The Accessibility of Data Visualizations on the Web for Screen Reader Users: Practices and Experiences During COVID-19

Abstract

Data visualization has become an increasingly important means of effective data communication and has played a vital role in broadcasting the progression of COVID-19. Accessible data representations, on the other hand, have lagged behind, leaving areas of information out of reach for many blind and visually impaired (BVI) users. In this work, we sought to understand (1) the accessibility of current implementations of visualizations on the web; (2) BVI users’ preferences and current experiences when accessing data-driven media; (3) how accessible data representations on the web address these users’ access needs and help them navigate, interpret, and gain insights from the data; and (4) the practical challenges that limit BVI users’ access and use of data representations. To answer these questions, we conducted a mixed-methods study consisting of an accessibility audit of 87 data visualizations on the web to identify accessibility issues, an online survey of 127 screen reader users to understand lived experiences and preferences, and a remote contextual inquiry with 12 of the survey respondents to observe how they navigate, interpret and gain insights from accessible data representations. Our observations during this critical period of time provide an understanding of the widespread accessibility issues encountered across online data visualizations, the impact that data accessibility inequities have on the BVI community, the ways screen reader users sought access to data-driven information and made use of online visualizations to form insights, and the pressing need to make larger strides towards improving data literacy, building confidence, and enriching methods of access. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for researchers and practitioners to broaden data accessibility on the web.

Beyond Alternative Text and tables: Comparative Analysis of Visualization Tools and Accessibility Methods

“…Through a thematic analysis, we classified the features into four major categories: alternative text & data tables, keyboard navigation of visualization content, dynamic & large data handling, and low vision support. Overall, most tools did not even support basic accessibility, reaffirming why many visualizations on the Web were not accessible [JRG * 22,FSR * 22]. In addition, we found only a few tools support navigating underlying chart content.…”

“…It is only recently there has been an influx of research on visualization accessibility. A recent survey and interview reported blind people's struggles during the pandemic when navigating and interpreting data visualizations on the Web [FSR * 22]. Sharif et al discuss similar challenges of screen reader users in comparison to sighted people [SZS * 22].…”

“…In this work, we aim to understand accessible design support from visualization programming and software tools as these tools contribute to the majority of visualizations on the Web [FSR * 22, JRG * 22]. Unlike the previous work analyzing the accessibility of visualizations in the wild [FSR * 22, JRG * 22], we specifically examine the scope of accessibility features provided by the tools.…”

“…This early analysis provides fruitful initial codes for the rest of the analysis. We also referred to the recent surveys to inspire the initial codes [FSR * 22, JRG * 22, KJRK21]. Moreover, we guided our codes toward the extent of accessibility support for underlying chart content beyond simple alternative text, such as keyboard navigation of the content.…”

“…The screen reader users often have to spend more time only to extract less quality information from the visualizations [SCWR21]. The information can be critical if it relates to people's health during times of crisis, such as accessing daily COVID‐19 cases in their neighborhood [FSR * 22].…”