Empowering People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities through Cognitively Accessible Visualizations

TL;DR

This paper advocates for cognitively accessible data visualizations tailored to individuals with IDD, aiming to enhance their participation in data-driven communication and self-advocacy by addressing cognitive barriers.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of cognitively accessible visualizations, emphasizing their role in supporting IDD individuals' data storytelling and inclusive design principles.

Findings

Preliminary research supports the need for accessible visualizations.

Design strategies balance familiarity and novelty for cognitive diversity.

Potential to reduce data access barriers for IDD populations.

Abstract

Data has transformative potential to empower people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). However, conventional data visualizations often rely on complex cognitive processes, and existing approaches for day-to-day analysis scenarios fail to consider neurodivergent capabilities, creating barriers for people with IDD to access data and leading to even further marginalization. We argue that visualizations could be an equalizer for people with IDD to participate in data-driven conversations. Drawing on preliminary research findings and our experiences working with people with IDD and their data, we introduce and expand on the concept of cognitively accessible visualizations, unpack its meaning and roles in increasing IDD individuals' access to data, and discuss two immediate research objectives. Specifically, we argue that cognitively accessible visualizations should support people with IDD in personal data storytelling for effective self-advocacy and self-expression, and balance novelty and familiarity in data design to accommodate cognitive diversity and promote inclusivity.