Breaking Data Barriers: Advancing Web Data Accessibility for the Visually Impaired through Sonification.

Abstract

In today’s era of technology there is a belief in the importance of making data and information available to everyone. However, this accessibility remains a challenge for a group of people; those who are blind or visually impaired. This thesis aims to explore the concept of "Accessible Data Representation with Natural Sound" and its relevance, to the unique difficulties faced by this community. It will delve into every aspect of data accessibility from how it's initially communicated to the intricate world of interaction. To start we conduct an examination of the current status of data accessibility. This examination explores the aspects of the issue including how data is used in different settings like homes, public spaces and workplaces. We analyze types of data ranging from time-based data to geographical information uncovering the complexities involved in making these diverse forms of data accessible to people, with visual impairments. Throughout our investigation we emphasize both the strengths that already exist in this field and the key obstacles that hinder accessibility. The heart of this project is in the design stage, where we take a problem-solving approach to tackle the weaknesses that have been identified. The outcome is a prototype that combines web technologies with assistive devices. This prototype represents an advancement in making data accessible and understandable for people who are blind or visually impaired. To ensure user centered design we actively seek feedback, from this community. This study has two goals in mind. It aims to expose the complex web of data accessibility, identifying the barriers that prevent the blind and visually impaired from fully utilizing the benefits of the digital era. In addition, it aims to create a route toward a more inclusive digital environment in which information is not only made available but also sensitive to the complex requirements of people who are blind or visually impaired. This thesis aims to bring about change by investigating these aspects and making sure that data whether it be numerical, graphical, or textual is genuinely universal and available to everyone.