Bridging the Accessibility Gap: Investigating Challenges and Best Practices for Visually Impaired Individuals in STEM and Finance in North America – Policy Implications for South Korea†

Background: Global accessibility mandates exist, yet blind and low-vision learners and professionals still face major barriers in STEM and finance; this study explores those gaps to guide South Korean policy.Methods: Conducted a scoping review of accessibility laws and landmark cases and thematically analysed seven semi-structured interviews with blind South Koreans active in STEM or finance.Results: The data show chronic shortages of accessible materials and software, limited institutional support, technological lag, and heavy psychosocial strain, whereas North American exemplars demonstrate effective solutions.Conclusion: South Korea can close the STEM-finance accessibility gap only through systemic reforms—universal design, enforceable digital standards, and professional support structures—rather than relying on individual resilience.