Accessibility Engine is a human-adaptive accessibility framework concept designed to help people navigate and complete real-world tasks across digital and physical environments.
The guiding principle is simple:
Technology should adapt to people — not the other way around.
Accessibility Engine explores how adaptive systems and agentic AI could help people complete tasks when websites, applications, kiosks, or other systems present accessibility barriers.
Screen reader users may wish to jump directly to key sections.
- Introduction
- Concept Overview
- Architecture Overview
- Core Framework Layers
- Example Use Cases
- Design Philosophy
- Ethics, Consent, and Safety
- Project Status
- Research Directions
- Documentation Accessibility
- Author
- License
Many people rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice input systems, magnification software, or alternative input devices. Despite these tools, people frequently encounter systems that remain difficult or impossible to navigate.
Examples include:
- inaccessible online forms
- unlabeled buttons
- complex service portals
- digital kiosks
- inaccessible workflows within institutional systems
Accessibility Engine explores how adaptive technology and intelligent mediation systems could help bridge these gaps.
The goal is to support equitable participation, allowing people to complete important tasks even when systems are imperfect or inaccessible.
Accessibility Engine acts as a mediation layer between individuals and the systems they interact with.
When users encounter inaccessible interfaces, confusing workflows, or environmental barriers, the system helps adapt those interactions so tasks can still be completed.
Rather than replacing assistive technologies, Accessibility Engine is designed to work alongside them, helping bridge gaps between users and the environments they must navigate.
The concept is informed by lived experience using assistive technologies and reflects a human-centered approach to accessibility and inclusive design.
Note to Screen Reader Users:
The following diagrams illustrate the conceptual and system architecture of the Accessibility Engine framework.
Accessible text descriptions of these diagrams are available immediately after each image.
Figure 1. Accessibility Engine concept architecture.
Screen reader users can access a full text description here:
Concept Architecture — Text Diagram
Figure 2. Accessibility Engine system architecture.
Screen reader users can access a full text description here:
Advanced Architecture — Text Diagram
Accessibility Engine is designed around several core functional layers.
Supports interaction with digital and physical systems when standard interfaces create barriers.
The system helps users locate controls, interpret interfaces, and complete actions that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Encourages skill development and increased independence over time.
Users can gradually learn workflows while the system provides assistance where necessary.
Accessibility Engine may include AI agents capable of assisting users with complex workflows and accessibility barriers.
These agents may:
- interpret interfaces
- detect accessibility barriers
- guide users through workflows
- suggest next actions
- perform authorized actions on a user's behalf
Agents may operate in semi-autonomous or autonomous modes, depending on user preferences and safety constraints.
Sensitive actions always require explicit user authorization.
Protects sensitive interactions such as:
- medical forms
- financial services
- personal communication
- identity verification processes
This mode ensures privacy, security, and responsible handling of personal information.
Provides support when assistive technologies or interfaces fail.
This may include troubleshooting accessibility tools or helping users continue tasks through alternative methods.
Accessibility Engine could support many real-world accessibility scenarios, including:
- completing inaccessible medical intake forms
- reading menus or printed materials
- scheduling appointments without conflicts
- locating inaccessible buttons or controls
- troubleshooting assistive technology issues
- navigating digital kiosks and service interfaces
- helping users understand complex workflows
- bridging gaps between digital and physical environments
The goal is to make everyday participation more accessible, regardless of ability, environment, or technological barriers.
Accessibility Engine is built on several key principles:
- Human-centered technology
- Inclusive design
- Assistive technology integration
- User autonomy and dignity
- Equitable participation
- Real-world accessibility
Accessibility is not only a digital concern — it is about enabling people to participate equitably in society.
Because Accessibility Engine may include autonomous or semi-autonomous agents, the framework prioritizes ethical design and user safety.
Key principles include:
- explicit user consent for sensitive actions
- clearly defined authorization boundaries
- transparency in automated decision-making
- respect for user autonomy
- privacy protection for sensitive interactions
AI agents may assist users with actions, but users always retain control over important decisions and permissions.
Accessibility Engine is currently in the concept and architecture stage.
This repository documents ideas, architectural approaches, and design principles that could guide future exploration of adaptive accessibility technologies.
Future development may include:
- prototype systems
- accessibility mediation workflows
- agentic AI interaction models
- assistive technology integrations
- evaluation of real-world accessibility scenarios
Possible areas for future research include:
- human–AI collaboration in accessibility workflows
- adaptive accessibility mediation systems
- assistive technology interoperability
- ethical frameworks for autonomous accessibility agents
- real-world evaluation of accessibility assistance tools
The documentation for this repository is designed to support accessibility.
Accessibility features include:
- structured headings for screen reader navigation
- skip links for key sections
- text-based diagram descriptions
- plain-language project explanations
- descriptive image alternative text
Additional documentation:
Plain-language explanation of the project:
Accessibility documentation statement:
Elizabeth Huffman
Accessibility Specialist
Assistive Technology User
Computer Science Student
This project is licensed under the MIT License.