Adapting+the+Web

= Adapting the Web = //Exploring ways that the web can be adapted for people with disabilities.// = = =Introduction=

//"Now, at the click of a mouse, the world can be "at your fingertips"—that is, if you can use a mouse... and see the screen... and hear the audio—in other words, if you don't have a disability of any kind."// -From: [|WebAIM;Web Accessibility in Mind] According to the [|World Wide Web Consortium] (W3C), Web accessibility “means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web.”   One of W3C's projects is the Web Accessibility Initiative, which provides information on making sure that the Web is accessible to all people, regardless of ability. In their guide, [|How People with Disabilities Use the Web], they cover a range of disabilities Web users might be dealing with and offer strategies and guidelines to ensure accessibility for those users.

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** iPods and podcasting: Tools for Learning Disabilities ** Lisa Reas tetzlaff21@gmail.com

The Education of the Handicapped Act (EHA), defines a learning disability as a "disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using spoken or written language, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or to do mathematical calculations." Students with a learning disability have an average IQ but have difficulties with processing or retrieving information so some accommodations should be made to equal the playing field for these students. One way to assist students in a general education classroom who has a learning disability is through the use of podcasts and iPods. With inclusion being the mainstream now-a-days, podcasts can offer addition help for students who need more time to process audio or visual instruction.

Technology has opened up the doors to assisting differentiation in the classroom and one specific type of program that can help students includes Text-to-Speech software. This software reads a document aloud and can be saved as a mp3 file so that it can be uploaded to iPods. Students could then listen to instructions in a variety of speeds and voices as well as repeat sections as need be. Bookmarks can also be added within text so the listener can jump to different sections of the document. Another nice feature with some software include the ability to change voices within the same text. A student could hear a story read in a variety of voices to simulate multiple characters. The software can read documents already created in word processing applications so educators could not have to recreate lessons, tests, assignments, etc.

Some examples of solutions explained above include: 1.) TextAloud With AT&T Natural Voices  · $59.95 (Amazon.com)  · Save text to MP3 for portable audio players.

2.) Kindle DX: Amazon's 9.7" Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation) · $489.00  · 3G network  · Reads books, documents, e-mails, etc.  ·  Read-to-Me:  With the text-to-speech feature, Kindle DX can read newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books out loud to you, unless the book's rights holder made the feature unavailable

3.) DSpeech 1.55.3 - Free software

For more information: [|Natural Readers] To access demos and a variety of software options: [|NextUp] = = = = =Physical Impairment and Computer Accessibility= Mary Koch readinggirl.mek@gmail.com  Physical disabilities are one kind of disability that impacts a person’s ability to access content on the Web. Diseases like multiple sclerosis, congential defects like spina bifida, paralysis, a missing limb, and even repetitive stress injuries can all prevent those affected from using standard input devices like a mouse or a keyboard to access the Web.

Fortunately, there are a wide range of options available for people who are physically unable to use a mouse and/or keyboard in a traditional manner. Microsoft and Apple both have accessibility features built into their operating systems. Voice recognition, an on-screen keyboard, and various key settings are all options included with the software. Apple’s OS also has a feature that can automate a series of mouse movements and clicks.

For those with greater needs, there are a variety of products available for purchase. These are just a few of the many options available for people who can’t use a traditional input device:


 * Trackball – a user with some motor control can often use a large trackball in lieu of the more sensitive traditional mouse ($50)
 * Speech Recognition Software ($100)
 * No Hands Mouse – a foot operated mouse ($350)
 * SmartNav – the user controls the pointer on the screen with head movements. ($350 - $1000)
 * JOUSE (Joystick Operated Mouth Controlled USB Mouse) – the user controls the pointer on the screen with mouth movements, even with sips and puffs on a straw. ($1300)
 * Eyegaze System – the user controls the pointer on the screen with eye movements. ($6500)

Here is some video that shows how an adaptive device called the Smart-Nav helps people navigate the web without using a traditional input device.

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 Brad Dunning braddunning@sbcglobal.net
 * Visual Impairment and Computer Accessibility**

[|Assistive technologies] provide accessibility solutions for those who might otherwise find it incredibly difficult or even impossible to operate a computer. Disabilities such as vision impairment, dexterity problems, and hearing loss can be profound barriers to proficient and efficient technology usage. Those with visual impairment have their own unique concerns when it comes to using a computer and navigating the Internet. Essentially, computer operation is the function of two different tasks; being able to read the screen, which is known as output, and being able to make the machine perform a required task (input).

Input modification for the visually impaired is generally minimal; the keyboard is a highly intuitive device and assistive technologies easily eliminate the need for the cursor, or pointing device. On the other hand, vision impairment can be particularly troubling due to the incredible amount of a visual output generated by a computer. Nonetheless, the [|American Foundation for the Blind] states, “Blind and visually impaired people are as likely as the general population to use computers and the Internet.” In addition, those with visual impairments work the same professions as those without, and output accomodations are necessary.  Obviously, there are varying degrees of visual impairment, and therefore a wide-range of accessibility options. For people who have low-level vision impairment, there are basic accessibility features that all computers should have. The [|AFB] says that this should include the ability to customize fonts, color, contrast, cursor style and blinking rate, as well as sound. Furthermore, all hardware and software should be fully operational from the keyboard; no mouse necessary. Lastly, color alone should not be the sole means of sharing information. Those with low-level impairments can also use [|screen magnifiers]. These tools enlarge the graphic output of a computer screen thereby making it easier to read. Most magnifiers can zoom the screen from two to sixteen times, although infinite magnification on some is possible. When magnified, the viewer only sees a portion of the screen and can use the mouse or keyboard to scroll to the remainder. Screen magnifiers can be purchased through companies like [|Next Level Assistive Technology], while others can be obtained for free through companies like [|ICONICO].

For those who have higher-level impairment or blindness, a screen reader may be necessary. Essentially, screen readers vocalize information on a computer screen. Neal Ewers of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, produced a [|short video] that introduces and demonstrates how a reader works. [|(You can also click here for a simulation on your computer.)] Since this tool 'reads' information, it is incredibly important that computer and software manufacturers label all graphics and icons as well as develop a standard for all components. In this way, the screen reader will have no difficulty interfacing with all computers and programs. The YouTube video below shows how difficult it can be if websites are not developed to interface with screen readers. While available for purchase, companies like [|ScreenReader.net]provide freeware.

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