Description
Book SynopsisDigital Technology is becoming ever more used by people with learning disabilities for information, entertainment and to enjoy self-expression. Despite this, there is a paucity of research into how this cohort negotiate electronic interfaces, interpret images, navigate pages and read online; what barriers there might be, and how these could be obviated. This book explores these issues, establishing how these and other factors facilitate or inhibit information access and behaviour more generally. There are plenty of guidelines and accessibility standards regarding electronic information presentation, but most are outdated or have been formulated without empirical evidence. Unlike prior literature this book is the result of many years's research in the field, considers specific information contexts, and develops new concepts in information behaviour. It is written in non-technical, jargon-free language, relevant for academics, students and professionals; from human-computer interaction researchers, learning disability specialists and information scientists to formal and informal carers and supporters, college tutors, family members and others.
Trade Review“This book presents important new evidence about the benefits of digital technologies for people with learning disabilities providing much-needed new insights of value to carers, learning practitioners and social policy-makers.” -- Barrie Gunter
‘I cannot stress strongly enough how important this work is for social inclusion, in particular understanding vulnerable users and providing input to information/digital literacy programmes or information systems designs, to provide a much better chance of independent living for the cohort.’ -- Andy Macfarlane
People with disabilities are increasingly looking to use technology to enable them to live informed and connected lives. The challenge is ensuring that e-technology responds to people with different needs and supports people to realise their full potential in a diverse and safe way. This book explores the issues and opens the debate to how disabled people can be included in the technological era. -- Philip Gibson
Table of ContentsChapter 1. Definitions, models, needs Chapter 2. Issues inherent in researching learning disabilities Chapter 3. The web and people with learning disabilities Chapter 4. Methods to test Website usability Chapter 5. Website usability - eliciting the issues Chapter 6. The use of images Chapter 7. Investigating the attributes elicited in consort Chapter 8. 'Serial access' to information Chapter 9. 'Random','direct' and 'iterative' access Chapter 10. Examining website preferences Chapter 11. A shrinking world: mobile devices and usability Chapter 12. Testing the usability of a mobile app Chapter 13. Facilitating information access Chapter 14. Conclusion
