Accessibility and Inclusive Design

Pioneering information technologies and solutions that are accessible and usable for people of all abilities.

Research Projects

Accessible Visualization for Blind Users
Principal Investigator(s):
Research Areas: Accessibility and Inclusive Design
This project aims to enhance accessibility to large-scale data analysis for blind and low-vision individuals, bridging the gap in current tools and technologies. It focuses on creating cost-effective, user-friendly data representations based on sound, touch, and physical computing. The research involves understanding user needs and designing practical accessible data applications in collaboration with the blind community.
Crowdsourced Data: Accuracy, Accessibility, Authority (CDAAA)
Principal Investigator(s): Victoria Van Hyning
Funder: Institute of Museum and Library Services
Research Areas: Accessibility and Inclusive Design > Digital Humanities > Information Justice, Human Rights, and Technology Ethics > Library and Information Science > Social Networks, Online Communities, and Social Media
CDAAA explores the sociotechnical barriers libraries, archives, and museums face in integrating crowdsourced transcriptions to discovery systems. Using data from surveys, semi-structured interviews, data integration demonstrations, and user testing with people who use screen readers, we will produce individualized LAM Partner Reports, a summative white paper, and open-access journal articles.

Recent News

Photo of the Department of Justice Building with US Flag in Front

Maryland Initiative for Digital Accessibility (MIDA) informs public policy on technology accessibility for people with disabilities

Jonathan Lazar provided testimony about digital accessibility to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and MIDA provided comments …
Photo of Stephanie Valencia-Valencia with overlay of text saying "How Large Language Models Can Accomodate People With Disabilities"

Stephanie Valencia-Valencia

Stephanie Valencia-Valencia Explores How Large Language Models Can Accommodate People with Disabilities

The INFO assistant professor studies the benefits and limitations of technology in aiding communication
Graphic designed image of a woman working at a laptop on a desk

Maryland Today: UMD Tech Tool Aims to Make Workplaces More Inclusive for Autistic People (ft. Ge Gao)

Video Platform Designed by Neurodiverse Team Could Improve Communications for All