SVG Linearization and Accessibility

Abstract

The usage of SVG (Scaleable Vector Graphics) creates new possibilities as well as new challenges for theaccessibility of Web sites. This paper presents a metadata vocabulary to describe the information content ofan SVG file geared towards accessibility. When used with a suitable tool, this metadata description can helpin generating a textual ('linear') version of the content, which can be used for users with disabilities or withnon-visual devices.Although this paper concentrates on SVG, i.e. on graphics on the Web, the metadata approach and vocabularypresented below can be applied in relation to other technologies, too. Indeed, accessibility issues have a muchwider significance, and have an effect on areas like CAD, cartography, or information visualization. Hence, theexperiences of the work presented below may also be useful for practitioners in other areas.ACM CSS: I.3.4 Graphics Utilities-Graphics Packages, I.3.6 Methodology and Techniques-Graphics datastructures and data types, Standards, K.4.2 Social Issues-Assistive technologies for persons with disabilities