Web Mediation

The process of automatically modifying web content as it passes between a web server and a user's browser, typically through a proxy server or browser extension, to improve its accessibility or usability. Web mediation can add missing accessibility features (such as generating ALT tags for images), transform page layouts for different devices or abilities, simplify complex navigation, or adapt content presentation for specific user needs. The mediation approach is significant for accessibility because it does not require cooperation from website owners — the modifications happen transparently between the server and the user. Examples include proxy-based systems that add automatic image descriptions, text-to-speech annotations, or simplified page structures for users with cognitive or visual disabilities. The BBC's Betsie, WebInsight, and various transcoding proxies are historical examples of web mediation for accessibility.