Making websites more accessible for blind people with automatic HTML code transformations

Abstract

The Brazilian Inclusion Law (LBI) requires accessibility on all websites, aiming for digital inclusion, but only 0.46% of Brazilian websites fully meet these requirements. Despite the effectiveness of current tools in identifying accessibility barriers, such as the lack of alternative image descriptions and language information, essential for blind users who rely on screen readers, they do not offer automated solutions to correct such problems. This work proposes an innovative solution through a preliminary catalog and a plugin for the Visual Studio Code IDE, designed to improve the accessibility of websites, detailing specific transformations in the HTML code and facilitating their practical implementation. The effectiveness of this approach was validated in an empirical study that involved online accessibility assessments and the perception of eight blind individuals, showing a significant reduction in critical accessibility errors and confirming the participants’ recognition of improvements. This advancement represents an important step towards a more inclusive web, offering practical solutions to overcome accessibility gaps and promote equal access to information and digital services for all users, especially those who depend on screen readers.