An Accessible Blocks Language: Work in Progress

Abstract

Block languages are extensively used to introduce programming to children. They replace the complex and error prone syntax of textual languages with simple shape cues that show how program elements can be combined. In their present form, blind learners cannot use them, because they rely on graphical presentation of code, and mouse interactions. We are working on a nonvisual blocks language called Pseudospatial Blocks (PB), that supports program creation using keyboard commands with synthetic speech output. It replaces visual shape cues for language syntax, the key feature of block languages, with filtering of program elements by syntactic category.