Regression: the new Block Inserter doesn't use headings to identify block sections any longer #22859
Labels
[Feature] Inserter
The main way to insert blocks using the + button in the editing interface
[Focus] Accessibility (a11y)
Changes that impact accessibility and need corresponding review (e.g. markup changes).
Good First Issue
An issue that's suitable for someone looking to contribute for the first time
[Priority] High
Used to indicate top priority items that need quick attention
[Type] Regression
Related to a regression in the latest release
Describe the bug
The new Block Inserter doesn't use headings to identify block sections any longer.
In the old inserter, each expandable panel was also a
h2
heading.This greatly helped screen reader users to jump through the various blocks groups because headings are one of the main navigation mechanisms for screen readers.
In the new block inserter, the expandable panels are gone but what really impacts accessibility is that the blocks groups "titles" aren't headings any longer.
These titles are just plain text with no semantics. Thus, screen reader users aren't able to jump through sections any longer.
I'm not sure what is the reasoning behind the headings removal, I'd appreciate anyone pointing me to the relevant discussion. On my side, I'd just like to note that it's 2020 and I'd appreciate if anyone would to their best to avoid to throw unsemantic text into the UI.
The new implementation uses just
div
andspan
elements for these text, which is, I'm sorry to say it, just not acceptable in a project that aims to be accessible.To reproduce
Expected behavior
The various blocks groups to be identified with a
h2
heading.Editor version (please complete the following information):
Note:
I consider this an accessibility regression and I'd like to kindly ask to not release the new block inserter in this state in WordPress 5.5. The headings should be restored first.
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