Breaking: The ChatGPT Update That Quietly Changed Access — And Why It Matters at Work
Opening
On Friday, June 27, a quiet update rolled out to ChatGPT.
Many users didn’t notice a thing. But for others — especially those who rely on accessibility tools — the change was immediate.
What they found was that something they used every day… suddenly didn’t work.
You couldn’t move between sections.
You didn’t know what you typed.
You couldn’t even use the keyboard to press Enter to send a prompt.
ChatGPT has been a game-changer.
It’s helped professionals across industries work faster, stay organized, and deliver better results. It’s one of the best tools many of us have used.
That’s why this update matters — and why I’m confident the company will quickly look into the feedback and make the necessary changes.
What Broke
After the June 27th update, users who depend on assistive technology ran into new roadblocks:
1. Screen reader users could no longer move through the page. Important areas weren’t labeled. Text wasn’t read aloud. Pressing Enter stopped working — without any warning.
Voice navigation users — people who use their voice instead of a keyboard or mouse — now had to see or touch the screen to complete basic tasks.
These aren’t extra features. They’re how people do their work every day.
What Are These Tools?
Screen readers are software used by people who are blind or have low vision. They read everything on the screen out loud — including buttons, menus, and typed text — so users can work without needing to see.
Voice navigation tools let people speak commands instead of using a mouse or keyboard. These tools are often used by people with mobility challenges or chronic pain.
They’re not “nice to have.” They’re how people stay productive, independent, and focused.
Why It Affects the Workplace
1 in 4 U.S. adults lives with a disability (CDC).
Many use tools like screen readers or voice software as part of their daily workflow.
ChatGPT is used by:
1. Professionals who use voice commands instead of typing
Employees who navigate by keyboard with the help of screen readers
Coaches, trainers, and service providers who use the tool to create helpful content
When something breaks that people depend on, the effect is real — and it shows up in work, communication, and confidence.
And in many workplaces, ChatGPT is supported, reimbursed, or fully paid for. So when access changes, it matters.
Leaders: Here’s What You Can Do
If your organization uses or supports ChatGPT, here are four helpful steps:
1. Check in with your team. Ask if anything changed after June 27 — especially for those using assistive technology
2. Submit feedback to OpenAI
o Go to help.openai.com
o Click the chat icon
o Type: “Submit an accessibility issue”
o Share what tech you use (JAWS, Dragon, browser, etc.) and what changed
3. Provide support. Offer time, backup tools, or other options if someone on your team is affected
4. Add accessibility checks when choosing or renewing tools
If You Were Affected
You’re not alone — and your voice matters.
Click the chat icon
Say: “Submit an accessibility issue”
Mention what stopped working and what assistive tool or browser you use
You don’t need to write much. Just share what changed.
Final Thought
ChatGPT is a valuable tool — and we know the team behind it is listening.
We trust that updates and improvements will come. In the meantime, speaking up helps make that possible.
Let’s make sure everyone has what they need to keep working at their best.
P.S.
There are a few workarounds being shared online if you're using a screen reader or voice tool.
But if you get stuck or don’t know where to start, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help.
#Workplace360 #ChatGPTUpdate #ProductivityTools #WorkToolsThatWork #DigitalAccess
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1moSuch a great point. I wonder if ChatGPT takes this into consideration 🤔 April Ogden
Technical Product Manager | FinTech & eCommerce | Product Innovation & Strategy | Startup & Enterprise 0-1 | 🙏🏼💖🤩👑 #GITA Tech-led, human-centered product experiences optimizing the customer journey.
1mo🔥🔥🔥Thanks for sharing, April. Accessibility is often an oversight when technical upgrades are pushed. Regression tests don’t proactively look for defects and most test teams aren’t staffed with anyone dependent on accessibility tools to do their jobs. Unfortunately it’s not until someone can’t anymore and reports it for the entire community to benefit from a fix. I have been on client teams at large organizations leading efforts to make applications ADA compliant and gaining access to the tools you mentioned just to test the engineering teams fixes have been delayed because of excuses like budget without any regard for the humans being impacted when the software is rendered essentially useless to them since it’s no longer accessible. In many ways technology solutions have leveled the playing field but only when accessible for ALL. Thank you for this update beautiful soul! 🙏🏼💖🤩👑 #GITA #gratitudeistheattitude 🎤