Visually impaired users, or visually disabled users, are individuals with varying levels of vision loss or impairment, ranging from mild to severe conditions like low vision, partial blindness, or complete blindness. They face challenges in perceiving visual information, including text, images, colors, and layout. They may or may not use corrective measures such as glasses or contact lenses. To access and interact with digital content, visually disabled users rely on assistive technologies like screen readers, magnification software, refreshable braille displays, and other specialized devices. These tools convert text into synthesized speech, braille output, or enlarge on-screen content. By using assistive technologies and following web accessibility guidelines, developers can ensure that visually disabled users have equal access to digital content and an inclusive online experience.
Published in Chapter:
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 3.0: Empowering Visually Impaired Learners With Inclusive Web Design
Copyright: © 2023
|Pages: 24
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-8737-2.ch012
Abstract
This chapter explores web accessibility, focusing on empowering visually impaired learners through inclusive design. It highlights the importance of accessibility and associated ethics in providing equal opportunities online. The chapter introduces the web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG), notably WCAG 3.0. This latest version of the accessibility guidelines introduces new concepts, principles, and success criteria to improve inclusiveness, flexibility, and user-centricity. The chapter emphasizes practical use of these guidelines in web development, improving classroom experiences for visually impaired students, and guiding educators. It also assesses web accessibility of top QS-ranked institutions globally and in Asia and India using WAVE accessibility checker. Overall, the chapter underscores web accessibility's significance in an inclusive online environment, particularly for visually impaired learners.