes or so sometimes take twice or three times as long.
I know that there is a solution to this issue. This is evidenced in other online forms I have used where manual one-finger swipes maintain focus on the text-field sequence, including navigating to the fields that are visibly hidden by the virtual keyboard.
Date Entry Dilemma
It is very common to enter various dates on an online job application, such as previous job start and end time frames and the desired start date for the current job application. The interface for doing this is often troublesome on mobile devices with touch-based screen readers.
The good news is that many online job applications have transitioned to drop-down menus for date entry instead of the inaccessible calendar grids that are still widely used on many websites. The problem lies in how the screen reader speaks the confirmation of the chosen date once the drop-down menu has closed.
Manually swiping to the date selection drop-down will not speak to the chosen date. The item will instead be announced as the current date, even though the user’s selected date is visually shown. Interestingly, I have found that at this point, the date picker drop-down option is no longer accessible via direct touch. This is odd because it was available via direct touch before choosing a date.
The accessibility of the date selection process on mobile job applications is messy and requires remediation attention.
Addressing Accessibility for Job Seekers
NDEAM celebrates the need for more people with disabilities in the workforce. It all begins with the ability to successfully, efficiently, and independently complete a digital job application. I hope that my narrative has helped to shed some light on this very important subject area.
While job applications may not immediately come to mind when considering people with disabilities in the workplace, it definitely needs to be a part of the conversation.
Recommended Accessibility Resource: Join our live webinar!
Accessibility in digital spaces, like job applications, is just one part of the broader picture. Ensuring that your entire website meets accessibility standards is crucial, especially with new regulations on the horizon. If your business serves customers in the EU, it's essential to be prepared for the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
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Editor's Note: Our frequent contributor, Michael Taylor, wrote this post. This post reflects his opinions and experiences. Read more about Michael and some other posts on his experience online here.
