Image Accessibility for Screen Reader Users: A Systematic Review and a Road Map

Uran Oh,Hwayeon Joh,YunJung Lee

doi:10.3390/electronics10080953

Abstract

A number of studies have been conducted to improve the accessibility of images using touchscreen devices for screen reader users. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of 33 papers to get a holistic understanding of existing approaches and to suggest a research road map given identified gaps. As a result, we identified types of images, visual information, input device and feedback modalities that were studied for improving image accessibility using touchscreen devices. Findings also revealed that there is little study how the generation of image-related information can be automated. Moreover, we confirmed that the involvement of screen reader users is mostly limited to evaluations, while input from target users during the design process is particularly important for the development of assistive technologies. Then we introduce two of our recent studies on the accessibility of artwork and comics, AccessArt and AccessComics, respectively. Based on the identified key challenges, we suggest a research agenda for improving image accessibility for screen reader users.

Highlights

According to the World Health Organization, at least 2.2 billion people have a visual impairment, and the number is likely to increase with population growth and aging [1]
To improve the accessibility of images for people who are blind or have low vision (BLV), a number of studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of custommade tactile versions of images [2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
Based on the challenges and limitations identified by conducting systematic review and from our own experience of improving image accessibility for screen reader users, we suggest a road map for future studies in this field of research

Summary

Introduction

According to the World Health Organization, at least 2.2 billion people have a visual impairment, and the number is likely to increase with population growth and aging [1]. Holloway et al [7] investigated tactile graphics and 3D models to deliver map information such as the number of entrances, location and direction of certain landmarks. This approach with extra tactile feedback is found to be effective as it can deepen one’s spatial understanding of images by touch [9,10,11]. It requires additional equipment, which potential users have limited access to (e.g., 3D printer, custom devices). Tactile representations need to be designed and built for each image, and it is not ideal for supporting a number of different images in terms of time and cost

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Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion