[NFB-Blind-Crafters] Pattern Testing

Fri Jan 10 17:56:42 UTC 2025

Hi Everyone! I'd like to remind you that there is an entire group of designers on and off of Ravelry devoted to writing visually accessible patterns. Please try to support them when ever possible. To find the patterns on ravelry, use the search terms:

Screen Reader

and

Low Vision.

The screen reader search will be the best for those of you who use screen readers. One caution: often non-English speakers will add this term to a pattern not understanding how it is meant to be used. They think a pattern read on a screen is a screen reader pattern. I am the special editor on Ravelry for accessible and medical patterns, and along with other editors, we try very hard to remove these quickly.

If you find a screen reader pattern, it must include a statement in the pattern notes that describes in detail what makes it screen reader pattern. It should tell you that abbreviations have been removed, that you can make the pattern without using a chart, and how the pattern has been tested on a screen reader. If you don't find the statement, which is often at the very end of the notes, do not trust that pattern. For example, I found one this morning that says alt text, but nothing about the abbreviations or any testing. I'm going to scold that designer, but that is not a pattern I would trust.

Regarding testing:

I have been training designers and magazines for many years now on how to write accessible patterns. That process takes place after the pattern has been fully tested and edited by a tech editor and submitted to a proof reader. We are the last step in the process so that the pattern you get is an accurate pattern. To see this in action, you might take a look at Moorit Magazine, a beautiful crochet magazine from Scotland. It has two separate accessible issues. One is a large print issue, and the other a screen reader issue. Every word and every photo of the magazine has been re-written and re-formatted to make it accessible. But I do scramble for the deadline every 6 months, as I get the patterns often just a few weeks before the publication date!

For those of you who do not use Ravelry, please remember I have the AccessiblePatternsIndex.com for you. I'm a little behind in adding new patterns due to some health issues, but there are hundreds of resources listed for you to explore and enjoy on this free site. I'll also add a plug for any donations to support the hosting for the site, which is not free. Last year we had an angel who paid for all of our hosting fees, but this past year, we haven't had any donations. Please support the designers and the index if you are able.

Any questions? Just ask!

Renee Van Hoy

Renee Van Hoy
Accessibility Consultant
Renee Van Hoy Designs & Consulting

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From: NFB-Blind-Crafters <nfb-blind-crafters-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of nfb-blind-crafters-request at nfbnet.org <nfb-blind-crafters-request at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2025 4:00 AM
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Subject: NFB-Blind-Crafters Digest, Vol 6, Issue 10

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Date: Thu, 9 Jan 2025 08:42:12 -0500
From: <carcione at access.net>
To: "'List for Blind Crafters and Artists'"
        <nfb-blind-crafters at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [NFB-Blind-Crafters] Pattern testing
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During Tuesday's class, ReNae mentioned that she has done some pattern
testing.  That's when designers have people test their pattern before it
gets published.  I think it would be great to have some blind people testing
patterns and giving designers feedback.  For instance, ReNae told the
designer that the photos showing how to put the project together didn't work
for her, and the designer then included a description of how to do it.

I'd love to hear how a person can get started with pattern testing, and any
experiences people have with it.  I read a bit on Google, and testers get
the pattern for free, and get to try something different, though there's a
deadline.  And designers want testers with a variety of skill levels, so you
don't have to be the greatest to do it.

I think it would be an interesting and useful project to explore.

Tracy

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