[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "In%20the%20Amazon%20website%20there%20is%20this%20new%20UI%20element%20where%20there%20is%20like%20a%20sidecar%20view%20of%20my%20cart%20of%20items%20along%20the%20right%20hand%20side%20of%20the%20screen.%20Is%20there%20a%20way%20to%20shut%20that%20off%2C%20give%20directions%20for%20a%20screen%20reader%20user."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s what I found about Amazon\u2019s sidebar/side-panel (cart or Alexa/Rufus) behavior \u2014 and what might help *screen-reader users*. As of mid-2026, there is **no built-in setting on Amazon** that allows you to disable this side panel permanently. This means accessibility needs will require custom workarounds. ([support.google.com](https://support.google.com/chrome/thread/306695612/permanently-turn-off-the-side-panel?hl=en&utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What the sidebar is\n\n- Amazon has introduced a side-panel/cart summary (sometimes tied to \u201cRufus\u201d or \u201cAlexa for Shopping\u201d) that reveals what you have in your cart or shows suggestions/assistance. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/userscripts/comments/1vcc6nu/kill_amazons_alexa_for_shopping_sidebar_n%C3%A9e_rufus/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Amazon does **not offer a user preference** to turn it off. Several users report that Amazon confirmed there is no way via Amazon\u2019s website settings to disable this feature. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/amazonprime/comments/1vc0ven/long_time_amazon_prime_customer_not_a_fan_of/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Why this can be a problem for screen-reader users\n\n- The side panel can appear automatically when you browse or scroll, potentially shifting the main content. This can lead to unexpected focus changes and make navigation harder.  \n- It can reduce useful reading area or introduce more \u201cnoise\u201d in the interface.  \n- The panel content isn\u2019t always relevant and may distract you or slow down navigation.\n\n---\n\n## Possible ways to \u201cturn it off\u201d or mitigate its effects\n\nSince Amazon doesn\u2019t provide a native option to disable the panel, here are alternatives. These may require technical setup, browser extensions/userscripts, etc. I\u2019ll include screen-reader specific advice where possible.\n\n| Option | How It Helps | Considerations for Screen-Reader Users |\n|---|---|---|\n| **Browser extension to hide sidebar** | There are browser add-ons like \u201cHide Amazon Cart Sidebar\u201d for Firefox/Chrome that hide the cart side panel by applying CSS to set it to `display: none`. ([addons.mozilla.org](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/hide-amazon-cart-sidebar/?utm_source=openai)) | When these extensions remove the element, the screenreader should no longer announce it. You will need to make sure your extension does not conflict with ARIA or other live region announcements. |\n| **User script (e.g. via Tampermonkey/Viloentmonkey)** | Scripts like *Amazon Rufus Blocker* block panel elements (by ID or class) and restore the page layout so Amazon doesn\u2019t reserve space for the panel. ([github.com](https://github.com/ericsundberg/amazon-rufus-blocker?utm_source=openai)) | With scripting, you may need some technical setup. Once the elements are removed, you may need to test with your screen-reader to ensure focus order is intact. |\n| **ugly, but works: hiding with uBlock Origin / cosmetic filters** | You can use rules like `amazon.com###nav-flyout-ewc` and reset padding on `body`. Users report this hides the sidebar and restores the layout. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/uBlockOrigin/comments/r5rt8y?utm_source=openai)) | When hiding via CSS, set it only for the domains you use. Ensure the rules don\u2019t hide other useful elements. After applying, test standard navigation (heading navigation, links, etc.) with your screen reader. |\n| **Using a browser or mode that Amazon doesn\u2019t target** | Some people report that opening Amazon in privacy-focused browsers or using \u201cDuckDuckGo\u201d browser avoids triggering the panel. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/amazonprime/comments/1vc0ven/long_time_amazon_prime_customer_not_a_fan_of/?utm_source=openai)) | Might be inconsistent. Not reliable, especially if Amazon gradually rolls out features. |\n| **Send feedback / bug report to Amazon** | Amazon should hear from users like you about accessibility issues. If enough screen-reader users request an opt-out, Amazon may provide one. