FROM AUTOMATED VALIDATION TO LIVED EXPERIENCE: PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE ACCESSIBILITY BARRIERS ON BRAZILIAN WEBSITES
Abstract
This study investigates the digital accessibility barriers faced by people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities in Brazil. The problem is contextualized within a scenario where 89.1% of the population has internet access, yet only 2.9% of Brazilian websites meet basic accessibility criteria. The objective was to identify and analyze the main violations of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) in Brazilian digital interfaces. The methodology was structured in four main stages: a bibliographic and documentary review; a qualitative analysis of 61 reports from users with disabilities on public platforms; the intentional selection of a sample of 30 Brazilian websites; and a hybrid technical evaluation, combining automated tools (WAVE and Lighthouse), screen reader testing (NVDA), manual code inspection, and keyboard-only navigation. In the quantitative results, 88 technical issues were recorded, with the most recurrent failures being keyboard inoperability (13.6%), insufficient contrast (12.5%), and poorly described links (11.4%). From the perspective of the user reports, barriers in the login process (23%) and cognitive and UX barriers (19.7%) represented the main practical obstacles. Analytically, a significant disparity was observed between automated technical scores and actual usability. As the central conclusion and scientific implication, the study highlights the insufficiency of automated validation when disconnected from human testing and careful analysis of cognitive accessibility. It demonstrates that relying exclusively on automated validators generates a false sense of inclusion, reinforcing the need to adopt hybrid testing to promote user autonomy.
Author Biographies
Undergraduate student in Software Engineering at Universidade de Vassouras (FUSVE). Extension course in Back-End Programming I through Estude Sem Fronteiras, in partnership with Faculdade Metropolitana do Estado de São Paulo (FAMEESP); Extension course in Node.js: Introduction to Modern API Development through the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul.
Holds a degree in Psychology from Universidade Federal Fluminense (2005), a degree in Languages and Literature from Universidade Iguaçu (2007), a specialization in Public Health from Fundação Oswaldo Cruz – RJ (2008), a Master’s degree in Psychology from Universidade Federal Fluminense (2010), a Ph.D. in Psychology from Universidade Federal Fluminense / Université Paris Diderot (sandwich doctorate funded by CAPES), and a postdoctoral degree in Psychology from Universidade Federal Fluminense.
Holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree in Computational Systems from COPPE/UFRJ, with a solid multidisciplinary background including degrees in Information Systems, Pedagogy, and Higher and Technological Education Teaching. Currently works as a professor, tutor, and researcher at institutions such as Universidade Veiga de Almeida (UVA), Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Fundação CECIERJ, Universidade de Vassouras, and the Prefeitura de Saquarema. Their experience is focused on Education (Higher Education, Professional Education, and Distance Learning) combined with technological innovation.
Graduated in Computer Systems Technology from Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), with a specialization in Cryptography from Universidade Federal Fluminense and in Planning, Implementation, and Management of Distance Education from Universidade Federal Fluminense. Works as a Software Engineering Professor at Universidade de Vassouras, in addition to experience as an On-site Tutor and Coordinating Tutor in the Computer Systems Technology program at CEDERJ / Universidade Federal Fluminense.
Associada de Design na Olsson. Mestranda em Gerenciamento de Projetos pela Harrisburg University e em Inteligência Artificial para Arquitetura e Construção pela Zigurat. Pesquisadora do PMI AI & PM Hub e integrante de comitês da buildingSMART USA e do National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS).
Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering from Universidade de Vassouras, Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, and Specialist in Artificial Intelligence from Faculeste - Faculdade do Leste Mineiro. Software Engineering professional, working as a systems developer and lecturer at Universidade de Vassouras, with experience in the development of hybrid and native solutions, process automation, and the integration of technologies applied to management and innovation.
Master's Degree in Biosystems Engineering from Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), with more than 10 years of experience in the development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). He has worked in the environmental sector at Instituto Estadual do Ambiente and ITPA, as well as serving as a Data Scientist and Developer at COBRAPE and Aegea. Currently, he works at DigiMap in data science and data modeling, while also teaching in the Software Engineering and Civil Engineering programs at Universidade de Vassouras.
Holds a Ph.D. in Sciences from the Graduate Program in Biosciences and Health Education at the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ). Holds a Master’s degree in Ocean and Earth Dynamics from Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF). Specialist in Autism from Pólis Civitas. Graduated with teaching degrees in Biological Sciences and Computer Science.
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