Generating Accessible Online Graphics for Visually Impaired People: A Case Study with Floor Plans

Abstract

Currently, most online information graphics are inaccessible to anyone with severe vision impairment. Here, we present a new approach to the accessible provision of such graphics. We present a generic model that supports automated transcription. We evaluate our model by applying it to a case study: house floorplans. A formative study with vision impaired users revealed that there is no best medium for presenting accessible graphics, so our model supports presentation in different mediums. The initial tool catered for raster floor plans, but we also conducted an exploration as to how to extend the tool to handle SVG floor plans.