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Access to Knowledge: Online Education for People with Visual Impairments in a Global Context

by Elena Filipova
International Journal of Computer Applications
Foundation of Computer Science (FCS), NY, USA
Volume 186 - Number 67
Year of Publication: 2025
Authors: Elena Filipova
10.5120/ijca2025924482

Elena Filipova . Access to Knowledge: Online Education for People with Visual Impairments in a Global Context. International Journal of Computer Applications. 186, 67 ( Feb 2025), 33-40. DOI=10.5120/ijca2025924482

@article{ 10.5120/ijca2025924482,
author = { Elena Filipova },
title = { Access to Knowledge: Online Education for People with Visual Impairments in a Global Context },
journal = { International Journal of Computer Applications },
issue_date = { Feb 2025 },
volume = { 186 },
number = { 67 },
month = { Feb },
year = { 2025 },
issn = { 0975-8887 },
pages = { 33-40 },
numpages = {9},
url = { https://ijcaonline.org/archives/volume186/number67/access-to-knowledge-online-education-for-people-with-visual-impairments-in-a-global-context/ },
doi = { 10.5120/ijca2025924482 },
publisher = {Foundation of Computer Science (FCS), NY, USA},
address = {New York, USA}
}
%0 Journal Article
%1 2025-02-25T22:58:01.900757+05:30
%A Elena Filipova
%T Access to Knowledge: Online Education for People with Visual Impairments in a Global Context
%J International Journal of Computer Applications
%@ 0975-8887
%V 186
%N 67
%P 33-40
%D 2025
%I Foundation of Computer Science (FCS), NY, USA
Abstract

Online education has become an essential tool in ensuring equal access to learning opportunities for individuals with visual impairments. With over 2.2 billion people affected by some form of vision impairment globally, accessible digital education plays a crucial role in overcoming educational barriers. This article explores the advantages, challenges, and successful examples of online education for people with visual impairments, highlighting key technologies such as screen readers, Braille displays, and text-to-speech software. It also emphasizes the importance of personalized learning experiences, the integration of innovative technologies like AI, and the need for universal accessibility standards. Despite the progress, challenges remain, such as the lack of trained educators, inaccessible websites, and insufficient availability of specialized educational resources. This paper advocates for global collaboration, investment in assistive technologies, and raising awareness to foster inclusive education systems worldwide. By ensuring that online education is accessible to all, society can empower visually impaired individuals to thrive academically and professionally, fostering social inclusion and personal independence.

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Index Terms

Computer Science
Information Sciences
Adaptive technologies
Visual impairments
Educational platforms
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Screen readers
Braille displays
Text-to-speech (TTS)
Global support programs
Flexible learning
Equal access
Courses for visually impaired individuals
Social inclusion
Investment in technology
Cultural and social barriers
Quality of online lessons
Digital literacy for the visually impaired
Governmental and international support
Educational standards
International initiatives
Mobile accessibility apps
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies
Global challenges and opportunities
COVID-19 and digital education

Keywords

Online education Visual impairments Accessibility Adaptive technologies