Enhancing Patterns Accessibility for Visually Impaired Programmers

Programmers lean toward Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) such as Visual Studio (VS) Code or Eclipse instead of basic text editors because they smoothly integrate essential functions. However, visually impaired (VI) programmers find it challenging to use these IDEs because their interfaces are complicated. These problems also make it harder for blind professional programmers to finish their work efficiently. This paper addresses the challenges VI individuals face in the programming field, where conventional tools designed for sighted users create accessibility issues. Specifically, VI programmers struggle with interpreting code patterns displayed in terminals. To tackle this problem, a specialized NVDA plugin called “Pattern Reader” has been developed to enhance pattern interpretation. Pattern Reader plugin is compatible with VS Code and supports all programming languages. This solution aims to make pattern programming more accessible and inclusive for VI individuals, empowering them to engage more effectively with programming tasks involving patterns. Feedback from the VI programmer validates the plugin’s effectiveness, and a comparative analysis with NVDA Screen Reader demonstrates significant improvements in pattern interpretation.