Knocking on doors: The use of blogging sites by visually impaired people in the USA preliminary study

Abstract

This paper discusses the findings of a small-scale study in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 bloggers that are specialized in visual impairment. The study sample included four independent bloggers and six bloggers working for organizations that serve visually impaired people in the US. The study was set to investigate the usage of blogging sites, examine methods of presenting visual media, and identify serious difficulties imposed on visually impaired bloggers. Usage of hyperlinks, interactions between bloggers and readers, and accessibility of blogging sites are probed. Significant findings of the study show that bloggers have generally received positive feedback from blog readers. Study participants were satisfied with the accessibility level of blogging sites, as some viable textual alternatives to visual media elements are provided. However, inconvenient time constraints and writing about topical issues were among the most critical challenges facing visually impaired bloggers.