The+use+of+CAPTCHA+Images+and+how+they+affect+the+visually+impaired

At present, most websites require a user to identify a CAPTCHA image before registering on that particular site. A CAPTCHA image is a visual verification code used to determine whether the end user is a human. This image is a distorted picture of a word or multiple words. Once displayed, the website requests the new user to enter what the image says in a text box. If correct, the user is now allowed to proceed on the website. If incorrect, a new CAPTCHA image appears and the user is asked to enter the new image text. The reason for CAPTCHA images is to protect the site from non-human registers and automatic computer generated registering. The idea behind it is since the image is randomly generated each time, a computer program cannot be written that allows a computer to register for the site. A human would need to “see” the image and type it in the text box. For visually impaired people, this “seeing” is a real accessibility issue.

Even people with perfect eyesight sometimes have trouble making out and reading what the CAPTCHA image actually says. Many times these words are so distorted and scrambled that humans with fine eyesight make mistakes when entering the text and need to repeat the process. This proves that it makes it virtually impossible for the visually impaired to register for these websites. Four major websites; Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and Yahoo all require use of a CAPTCHA image. Is it fair that the visually impaired cannot access these sites? Although it is important for websites to keep out computer generated registries, website owners should look for an alternate way of doing this. A solution for the visually impaired could be a sound that can be played and heard by the user. After the randomly generated word is heard, the visually impaired user can then type this word in. If it is randomly generated this would keep automated users out, and allow the visually impaired in. It should be up to website owners to come up with this type of technology and make their sites accessible to all users.

__Resource__: Abilitynet.org, January 18, 2008. “State of the eNation Reports, Social networking sites lock out disabled users.” Retrieved October 9, 2010, from http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/enation85

-Michael Riley