Accessible block-based coding for all
Google's Blockly is pushing block-based accessible programming forward with developers, students, and public institutions
our ongoing commitment to accessibility
Expanding access for students with disabilities
Blockly is commited to developing inclusive tools that help all students succeed, including those with disabilities.
Blockly Accessibility Fund
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn computer science. This Fund will enable CS-education focused nonprofits to build and launch accessible features into their block based product and curricula. Together, we can make coding education a welcoming and engaging experience for everyone.
Funding and support
to advance accessibility
Explore the funded projects to help make block-based coding more inclusive and available for everyone.
Accessibility partnerships
Working with the Google Blockly team and its partners has made me optimistic about the potential of making computer science truly accessible for all students.
Elissa Hozore
Accessibility Lead, Computer Science Teachers Association
Current accessibility projects
Below are current opportunities for you to experiment with accessibility features in Blockly and share your feedback
Keyboard Navigation Pluginexperiment
We're focused on implementing keyboard navigation, and initial screen reader functionality.
These efforts aim to enhance Blockly's usability for all users by integrating accessibility features into the core library, partner platforms, and educational materials.
View roadmap on GitHub| Timing | Project | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Q1-Q2 2025 | Keyboard navigation |
We're implementing and field testing keyboard navigation through an experimental plugin, which will eventually be integrated into Blockly Core. |
| Q2-Q3 2025 | Screen reader improvements |
We're implementing initial screen reader functionality with ARIA attributes for fields and workspace components in the Blockly library. Read the project details here. |
| Q3 2025 | Scaling keyboard accessibility |
Keyboard navigation is available for integration into partner platforms like Code.org, micro:bit, and MakeCode. |
| Q3 2025 | Documentation updates | We'll be creating new, comprehensive documentation on Blockly's accessibility features. |
| Q3 2025 | Enhancing curricula accessibility |
Partner platforms are encouraged to audit and update existing curriculum materials to comply with accessibility best practices. We're available to provide technical support through our Community Forum. |
| Q3 2025 | Publishing training materials |
After integrating accessibility features, partner platforms can develop training and support materials for teachers and students to help them use accessibility features effectively. |
| Q4 2025 | Adding accessibility management |
We're planning to add a control panel that can be used by partner platforms to help users manage Blockly accessibility features. |
| Timing | Q1-Q2 2025 |
| Projects | Keyboard navigation |
| Description | We're implementing and field testing keyboard navigation through an experimental plugin, which will eventually be integrated into Blockly Core. |
| Timing | Q2-Q3 2025 |
| Projects | Screen reader improvements |
| Description | We're implementing initial screen reader functionality with ARIA attributes for fields and workspace components in the Blockly library. Read the project details here. |
| Timing | Q3 2025 |
| Projects | Scaling keyboard accessibility |
| Description | Keyboard navigation is available for integration into partner platforms like Code.org, micro:bit, and MakeCode. |
| Timing | Q3 2025 |
| Projects | Documentation updates |
| Description | We'll be creating new, comprehensive documentation on Blockly's acccessibility features. |
| Timing | Q3 2025 |
| Projects | Enhancing curricula accessibility |
| Description | Partner platforms are encouraged to audit and update existing curriculum materials to comply with accessibility best practices. We're available to provide technical support through our Developer's Group. |
| Timing | Q3 2025 |
| Projects | Publishing training materials |
| Description | After integrating accessibility features, partner platforms can develop training and support materials for teachers and students to help them use accessibility features effectively. |
| Timing | Q4 2025 |
| Projects | Adding accessibility management |
| Description | We're planning to add a control panel that can be used by partner platforms to help users manage Blockly accessibility features. |
Design for inclusivity
Below are helpful tips you can implement today when designing block-based product and instructional experiences:
Build for all senses
Account for multiple modalities for students to engage with your environment, including auditory, textual, and kinesthetic elements. For example, use audio cures to make spatial coding more inclusive.
Make learning gradual
Break down lessons into smaller steps using scaffolding tools like graphic organizers and checklists to support student comprehension and executive function, help students build confidence and understanding over time.
Use multiple formats
Create lessons that represent information in various ways, like magnetic blocks, 3D printed blocks, different block shapes and colors, text-to-speech, graphics, videos, and more.
Resources
blog post
Expanding access to CS Education for students with disabilitiesLearn how Blockly is expanding access to a more inclusive block-based coding experience with the Blockly Accessibility Fund.
youtube
Micro:bit's journey towards accessible block-based codingLucy Gill, Head of Product for the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, explores their journey to improve accessibility across its physical and digital products.
youtube
Blockly as a visuospatial learning tool for deaf studentsLearn from Shireen Hafeez, Founder of Deaf Kids Code, how Blockly empowers deaf students to showcase their unique problem-solving skills.