Breaking barriers: A novel framework to evaluate usability of accessibility applications

In today's digital landscape, there is a growing recognition of the significance of accessibility in ensuring that all users can participate fully and enjoy a seamless experience. Numerous external applications, websites, and platforms have emerged to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, much of the existing research on accessibility evaluation often employ automated tools that test user interfaces against the well-established W3C Accessibility Guidelines. While such evaluations are valuable in identifying accessibility shortcomings and encouraging adherence to established guidelines, they may not fully capture the diverse and nuanced needs of users with disabilities. This paper introduced a novel framework which takes a comprehensive approach to accessibility evaluation. It considers not only the presence of accessibility features but also their complexity and practical usability. The framework acknowledges that the accessibility of an application goes beyond the presence of isolated features; It also considers the contextual knowledge required for users to fully navigate and utilise these features. This approach enables a more comprehensive evaluation that surpasses technical compliance and explores the practicality and effectiveness of accessibility solutions in real-world situations.