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Published on: March 27, 2013
Editing Wikipedia content by screen reader: easier interaction with the Accessible Rich Internet Applications suite
Marina Buzzi1, Barbara Leporini
1National Research Council, Institute of Informatics and Telematics, via Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy. marina.buzzi@iit.cnr.it
This study enhances Wikipedia usability for blind users by implementing the Accessible Rich Internet Applications (WAI-ARIA) suite. The new editing interface significantly improves interaction and contribution for screen reader users.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Web Accessibility
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Wikipedia's content is accessible via screen readers, but usability challenges hinder user interaction.
- Existing interfaces present difficulties for visually impaired users navigating and editing content.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve Wikipedia's usability for blind individuals.
- To promote web accessibility and usability standards, specifically for screen reader users.
- To enhance active contribution of visually impaired users to Wikipedia.
Main Methods:
- Accessibility and usability analysis of Wikipedia pages using the JAWS screen reader.
- Development of a new Wikipedia editing interface incorporating the Accessible Rich Internet Applications (WAI-ARIA) suite.
- Comparative usability testing of original and modified interfaces with blind users.
Main Results:
- While content is accessible, significant usability issues were identified in the original Wikipedia interface.
- The WAI-ARIA suite integration resolved many obstacles, enabling easier interaction for screen reader users.
- Blind users experienced fewer difficulties contributing to Wikipedia with the enhanced editing interface.
Conclusions:
- The modified Wikipedia editing page offers superior usability for screen reader users compared to the original.
- WAI-ARIA implementation provides essential features like page overview, rapid navigation, and user control.
- The study demonstrates the effectiveness of WAI-ARIA in fostering active participation of blind users on collaborative platforms like Wikipedia.
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