Accessibility Analysis of Multilingual Websites for Persons with Visual Impairments

Authors

  • V.Balaji  Department of Computer, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
  • K.S.Kuppusamy  Department of Computer, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India

Keywords:

Multilingual Web, Web Accessibility, AccessIndia, Persons with Visual Impairments.

Abstract

The World Wide Web (WWW) is expanding exponentially. It has evolved into a standard resource to access the required information by people with diverse capabilities, information requirements and language abilities. In the present form, WWW incorporates a large number of human languages. Multilingual Information access involves websites offering content in more than one language. Web accessibility issues are gradually increasing in multilingual domain. Persons with Disabilities (PWD) are still facing accessibility problems while browsing the multilingual websites. Specifically persons experiencing visual impairments face many barriers while navigating and interacting with multilingual content. Our research work concentrates on Websites in which multi-language support has provided. This paper provides insights into the major accessibility challenges faced by visually impaired users while browsing the multilingual web. We have conducted a preliminary study with persons with visual impairments with respect to the problems that they encounter while browsing multilingual web pages. An online questionnaire with 22 questions placed and posted in AccessIndia online forum for persons with visual impairment. Based on respondent’s responses, it has inferred that visually impaired users are facing multiple difficulties such as interaction barriers, navigational barriers while browsing the web. To improve the browsing experience of these users we have put forward some suggestions, which can employed to increase the accessibility level of multilingual websites.

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IInternational Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science, Engineering and Information Technology

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Published

2017-10-31

Issue

Volume 2, Issue 5, September-October-2017

Section

Research Articles

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How to Cite

[1]
V.Balaji, K.S.Kuppusamy, " Accessibility Analysis of Multilingual Websites for Persons with Visual Impairments , IInternational Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science, Engineering and Information Technology(IJSRCSEIT), ISSN : 2456-3307, Volume 2, Issue 5, pp.239-242, September-October-2017.