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/amazonprime/comments/1vc0ven/long_time_amazon_prime_customer_not_a_fan_of/?utm_source=openai)) | This doesn\u2019t help immediately, but it's important for long-term improvement. |\n\n---\n\n## Specific directions for screen-reader users\n\nHere are steps you could try, assuming you\u2019re using a browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Adapt based on your browser and screen-reader (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, etc.).\n\n1. **Identify your browser** (and platform\u2014Windows, Mac, etc.).  \n2. **Install a browser extension or user script manager** (e.g., Tampermonkey, Violentmonkey).  \n3. **Use a script or filter** such as \u201cAmazon Rufus Blocker\u201d to disable/remove the panel. ([github.com](https://github.com/ericsundberg/amazon-rufus-blocker?utm_source=openai))  \n   - Load the script, enable it for `amazon.com` (and your regional Amazon domain, if different).  \n   - The script will try to remove elements with IDs/classes like `nav-flyout-rufus`, `rufus-container`, etc., and clear session/local storage keys so Amazon doesn\u2019t re-dock the panel. ([github.com](https://github.com/ericsundberg/amazon-rufus-blocker?utm_source=openai))  \n4. **Install a CSS-based extension** if a user script isn\u2019t workable. For example:\n   - \u201cHide Amazon Cart Sidebar\u201d extension for Firefox/Chrome ([addons.mozilla.org](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/hide-amazon-cart-sidebar/?utm_source=openai))  \n   - Or via uBlock\u2019s \u201cMy Filters\u201d: e.g. `amazon.com##body:style(padding-right: 0px !important)` etc. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/uBlockOrigin/comments/r5rt8y?utm_source=openai))  \n5. **Test with your screen reader**: after implementing the block/hide:\n   - Go through some typical workflows (search, browse product lists, open product pages).  \n   - Use your typical navigation (tab, headings, landmarks).  \n   - Confirm the side panel doesn\u2019t take focus, or appear in navigation structures.  \n6. **Fallback**: If those technical options don\u2019t work or conflict with assistive tech, you may need to adjust by moving items you don\u2019t want shown in the cart (saved for later), so that the panel doesn\u2019t appear (sometimes it appears only when there are items in cart). This is less ideal. ([amazonforum.com](https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D54P00007FA49oSAD/how-do-i-get-rid-of-the-cart-on-the-right-side-of-my-screen?language=en_US&utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Limitations & what Amazon *could* improve\n\n- These hacks work today, but Amazon can change IDs/classes or the JS that shows the panel, which might break the scripts/extensions.  \n- Some users report that even after hiding the panel, Amazon still reserves the layout space, or behavior leaks through.  \n- There is no official opt-out, so accessibility depends on third-party solutions. That means those with more technical skills are at an advantage.\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me **which browser and screen reader** you use (e.g. Chrome + NVDA; Firefox + JAWS; Safari + VoiceOver), I can walk you through more precise steps tailored for your setup. Do you want me to prepare those instructions?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "Ok%2C%20it%20looks%20like%20with%20JAWS%20Flexable%20web%20feature%20I%20can%20accomplish%20what%20I%20want.%20Can%20you%20look%20online%20an%20see%20if%20any%20other%20screen%20reader%20users%20have%20done%20this%20and%20exactly%20what%20element%20needs%20to%20have%20focus%20to%20block%20all%20the%20content%20in%20the%20sidebar."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I searched around, especially in forums and Reddit, but I didn't find any specific reports from users who have used *JAWS Flexible Web* to hide Amazon\u2019s Riverside/Rufus sidebar *focusing* on a particular element ID or role that reliably blocks *all* its content when using JAWS. However, I found several useful clues and some popular element selectors people use in ad blockers and uBlock Origin filters \u2014 those might give you the hint you need to identify the element to hide via Flexible Web.\n\nHere are what people commonly block (these are CSS selectors / element IDs / classes that appear as targets) along with what that suggests for the element you might set as focus or hide target. I also cover how Flexible Web might use these.\n\n---\n\n## What users are blocking\n\nThese are elements people report blocking or removing via uBlock Origin, adblock, etc.:\n\n- `nav-flyout-rufus` (e.g. `div#nav-flyout-rufus`) \u2014 removes the flyout panel for Rufus. