Information

Cognitive Accessibility Research Modules: Voice Systems, Wayfinding, Safety (Algorithms and Data), and Supported Decision-Making
  • Upcoming
  • Confirmed
  • Breakout Sessions

Meeting

Event details

Date:
– UTC
Status:
Confirmed
Location:
Online
Proposers:
Eric Hind , Julie Rawe , Lisa Seeman-Horwitz
Participants:
Ines Akrap, Tiffany Burtin, Ted Gies, Åsa Holmberg, Rashmi Katakwar, Calum Ryan, Glenda Sims, John Toles, Kevin White
Big meeting:
W3C Breakouts Day 2026 (Calendar)

This session will explore the findings and user needs described in a working draft note of four research modules published in February 2026 by the Cognitive and Learning Disabilities (COGA) Task Force.

The research modules are primarily intended for groups in the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that may want to include our use cases or understand the topics from a broader perspective.

They may also contain useful information for:

  • researchers,
  • inclusion and research-related policy makers,
  • designers, content creators, and developers who wish to have a more in-depth understanding of inclusion issues.

The session will review the following modules:

  • Voice Systems and Conversational Interfaces: This module covers issues that our users face when using conversational voice systems, including voice menu systems, voice user interfaces, and voice AI assistants.
  • Technology-Assisted Indoor Navigation and Wayfinding: This module is about technology that helps users who need cognitive accessibility support navigate indoor spaces, also known as wayfinding.
  • Online Safety and Wellbeing (Algorithms and Data): People with disabilities that require cognitive accessibility support face a number of risks when using the internet and apps. This module covers safety issues that our users face on the internet including cybercrime, mental health, wellbeing, privacy, and more.
  • Supported Decision-Making Online: This module describes the advantages and risks of supporting Supported Decision-Making (SDM). It offers suggestions for safely supporting SDM online, helping more people take part in the digital world while keeping their dignity and independence.

Goal(s):

  • Raise awareness of the cognitive accessibility related issues identified in the drafts.
  • Discuss user needs and barriers influenced by issues such as cognitive load, memory, social reasoning, and mental health.
  • Explore practical solutions.
  • Collect community feedback on what may be missing in the draft modules, such as user scenarios, technology, user needs, or research.
  • Identify opportunities for cross-group collaboration within W3C groups (e.g., COGA TF, APA WG, AG WG, and other relevant groups).

Agenda

  1. Introduction & Context (5 minutes)
  2. Key Challenges Identified in the Draft Modules (25 minutes): This will include examples of user needs and barriers as well as suggested solutions and best practices.
  3. Feedback and Discussion (20 minutes): Discuss opportunities to enhance this draft note, explore new areas for research, and collaborate with other W3C teams on standards and research work.
  4. Wrap-up & Next Steps (10 minutes): Summarize key takeaways and outline follow-up actions or collaborations.

Materials:

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