Version 2.0.3 introduces a redesigned architecture, resolves key configuration issues, and adds new premium features. Highlights include reliable frontend application of settings (e.g. button & icon size, color schemes), text-to-speech, adjustable reading speed, toolbar positioning, and enhanced template compatibility. Fully WCAG 2.1 AA compliant, multilingual, responsive, and optimized for Joomla 3.x

Recommended update for improved accessibility and stability.

BarrierFree is a comprehensive accessibility plugin for Joomla, designed to make websites more accessible for people with various impairments. The plugin features an intuitive, floating toolbar that allows visitors to customize the website’s appearance and functionality according to their individual needs.

Key Features

🔊 Text-to-Speech (Reading Function)

• Automatic reading of page content
• Smart content detection (filters out menus and navigation)
• Supports both German and English
• Adjustable reading speed
• Visual highlighting of the currently read text
• Scroll tracking for better orientation

📝 Text Adjustments

• Font Size Adjustment: From 70% to 200% in 10% increments
• Letter Spacing: 3 levels to improve readability
• All changes are saved automatically

🎨 Visual Adjustments

• Grayscale Mode: Reduces distractions from colors
• Color Inversion: Inverts all colors for better contrast
• Link Highlighting: Makes links clearly visible
• Link Underlining: Adds extra emphasis on links

🖱️ Navigation & Interaction

• Large Cursor: Enhanced visibility of the mouse pointer
• Reading Ruler: Movable guide to improve text focus
• Keyboard Navigation: Fully operable via keyboard

🌍 Multilingual Support

• Full support for German and English
• Automatic language detection based on browser settings
• Easy language switching via the toolbar

🎨 Customizable Appearance

• 7 Color Schemes: Blue, Green, Red, Purple, Orange, Teal, Dark
• Toolbar Positioning: Left or right side of the screen
• Responsive design for all devices

Technical Details

System Requirements

• Joomla Version: 4.0+ and 5.0+
• PHP Version: 7.4+ (Recommended: 8.0+)

• Browser Support:

  • Chrome 60+
  • Firefox 55+
  • Safari 12+
  • Edge 79+

JavaScript: Required (ES5 compatible)

Plugin Specifications

• Plugin Type: System Plugin
• Plugin Group: system
• Namespace: JoomlaPluginSystemBarrierFree
• Current Version: 1.7
• License: GNU GPL v2+
• Developer: Mertsch-Web

File Size & Performance

• Plugin Size: ~45 KB (compressed)
• CSS File: ~12 KB
• JavaScript File: ~18 KB
• Language Files: ~8 KB (total)
• Load Time Impact: < 50ms
• Memory Usage: < 1 MB

Technical Features

• CSS-Based Animations: Smooth transitions without JavaScript overhead
• LocalStorage: Persistent saving of user settings
• Event Delegation: Optimized event handling
• Responsive Design: Mobile-first approach
• Accessibility Standards: WCAG 2.1 AA compliant
• Cross-Browser Compatibility: Vendor prefixes for maximum support

API & Integration

• Speech Synthesis API: For text-to-speech functionality
• Web Storage API: For saving settings
• Intersection Observer: For performance-optimized scroll tracking
• CSS Custom Properties: For dynamic color changes