The Role of Media in Enhancing Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Accessibility has become an increasingly important component of digital communication, yet many media platforms remain insufficiently accessible for individuals with disabilities, limiting equal access to information, education, public services, and social participation. This study systematically reviews the role of media in enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines and searched peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science (WoS). Fourteen eligible studies published between 2020 and 2025 were included in the final synthesis. The thematic analysis identified six dominant themes: (1) media accessibility and digital participation, (2) digital content and audiovisual accessibility, (3) ICT and assistive digital technologies, (4) media literacy and inclusive education, (5) social media, visibility, and representation, and (6) emerging accessibility issues related to artificial intelligence and accessibility-by-design. Overall, the findings indicate that accessibility has evolved beyond a technical requirement into a strategic communication approach that supports inclusive participation, digital equity, and social inclusion. This review contributes by synthesising fragmented evidence into a comprehensive understanding of accessible media and offers practical recommendations for researchers, policymakers, educators, media practitioners, and technology developers in designing more inclusive communication systems.