AccessPlay

A comprehensive, accessible audio player extension for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox

• Overview
• Installation
• Features
• Keyboard Shortcuts
• Usage
• Settings
• Accessibility
• Troubleshooting

Overview

AccessPlay is a powerful, accessible audio player extension designed with keyboard-first navigation and screen reader support in mind. It provides an intuitive interface for playing, controlling, and navigating audio files with comprehensive keyboard shortcuts and customizable settings.

Whether you're listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or lectures, AccessPlay gives you complete control over playback with:

• Precise playback speed control (0.5x to 5x)
• Volume management with keyboard shortcuts
• Customizable skip duration for quick navigation
• Jump-to-time feature with hours, minutes, and seconds
• Full keyboard accessibility
• Screen reader friendly

Installation

If you're using Chrome:

Open the Chrome Web Store.

If you're Using Firefox:

Open the Firefox Add-ons page for AccessPlay.

For Edge

Open the Microsoft Edge Add-ons page (TBD).

• Find the Install / Add to Chrome / Add to Firefox button and confirm installation.

Note: AccessPlay stores all settings securely in your browser's sync storage, so your preferences are synchronized across devices when you're signed in.

Features

Play/Pause Control

Toggle playback with a single button or press the Space bar.

Skip Navigation

Use arrow keys to skip forward and backward by a customizable duration (default 10 seconds, up to 2 minutes).

Speed Control

Play at speeds from 0.5x to 5x normal speed using keyboard shortcuts or the slider. Perfect for learning and time management.

Volume Control

Adjust volume with arrow keys or the slider. Range from 0% to 100% with real-time feedback.

Jump to Time

Click the time display to open a dialog where you can jump to a specific hour, minute, and second.

Download Support

Download the currently playing audio file with a single click.

Customizable Settings

Configure default volume, default speed, and skip duration from the extension's options page.

Screen Reader Friendly

Full support for screen readers with announcements of player state and actions.

Keyboard Shortcuts

AccessPlay provides comprehensive keyboard control for hands-free operation:

Tip: When focused on a slider control, arrow keys will adjust that slider instead of triggering the player shortcuts. This allows for precise slider control.

How to Use

Basic Playback

1. Open an audio file in your browser or use a website that provides audio
2. The AccessPlay player will appear when audio is detected
3. Click the Play button or press Space to start playing
4. Use arrow keys or buttons to navigate

Adjusting Volume

1. Press ↑ to increase volume or ↓ to decrease
2. Volume ranges from 0% to 100%
3. Screen readers will announce the current volume level

Changing Playback Speed

1. Press [ to slow down or ] to speed up
2. Use = to return to normal speed (1.0x)
3. Speed changes are announced via screen reader

Skipping to a Specific Time

1. Click on the time display (showing current time / total duration)
2. A dialog box will open with "Jump to:" as the heading
3. Enter the desired hours, minutes, and seconds
4. Use the Pause button in the dialog to pause playback while seeking
5. Click "Go" to jump to that time, or "Cancel" to close without seeking

Skipping by Duration

1. Press ← to skip backward or → to skip forward
2. The skip amount is configurable in settings (default 10 seconds)
3. The player will prevent you from skipping beyond the audio boundaries

Downloading Audio

1. Click the "Download" button while audio is playing
2. The download will begin immediately
3. The button will show "Download Started. Click to retry." for 5 seconds

Configuration & Settings

Accessing the Options Page

1. Right-click the AccessPlay extension icon in your browser toolbar
2. Select "Options" or "Manage extension"
3. The settings page will open

Available Settings

Skip Duration (Default: 10 seconds)

• Minimum: 1 second
• Maximum: 120 seconds (2 minutes)
• This is the amount of time skipped when using the arrow keys or skip buttons

Default Volume (Default: 100%)

• Range: 0% to 100%
• When you open a new audio file, it will start at this volume level

Default Speed (Default: 1.0x)

• Range: 0.5x to 5.0x
• When you open a new audio file, it will play at this speed

Saving Your Settings

1. Adjust your desired settings
2. Click the "Save" button or press Ctrl+S
3. The live region will announce "Options have been saved."
4. Settings are automatically synced to your browser account

Accessibility Features

For Screen Reader Users

• All actions are announced aloud (volume changes, speed changes, boundaries, etc.)
• All buttons and controls have clear labels
• Time is described in both visual and spoken formats
• Full keyboard navigation without requiring a mouse

For Keyboard Users

• Every function can be performed using keyboard shortcuts
• Minimal key combinations to reduce strain
• When using sliders, arrow keys control the slider instead of the player for precise adjustment
• Immediate feedback for every action

Troubleshooting

The player doesn't appear when I open an audio file

• Ensure the extension is enabled (check in your browser's extension manager)
• This player will not work on websites that employ DRM or custom players, such as Audible, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Keyboard shortcuts aren't working

• Make sure the player window is focused
• You may have to put your screen reader in Focus mode or Forms Mode, or turn off Scan Mode.
• If focused on a slider, arrow keys will control the slider instead of the player

Screen reader isn't announcing changes

• Ensure Report Dynamic Content Changes or equivalent is turned on.

Settings aren't being saved

• Verify you're signed into your browser account (settings sync requires this)
• Check that you clicked "Save" or pressed Ctrl+S
• Wait for the "Options have been saved." announcement

Volume or speed won't change

• Check that the audio file is loaded (the player should show a duration)
• Try adjusting using the slider instead of keyboard shortcuts
• Verify your system volume isn't muted
• Some audio sources may have their own volume controls that take precedence

The time jump dialog won't let me enter a time

• The fields validate in real-time to prevent invalid times
• You cannot set a time beyond the audio file's duration

Still having issues? Email me [email protected]

AccessPlay - A keyboard-accessible audio player for everyone

On the Edge Store: No