Since the Plex development team and staff offer no other route than the forums I’m posting this here.
In strongest terms I protest once again finding yet another company and its’ staff making it difficult to start a conversation about accessibility of their products.
In preparing to write this message I searched for references to blind and low vision users and the typical questions they might ask.
I found several of the normal type requesting Voiceover improvements for the IOS version of the Plex app.
As usual they went unanswered and completely ignored by staff and other forum users.
The users I can understand, the Plex team has no excuse.
Voiceover on IOS for both the i-devices and the 4th gen Apple TV can open up the world of movies, TV shows and audio media to blind users.
Yet Plex staff seem indifferent or choose to ignore this audience. This is clear from the failure of any one at Plex to respond or to even remotely consider opening up a channel of communication dedicated to addressing concerns.
Now Plex is moving on to other devices including TV and multimedia players again with 0 consideration for the fact that households may include blind or low vision users.
My original reason for posting was not to solve those issues but instead to push the issue of the Plex Server web interface and the remarkably poor attention to accessibility on even something this simple.
The management pages don’t need to be so badly labeled and violation of the most basic rules concerning accessible page elements is criminal.
No control or option should be accessible via only the mouse.
All controls should have keyboard methods of activation and interaction.
Why is it that even something this simple is overlooked?
I have been on the front line related to access to electronic information and computer systems for the past 35 years. As a beta tester for screen reader products for several companies as well as for various university multimedia distance learning and even touch screen info systems I fail to understand how anyone today can just ignore the need and obligations related to serving all users.
Adding insult are companies such as Plex that don’t have available a direct method of reaching the staff that are most qualified to solve problems or to direct that they be addressed.
Large forums filled with generic chatter on thousands of topics make it nearly impossible for a screen reader user to locate the area most certain to reach the right people.
Microsoft, Google, Amazon and others are finally opening up direct communication channels for users with adaptive technology needs. Other companies engage in open dialog with adaptive tech users and work hard to solve difficulties. Consider the positive activity of www.applevis.com and their recognition of products and apps that are Voiceover friendly.
Plex has the potential to make accessible modern digital media in many formats but first we have to have a way of interacting with the server interface.
The web pages currently are not functional for most screen readers and users.
Once the server fixes are in place attention to Voiceover on IOS and fixes to the remote player interface need to be addressed.
As a blind user there is no way in heck I’d consider a Plex Pass when I can’t even configure my home server or successfully operate my Apple TV running the Plex app.
Why would I be interested when the web player interface doesn’t work?
Yet new devices are currently marketed or being introduced that are built around Plex. If a family member buys one why should I be the only person in my home who can’t use the device or application?
I hope Plex staff read this and make a serious effort to contact me and also begin addressing these and related issues.
Accessibility in many instances has become a legal issue, ask Amazon about Kindle, and it is far better to build it in than be required to fix things after the fact.
Moderator: edited for readability.
