Is universal accessibility on track?

Julio Abascal

Luis Azevedo

Albert Cook

pp. 135-143

in: Margherita Antona, Constantine Stephanidis (eds), Universal access in human-computer interaction. methods, techniques, and best practices, Berlin, Springer, 2016

Abstract

Even if the evolution of accessibility engineering is generally considered as impressive, one can question whether it is producing the expected result or not. A deeper analysis can discover that theoretical improvements and practical demonstrators coming from research are not producing proportionate enhancements in the lives of users with disabilities. Starting from an analysis of the role of the research, development, and manufacturing, this paper develops a critical review of the current situation regarding the application of science and engineering to the accessibility field, in order to find the cause of possible weak points, failures and misapplications.