Digital Accessibility for People with Visual Impairments: Challenges, Opportunities, and Inclusive Technology Solutions
Keywords:
digital literacy, digital accessibility, blind, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), screen reader, text-to-speechAbstract
This study discusses the importance of digital access for people with visual impairments (visually impaired) in the midst of the rapid development of information technology. Although technology has the potential to help everyone, there are still many digital applications that are not easy for a blind person to use. The development of information and communication technology has provided various conveniences in accessing information digitally. However, not all individuals can enjoy such access equally, especially the visually impaired. Digital accessibility is an important aspect in ensuring that technology can be used by everyone without exception. This research aims to analyze the importance of digital literacy and the application of digital accessibility for a blind person in accessing technology-based information and services. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with literature studies from various scientific sources related to digital literacy and technological accessibility. The results of the study show that the application of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the use of tools such as screen readers or text-to-speech can help blind users access information on the internet. The application of a design that is easily accessible to everyone is not only a technical matter, but also a form of fulfilling everyone's right to information. Therefore, cooperation between the government, technology developers, and the community is needed to increase inclusive digital accessibility.
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