Websites Accessibility Options from the Perspective of the Visually Impaired

In an effort to improve digital accessibility, the European Parliament has mandated the adaptation of public websites and mobile applications for the blind and visually impaired. This study evaluates the accessibility options used on selected public websites from the perspective of visually impaired people and shows that text size adjustment, keyboard navigation and eReader support are the most common options. For eReading, challenges remain in language support, and for PDFs, in content recognition, both of which underline the need for advanced AI solutions. However, colour contrast options are surprisingly less common, indicating a discrepancy between digital and physical accessibility solutions. Features such as link highlighting and dyslexia-friendly settings are less relevant for the visually impaired but benefit other user groups, highlighting the importance of a diverse range of accessibility options. Further research is recommended to determine the optimal colour contrasts and to refine accessibility features based on broader user feedback, with the goal of creating a more inclusive digital environment for all, including those with hearing or mobility impairments.