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Modeling Accessibility: Characterizing What We Mean by "Accessible"
Kelly Avery Mack1, Jennifer Mankoff1, Heather D Evans1
1University of Washington Seattle, Washington, USA.
Summary
Accessibility research needs a clearer definition of "accessibility." This study models accessibility based on disabled individuals' lived experiences, considering barriers, technology, and context.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Disability Studies
- Accessibility Research
Background:
- Accessibility research aims to improve technology for disabled individuals but lacks a clear definition of accessibility.
- The field has historically focused on specific disabilities, neglecting intersectionality with other identities.
- A deeper understanding of accessibility is needed, grounded in the experiences of disabled people.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explicate the meaning of accessibility through the lived experiences of diverse disabled individuals.
- To develop a process for modeling accessibility that accounts for individual circumstances.
- To address the limitations in current accessibility research regarding inclusivity and intersectionality.
Main Methods:
- Empirical study involving 25 disabled individuals to gather lived experiences.
- Development of a two-step process for modeling accessibility: inaccess assessment and consequence calculus.
- Analysis of individual experiences, including barriers, technology repertoires, and contextual factors.
Main Results:
- A novel process for modeling accessibility was developed, based on empirical findings.
- Identified that individuals assess inaccessibility by considering barrier type, technology repertoire, and context.
- Demonstrated that individuals engage in 'consequence calculus' to prioritize access options based on personal factors.
Conclusions:
- Accessibility is a situated experience, influenced by individual identities, context, technology, and priorities.
- The developed model highlights the dynamic and personalized nature of achieving access.
- Emphasizes the need for more inclusive and intersectional approaches in accessibility research and design.
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