Information is placed to the left and right of the timeline which sits in the centre of the page. Each activity, such as a new like or status update, is positioned on this timeline. The Timeline feature presents a number of unique challenges for users with a disability, including poor navigation, poor colour contrast and confusing functionality. However, there are some methods which users can employ to make navigating the Timeline as painless as possible.
One of the key differences between the Wall and the Timeline is reading order. Updates that sit along the Timeline will be interspersed with other information, such as Friends and Pages the user likes. Further down the Timeline it gets simpler and only posts and status updates will be listed.
There are two main reasons to visit a friend’s Timeline. One is to see what they’ve been up to including status updates, new friends and links to other media. The other is to write on their Timeline, leaving a message to the person that all their friends can see. This can include a link or photo.
For screen reader users, the easiest way to navigate to this option is to use the Ctrl+F (find) keyboard shortcut and search for ’post’. This will take you to the area where you can write your message or paste your link. Doing it this way will save you from having to go the long way round.
Brand pages are laid out in much the same way as personal profile pages. Other functions can be accessed most easily through the keyboard shortcuts listed in the table below.
When the Timeline was introduced all information on personal profiles automatically became public so it’s important to update your privacy settings as soon as you log on.
Detailed instructions on overcoming Facebook’s accessibility barriers are available in our guide to Facebook for people with a disability.
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