Inclusive data visualization for people with disabilities

Abstract

driven communication by business, government, and science. Furthermore, the use and need for visualizations is not just confined to data experts: Data visualizations are becoming ubiquitous in textbooks, presentations, and reports, as well as in popular media, both online and in print. The design of these visualizations, however, is premised on implicit assumptions about the reader s sensory, cognitive, and motor abilities. People without these abilities are ultimately disenfranchised, and access to the benefits of data visualization and to the underlying information is limited. Data visualizations, such as statistical charts, diagrams, and maps, are an effective means to represent, analyze, and explore data as well as identify and communicate insights. They take advantage of the human visual system’s high bandwidth, parallel processing, and ability to quickly recognize patterns. For instance, a table of numbers may be hard to understand, while those same numbers shown in a graphic form (such as a line chart) will immediately reveal a steadily increasing trend. For these reasons, interactive data visualization is central to both exploratory data analysis and dataD Insights → Lack of accessible access to data visualizations is a significant equity issue. → It s not only visual impairments that can restrict access but also other kinds of disabilities including cognitive and learning disabilities, and motor disabilities. → Overcoming this challenge requires visualization practitioners, visualization and accessibility researchers, and the relevant disability communities to work together.