A Framework for Accessibility in XR Environments

Abstract

Digital accessibility is vital for ensuring equal access and usability for individuals with disabilities. However, addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in XR environments remains a complex task. This paper presents an ongoing accessibility framework designed to empower developers in creating inclusive XR applications. The framework aims to provide a comprehensive solution, addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities, by incorporating various accessibility features, based on XR accessibility guidelines, best practices, and state of the art approaches. The current version of the framework has focused on the accessibility of XR environments for blind or partially sighted users, enhancing their interaction with text, images, videos, and 3D artefacts. The proposed work lays the foundation for Extended Reality (XR) developers to easily encompass accessible assets. In this respect, it offers customizable text settings, alternative visual content text, and multiple user interaction control mechanisms. Furthermore, it includes features such as edge enhancement, interactive element descriptions with dynamic widgets, scanning for navigation, and foreground positioning of active objects. The framework also supports scene adaptations upon user demand to cater to specific visual needs.