Literature Reviews

Reviewed research papers, articles, and publications relevant to digital accessibility.

• I Can't Keep Up: Accessibility Barriers in Video-Based Learning for Individuals with Borderline Intellectual Functioning

  Hyehyun Chu, Seungju Kim, Chen Zhou, Yu-Kai Hung, Saelyne Yang, Hyun W. Ka, Juho Kim (2026) — Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '26)

  This CHI 2026 paper by Chu, Kim, Zhou, Hung, Yang, Ka, and Kim (KAIST and SkillBench) examines accessibility barriers in video-based learning (VBL) for individuals with Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF)—people with IQ scores roughly 70–85 who…

  • cognitive accessibility
  • video-based learning
  • video accessibility
  • borderline intellectual functioning
  • intellectual disability
  • inclusive design
  • self-efficacy
  • working memory
  • qualitative research
  • e-learning

• Computer Generated 3-Dimensional Models of Manual Alphabet Handshapes for the World Wide Web

  Sarah Geitz, Timothy Hanson, Stephen Maher (1996) — Proceedings of the Second Annual ACM Conference on Assistive Technologies (Assets '96)

  This paper from Gallaudet University and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center presents a web-based teaching tool for learning American Sign Language (ASL) fingerspelling through interactive 3D computer models. The authors created VRML (Virtual Reality Mo…

  • sign language
  • deaf accessibility
  • fingerspelling
  • virtual reality
  • VRML
  • 3D modeling
  • e-learning
  • American Sign Language

• Effective Simulations to Support Academics in Inclusive Online Learning Design

  George Papadopoulos, Elaine Pearson, Steve Green (2008) — Proceedings of the 10th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (Assets '08)

  This paper describes the development and evaluation of accessibility simulations designed to help academic staff in higher education understand the barriers disabled students face when accessing online learning materials. The research was conducted a…

  • accessibility simulation
  • disability awareness
  • inclusive learning
  • cognitive accessibility
  • continuing professional development
  • higher education
  • e-learning

• Building Keyboard Accessible Drag and Drop

  Rucha Somani, Jiahang Xin, Bijay Bhaskar Deo, Yun Huang (2014) — Proceedings of the 16th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility (ASSETS)

  This demo paper presents an API that enables web developers to create keyboard-accessible drag and drop (DnD) components for web applications, particularly e-learning systems. Drag and drop interactions are widely used in educational websites for cla…

  • keyboard accessibility
  • drag and drop
  • web accessibility
  • e-learning
  • screen readers
  • web development
  • ARIA

• The Design and Prototyping of an App to Teach Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Empower Them Against Abuse

  Krishna Venkatasubramanian, Tina-Marie Ranalli, Jack Lanoie, Alexander Sinapi, Andrew Laraw Lama, Jeanine Skorinko, Mariah Freark, Nancy Alterio (2023) — ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing

  This paper presents the design and prototyping of "Recognize," a mobile app that empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to independently learn about abuse. The work addresses a critical problem: people with I/DD are s…

  • intellectual disability
  • developmental disability
  • abuse prevention
  • self-advocacy
  • co-design
  • mobile app
  • e-learning
  • empowerment

• Remote Access Programs to Better Integrate Individuals with Disabilities

  Thomas Hahn, Hidayat Ur Rahman, Richard Segall, Christoph Heim, Raphaela Brunson, Ankush Sharma, Maryam Aslam, Ana Lara-Rodriguez, Md. Sahidul Islam, Neha Gupta, Charles S. Embry, Patrick Grossmann, Shahrukh Babar, Gregory A. Skibinski, Fusheng Tang (2016) — Proceedings of the 18th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '16)

  This experience report, written primarily from the perspective of the first author who is legally blind due to albinism, describes how remote access programs (such as TeamViewer and AnyDesk) combined with voice communication tools (Skype, Google Hang…

  • visual impairment
  • low vision
  • screen magnification
  • remote access
  • education
  • e-learning
  • inclusive design
  • albinism
  • assistive technology

• Sign'Maths: An Interactive Dictionary in French Sign Language

  Camille Nadal, Christophe Collet (2017) — Proceedings of the 19th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS)

  Sign'Maths is an online interactive dictionary designed to give deaf students access to mathematical definitions in French Sign Language (LSF). The project emerges from a significant gap in deaf education: while France legally recognized Sign Languag…

  • deaf education
  • sign language
  • e-learning
  • mathematical accessibility
  • bilingual education
  • user-centered design
  • French Sign Language

• A no-frills approach for accessible Web-based learning material

  Valeria Mirabella, Stephen Kimani, Tiziana Catarci (2004) — Proceedings of the 2004 International Cross-Disciplinary Workshop on Web Accessibility (W4A)

  This paper from Sapienza University of Rome proposes a methodology for creating accessible web-based learning materials that centres the role of the "didactical expert" (instructional designer/subject matter expert) rather than relying solely on tech…

  • e-learning
  • accessible education
  • learning objects
  • alternative content
  • XML
  • instructional design
  • multimodal content

• Accessibility 2.0: People, Policies and Processes

  Brian Kelly, David Sloan, Stephen Brown, Jane Seale, Helen Petrie, Patrick Lauke, Simon Ball (2007) — Proceedings of the 2007 International Cross-Disciplinary Conference on Web Accessibility (W4A)

  This influential paper by a multi-institutional UK team argues that the WAI's predominantly technology-focused approach to web accessibility is counter-productive, and proposes "Accessibility 2.0" — a user-focused, contextual, pluralistic alternative…

  • web accessibility
  • accessibility policy
  • WCAG
  • contextual accessibility
  • e-learning
  • organizational accessibility
  • social model of disability
  • stakeholder engagement
  • accessibility theory

• Virtual Teaching in a Society of Learning

  António Eduardo Martins, Felipa Lopes dos Reis (2009) — Proceedings of the 2009 International Cross-Disciplinary Conference on Web Accessibility (W4A)

  This paper examines the transformation of teaching practices in the context of online and distance education, with particular attention to how information and communication technologies reshape the spatial and temporal dimensions of learning. The aut…

  • e-learning
  • distance education
  • blended learning
  • online education
  • collaborative learning
  • virtual teaching