[InlineCompletionItemProvider][Accessibility] Make screen reader read grey text when it shows up

[leti367]

We are using grey text api(InlineCompletionItemProvider) for our IntelliCode Completions Extension in VSCode.
We are now working on the accessibility tasks for our extension. We’d like to let the screen readers(like NVDA) to read the grey text when it shows up.
Like in this case:

We’d like screen readers to read something like “Suggestions: ‘const functionName = onnxModel.Functions[]’ Tab to accept”. Any ideas/suggestions about how to do this?

We noticed out in VSCode 'Screen Reader Optimized' mode, the tooltip will be like:

If user click/select this tooltip, screen reader will read this content. However, is it possible that screen reader can read this info as long as grey texts shows up (even if tooltip doesn’t show up)?

[isidorn]

If the screen reader where to read the grey text whenever it shows up this would be too aggressive and disturbing for our users. Screen reader would read non stop.
That is why my initial thought was that we play an audio cue when there is an inline suggestion, and when users hear this cue if they want they can focus on the hover to hear more.

What do you think about this proposal?

[leti367]

Thanks @isidorn, this sounds great for me.

[hediet]

That is why my initial thought was that we play an audio cue when there is an inline suggestion, and when users hear this cue if they want they can focus on the hover to hear more.

I think this is what we have today, can you verify this @isidorn?

[isidorn]

Yes, there is an audio cue when an inline suggestion is visible.
I also plan to brainstorm about this experience with @meganrogge next week :)

[meganrogge]

@isidorn this is exactly the kind of thing that could be helped with a setting to control the level of detail that we provide the screen reader with #172465

[hediet]

I think this feature is implemented now.