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/amazonprime/comments/1ps5xv6/disable_rufus_autoflyout_on_chrome_with_ublock/?utm_source=openai))  \n- `.rufus-panel-container` \u2014 the main container for the Rufus panel. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/uBlockOrigin/comments/1rcj9db/completely_blocking_rufus_on_amazon/?utm_source=openai))  \n- `.rufus-panel-closed-to-peek.rufus-panel-container` \u2014 a variant when the panel is minimized or docked. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/amazonprime/comments/1q5fdpq/customer_service_just_told_me_to_use_my_adblock/?utm_source=openai))  \n- `.rufus-panel-header-right-section`, `.rufus-panel-header-content-row`, `.rufus-panel-header-left-section` \u2014 header parts of the Rufus side panel. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/amazonprime/comments/1ps5xv6/disable_rufus_autoflyout_on_chrome_with_ublock/?utm_source=openai))  \n- `.rufus-container-peek-view`, `.rufus-conversation-container`, `.rufus-conversation-container-inner` \u2014 the interactive/chat parts. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/amazonprime/comments/1ps5xv6/disable_rufus_autoflyout_on_chrome_with_ublock/?utm_source=openai))  \n- `.nav-rufus-disco` \u2014 another container element often mentioned. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/uBlockOrigin/comments/1rcj9db/completely_blocking_rufus_on_amazon/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## What this suggests for Flexible Web\n\nJAWS Flexible Web has functionality to \u201chide an element,\u201d \u201cskip regions,\u201d etc. To use this effectively, you\u2019d want to identify one or more of the above elements and hide them via Flexible Web\u2019s \u201chide element\u201d option. That should remove them from the reading order and visual layout.\n\nThe most likely element IDs/classes you\u2019ll want to target are:\n\n- `nav-flyout-rufus` (ID)  \n- `rufus-panel-container` (class)  \n\nHiding either of those (especially `nav-flyout-rufus`) tends to remove the visible panel *and* stop it from declaring layout shifts \u2014 including being removed from tab order / screen-reader focus.\n\n---\n\n## Proposed strategy for Flexible Web\n\nHere are steps you can try, adapted for JAWS Flexible Web (since you mentioned you have it):\n\n1. Browse to an Amazon page where the Rufus sidebar appears.\n\n2. Invoke Flexible Web, and use its hide-element tool. (Often this is via something like \u201cInsert\u2010Space, then choose Flexible Web \u2192 Hide an element.\u201d)\n\n3. When Flexible Web lists the elements (it may show region lists or lists of elements by name/role), try to find:\n\n   - An element whose role is \u201cregion\u201d or \u201cbanner\u201d which corresponds to a side panel displayed on the right.  \n   - Or scan for an ID like `nav-flyout-rufus` or a class name containing `rufus-panel-container`.\n\n4. Choose that element and set it to \u201chide.\u201d This should remove it from the DOM so it isn\u2019t read by JAWS or navigated to via tabbing.\n\n5. After hiding, test navigation: try using standard navigation keys (headings, links, \u201cgo to next region,\u201d etc.) in browse mode, and see whether focus or announcement ever refers to Rufus.\n\n6. If Rufus still appears in some shape (for example, some tooltip or minimized dock), hide any secondary elements like `.rufus-panel-closed-to-peek.rufus-panel-container` or `.rufus-container-peek-view`. Those might be variants that replace the full panel in minimized state.  \n\n---\n\n## Example of selectors you can test\n\nBased on what people successfully blocked, these are good candidates:\n\n- `#nav-flyout-rufus`  \n- `.rufus-panel-container`  \n- `.rufus-panel-closed-to-peek.rufus-panel-container`  \n- `.rufus-panel-header-right-section` or `.rufus-panel-header-content-row`  \n- `.rufus-conversation-container`  \n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can try to walk you through a test case\u2014I'll describe exactly how to find the element with your browser\u2019s inspector and then how to tell Flexible Web \u201cthis is what I want hidden\u201d\u2014so you can get it working reliably for your setup. Would you like that?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "Ok%2C%20that%27s%20a%20ad%20blocker%2C%20not%20exactly%20designed%20to%20apply%20to%20interactive%20UI%20Elements%2C%20what%20about%20the%20Firefox%20Addon%20you%20mentioned%20earlier%2C%20that%20clearly%2C%20was%20blocking%20the%20right%20element%20so%20the%20sidebar%20was%20gone."