Equal access to graphical data and consequences on education, social inclusion and quality of life
Résumé
The four STEM disciplines - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - rely on graphical representations and are considered central in technologically advanced societies. Graphs are inherently visual and not accessible for the visually impaired, who make up approx 5% of the world population. This has important consequences on education, social inclusion and quality of life. Raised-lines maps are the most common tool for providing access to tactile graphics but have limitations. Recent research projects aimed to overcome these limitations by designing interactive systems for accessing digital drawings and spatial open data without vision. This panel will address the challenge of equal access to graphical and spatial data, as well as the impact it may have on education, social inclusion and quality of life.