Aviv Kotok
Research Mentor: Tara Engholm
Mentor Department: Director’s Office, ISR
Author(s): Aviv Kotok, Susan Barnes, Tara Engholm
Session: Session 3 (11:00 AM – 11:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 121
Abstract
Although digital accessibility initiatives often focus on technical compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), compliance does not always translate into equal usability for individuals with masked disabilities—conditions that are either not easily visible, formally disclosed, or equally supported, such as dyslexia. Because these disabilities are frequently underreported or misunderstood, the digital barriers some experience may go unrecognized. The intent of this research project is to determine whether current PDF remediation techniques adequately support those with dyslexia in navigating digital content and whether technical compliance aligns with lived user experience. In this literature review, prior research on digital accessibility was analyzed, with a focus on readability factors affecting individuals with dyslexia. Specifically, this review examined how design elements (such as font type, contrast, tables and graphs, and text length) relate to readability. In addition, studies comparing remediated PDF and EPUB formats were analyzed to determine how they addressed design elements impacting user experience beyond compliance with WCAG. Findings from these studies were consolidated to identify patterns, limitations, and gaps in current approaches to accessibility measurement and implementation directly impacting the dyslexic population.