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I dug up more details \u2014 including what one of the Firefox add\u2010ons (and a user script) specifically hides, so you can analogize setting that kind of thing in JAWS Flexible Web. It seems like the add-ons are built using very similar element selectors to what uBlock / user styles use \u2014 which is handy, because the \u201celement\u201d you hide (or have the focus on) in Flexible Web will be roughly one of those.\n\nHere are the findings:\n\n---\n\n## Relevant Firefox Add-ons & Userscripts\n\n1. **Amazon Cart Hider** (Blitz Tiger) \u2014 a Firefox add-on  \n   - *Purpose:* \u201cHides the Amazon cart sidebar on Amazon\u2019s website.\u201d ([addons.mozilla.org](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-GB/firefox/addon/amazon-cart-hider/?utm_source=openai))  \n   - *What it likely does behind the scenes:* The code likely targets and hides a sidebar element (often one with an ID or class name like `nav-flyout-ewc` or similar), possibly also removing margins/padding added when the sidebar appears. Add-on permissions include \u201cAccess your data for sites in the amazon.com domain,\u201d which implies it runs scripts or styles on Amazon\u2019s pages to hide things. ([addons.mozilla.org](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-GB/firefox/addon/amazon-cart-hider/?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Amazon Rufus Blocker** \u2013 a Tampermonkey/Greasemonkey userscript ([github.com](https://github.com/ericsundberg/amazon-rufus-blocker?utm_source=openai))  \n   - *What it hides:* It explicitly hides elements including:\n     - `#nav-rufus-disco`  \n     - `#nav-flyout-rufus`  \n     - `#nav-rufus-content`  \n     - `#rufus-container`  \n   - *What else it does:* Blocks activation targets (clicks or pointer events) that open the panel; clears localStorage/sessionStorage keys related to Rufus; fixes layout when Amazon\u2019s code \u201cdocks\u201d the panel. ([github.com](https://github.com/ericsundberg/amazon-rufus-blocker?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Hide Amazon Cart (GreasyFork script)** ([greasyfork.org](https://greasyfork.org/en/scripts/419596-hide-amazon-cart/code?utm_source=openai))  \n   - *Primary target:* `div#nav-flyout-ewc` which corresponds to the \u201ccart flyout\u201d sidebar.  \n   - *Additional layout repair:* Hides the sidebar \u201carrow\u201d anchor (`div#nav-flyout-anchor`) and resets body padding on the right side to 0 so the site uses full width. ([greasyfork.org](https://greasyfork.org/en/scripts/419596-hide-amazon-cart/code?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What Element(s) to Hide / Focus in Flexible Web Based on These\n\nBased on this, these are the most reliable element selectors that, if you hide them via Flexible Web, should eliminate both the sidebar content *and* prevent it from being reachable via arrow keys or announcement by JAWS:\n\n- **#nav-flyout-rufus** \u2014 HTML element with that id; main Rufus/Alexa side panel.  \n- **#rufus-container** \u2014 another container surrounding the panel.  \n- **#nav-rufus-content** \u2014 content inside the panel.  \n- **#nav-rufus-disco** \u2014 often wrapper or launched container.  \n- **div#nav-flyout-ewc** \u2014 older or alternate cart flyout sidebar (cart summary) (some userscript/extension combos use it).  \n\n---\n\n## How You Might Do This in Flexible Web (JAWS)\n\nHere\u2019s how to translate that into using Flexible Web\u2019s \u201cHide Element\u201d (or whatever name it uses). This is a hypothesized sequence based on typical Flexible Web flow:\n\n1. Browse to Amazon where the panel is visible (on any product page or search results).\n\n2. Activate Flexible Web mode (e.g., Insert-Space \u2192 Flexible Web \u2192 Hide/Skip Element). If needed, use \u201clist of elements\u201d or \u201cselect via mouse/arrow keys\u201d to choose the target.\n\n3. Look for element names/roles with:\n\n   - Type: `region`, `aside`, or maybe `dialog` or something with \u201crole=\u201d  \n   - IDs matching: `nav-flyout-rufus`, `rufus-container`, `nav-rufus-content`  \n   - Classes containing: `rufus-panel`, `rufus-container`, something with \u201crufus\u201d in the name.\n\n4. Choose one of the above elements \u2014 for example, `#nav-flyout-rufus` \u2014 and mark it as hidden (or \u201cnot focusable,\u201d removed from reading order) in Flexible Web.\n\n5. Then, check: navigate with JAWS, try Tab or \u201clist landmarks or regions\u201d keys, make sure that panel isn\u2019t announced or entered.\n\n6. If you still see or hear any edge case (like minimized peek or overlay), then also hide:\n\n   - `.rufus-panel-container`  \n   - `.rufus-panel-closed-to-peek.rufus-panel-container`  \n   - `#nav-rufus-content`  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can try to find *exact steps someone has posted* who used Flexible Web with these selectors. Want me to chase that?"
    }
]