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Assistive Technology, Web Accessibility, and Universal Design Proposal
What is Assistive Technology?
What assistive technology devices may be useful in your school and why? · Alternative keyboards feature modifications to standard keyboards, such as larger or smaller keys, or alternative key configurations. Alternative keyboards are useful in aiding students with vision impairments, or students who are unable to effectively use standard keyboards due to physical disabilities. · Screen enlargers are similar to large magnifying glasses, since they enlarge items on the screen to increase legibility. More high tech screen enlargers enable the user to magnify specific areas on the screen. Screen enlargers are useful in aiding students with visual impairments. · Screen readers recite what appears on the computer screen, including text, graphics, and control buttons, to the user. Screen readers are essential for students who are blind. · Speech recognition systems allow users to verbally enter data or navigate through computer programs, without the use of the keyboard or mouse. Speech recognition systems are useful in aiding students who are blind, in addition to aiding students whose physical impairment may prohibit them from being able to use standard input equipment. · TTY services enable individuals who are hearing impaired or deaf to communicate messages via telephone and computer connections. Individuals type a message on a computer, which is then relayed to a TTY telephone. TTY services are useful in facilitating communication among hearing and non-hearing individuals.
What is Web Accessibility? · Web accessibility is the ability of all individuals, regardless of physical or cognitive impairments, or disabilities, to access the World Wide Web.
How can one test to see if a website is accessible to people with disabilities? Describe. · Individuals can personally assess their own websites, by comparing the websites accessibility to current Web Accessibility Guidelines. Theses guidelines can be accessed through the following website: http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/ · Individuals can also assess the accessibility of their website by submitting their URL to software that scans the material for accessibility barriers. A form of this software can be found at: http://bobby.watchfire.com/bobby/html/en/index.jsp
Provide an example: What are some barriers within your online instructional technology portfolio that are exposed when it is evaluated using the Bobby service? · After submitting my webpage to the Bobby service, the following errors were found: o If you can't make a page accessible, construct an alternate accessible version. This suggests that I should provide alternative versions to material that may not be accessible to all users. For example, provide a written transcript for the video clip. o If an image conveys important information beyond what is in its alternative text, provide an extended description. This suggests providing descriptive text for important images, rather than only providing alternative text.
What is Universal Design? · Universal design is the development of environments and products in the environment that are usable by all individuals with out the need for adaptation.
What are the principles of Universal Design? Provide examples for some of the principles. · Equitable Use o The design is appealing to all users o The design avoids segregating any users · Flexibility in Use o The design accommodates right or left handed use o The design provides adaptability to the pace of all users o The design provides the user with choices for use · Simple and Intuitive Use o The design accommodates a variety of literacy and language skills o The design does not contain unnecessary complexity · Perceptible Information o The design utilizes different modes of presentation o The design provides contrast between essential information and surroundings · Tolerance for Error o The design is arranged to minimize the occurrence of errors o The design provides warnings of errors o The design provides fail safe features · Low Physical Effort o The design allows the user to maintain a neutral body position o The design requires a reasonable amount of force to use · Size and Space for Approach and Use o The design accommodates users with various hand sizes and grips o The design provides adequate space for assistive devices
What references did you use?
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Last updated by Erin
Herbert on December 6, 2004
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