Improving our accessibility to make micro:bit even easier to use
How we’ve improved the accessibility of BBC micro:bit with Nominet’s generous support
The micro:bit is a simple device, used by millions of children around the world. But there are many opportunities to make it accessible to even more students.
The micro:bit's small size and visual nature are designed to make computing feel approachable and fun. However, some students with disabilities can face challenges using the micro:bit. Understanding different students' needs helps us to offer more inclusive ways to learn coding and computing with the micro:bit.
Our accessibility project was generously supported by Nominet. It allowed us to spend more time on the work, working with accessibility specialist, Kirsty McNaught.
Better access for more young people
This project highlighted specific needs that we could improve for users.
A simpler way to get started with micro:bits
All new micro:bits are loaded with a default program which introduces the different things a micro:bit can do. As part of this program, there was an automated sound that was surprising and overwhelming for some students with autism. We created a new 'meet the micro:bit' program, which is more playful. The feedback from children with additional needs has been positive.
Older micro:bits that do not show a heart on the LEDs when you turn it on may still be running the previous program. You can download the 'meet the micro:bit' program to your micro:bit at any time.
Sign language glossary
Technical vocabulary in computing and learning to code can be a challenge for students who use sign language to communicate. We published a sign language glossary to support this. It collates signs relevant to computing education, in both British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL).
Tactile graphic of the micro:bit
On the micro:bit there are small written labels telling students what each component is. However, this information is not available to blind students. We have created a printable tactile graphic which labels the components in braille, to allow students to access this information independently. We have also published a written “tour” of the micro:bit, to describe all the components in the order they are laid out, without needing to see the micro:bit.
Physical micro:bit accessibility
Sometimes it is possible to make the micro:bit more accessible using accessories, for example to enable a student to operate the buttons using large assistive switches. After talking with various experts, we have identified some existing accessories to recommend to teachers in our guidance, and proposed potential new accessories which we are working with third parties to develop.
Support for teachers
To provide detailed information to teachers working with children who need additional support, we have published:
- Our accessibility statement provides advice on how to get the best from the microbit.org website using assistive tools like keyboard, speech or screen reader navigation.
- Our Python Editor accessibility statement and micro:bit CreateAI accessibility statement provide support for accessibility needs and using assistive technology. There is also a link to Microsoft’s MakeCode accessibility guide from our full accessibility statement.
- More accessibility-focused guides are in development, to provide support to teachers using the micro:bit and working with students with visual impairments, deafness and hearing loss as well as mobility difficulties. We will publish these in 2025.
Embedding accessibility within learning products
For new learning resources, we are embedding accessibility into the development process. Where appropriate, we are providing additional information, including suggested adaptations for teachers working with students with additional needs. This was initiated for the following products:
We also reviewed and improved the accessibility of microbit.org, including within the Teach, Get started, Projects and Lessons sections, as well as of micro:bit classroom.
Ongoing impact
An important part of this project is to share our learnings with others and amplify discussions surrounding accessibility.
As part of this project, we have shared our progress in a number of ways, including with:
- the teaching community via Champions, Computing at schools, CSAccess, micro:bit Live Barcelona and micro:bit Live Athens
- the technical community, e.g. via the Blockly Summit 2024
- our channel partners and other key partners
- our communities across our website and social media channels
Our focus on accessibility also enabled us to dive into discussions around accessibility in block-based coding with Google Blockly and Microsoft MakeCode.
There is lots more we want to do to improve the accessibility of micro:bit and our resources. We are so grateful to Nominet for giving us the opportunity to focus attention on the topic and set in motion our continuing work in this area.
