Given the fairly concrete analysis below, it feels like the draft should have an explicit policy for using MathML for artwork that primarily contains math.
--Paul Hoffman > On Jan 29, 2026, at 17:27, Alexis Rossi <[email protected]> wrote: > > We hired expert accessibility consultants to review some documents and answer > some questions to help guide our efforts for rfc-editor.org [rfc-editor.org], > and along the way we also asked them specifically about how to improve > representation of math in RFCs. You can refer to these documents for the > outcome of that: > > 1. https://www.ietf.org/media/documents/RFC_Documents_Spot_Checks.pdf > [ietf.org] > 2. > https://www.ietf.org/media/documents/RFC_Data_Visualizations_Accessibility_Guidance.pdf > [ietf.org] > > The first document's executive summary says that our current "Mathematical > formulas are completely inaccessible to blind screen reader users." > > Some other takeaways from that first doc which are relevant: > - paraphrasing: people with visual disabilities are most likely to use the > HTML format for access (the other formats have major drawbacks, including txt > which lacks navigational structure) > - "math is not text and should not be treated as such. For example, some alt > text that sounds understandable in English speech will not be translated into > proper mathematical braille or other speech languages." > > In both of these documents, the accessibility experts recommended using > MathML. > > I'll quote the second doc starting on Page 15 because it's more extensive: > > "Use MathML for mathematical content, which allows browsers to translate the > markup language into properly formatted equations. MathML ensures that such > content is consistently rendered across different browsers and platforms, > enhancing accessibility for users who rely on various devices and software. > For example: > - Screen magnification users can enlarge the equation while maintaining its > integrity and the clear visual distinction of each character. > - MathML content is communicated in an intelligent and meaningful manner for > screen reader users who can further explore the different parts of the > equation as desired. For a demo on reviewing a sample MathML equation using > the NVDAscreen reader, refer to the following YouTube video: NVDA and Firefox > ReadingMathML on Wikipedia. > - MathML is designed to work seamlessly with access technologies, such as > braille displays and speech recognition software, providing a more inclusive > experience for all users. > - Neurodivergent users or people with reading disabilities can customize the > formatting of text without altering the meaning of the equation." > > On Thu, Jan 29, 2026 at 12:46 PM John R Levine <[email protected]> wrote: > On Fri, 30 Jan 2026, Brian E Carpenter wrote: > > > On 30-Jan-26 08:00, Carsten Bormann wrote: > >>> K = \sqrt[3]{\frac{W_{max} - cwnd_{epoch}}{C}} > > >> The “accessibility” use case can be easier to address if the source is > >> available with the RFC. > > > > True, but does anybody here know what a screen reader would do with that > > example? > > My guess is that there are enough blind mathematicians that there are > screen readers that can read MathML or LaTeX, but once again, we need to > talk to people who know about this rather than guessing. > > R's, > John > > -- > rswg mailing list -- [email protected] > To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] > -- > rswg mailing list -- [email protected] > To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] -- rswg mailing list -- [email protected] To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected]
