Traditional CAPTCHAs are used to stop hackers from using computers to set up fake identities. Although CAPTCHAs are effective and widely used, people with disabilities often struggle in trying to read the text in CAPTCHA boxes, and given it’s designed to stop computers from processing the information, screen readers are unable to access the text.
Although other CAPTCHA alternatives have been tried, DISTCHA differs in that it requires a user to slide a box across the screen, a task difficult for computers to replicate but simple for users. The solution removes the barriers faced by people with vision impairment by allowing users to slide the box across either by using the mouse or by using the right arrow on the keyboard. As a side-effect, it is also much quicker for able-bodied people to complete the process as well.
Further information including the proof of concept can be found on the AccessibiliteWeb DISTCHA page, and developers are encouraged to participate in the project.
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