UK National coordination Centre for EDeAN CIRCUA UK National coordination Centre for EDeAN Centre Heads Ray Adams Gill Whitney Tony White Cognitive scientist r.g.adams@mdx.ac.uk Computer scientist g.whitney@mdx.ac.uk Systems Engineer a.white@mdx.ac.uk Objectives To build international partnerships To achieve high quality research results To make a practical difference to equal access

Suggestions for Research Proposals: CIRCUA Suggestions for Research Proposals: Innovative cognitive access models of diversity for persons with cognitive disabilities, including older adults. Building diversity into adaptive systems to enhance universal access for persons with cognitive disabilities. Effective e-learning systems for children with learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders New communication methods for effective working between universal access centres. Integrating assistive technologies for successful uptake and market share, e.g. mechatronic solutions. Researching criteria for success for equal access systems

CIRCUA 1. Innovative cognitive access models of diversity for persons with cognitive disabilities, including older adults. If we are to implement the key requirements of people with cognitive disabilities and different abilities, we need to develop new cognitive models to capture the diversity and access themes, for equal access to be achieved. Multidisciplinary teams are required if these complex issues are to be resolved. 2. Building diversity into adaptive systems to enhance universal access for persons with cognitive disabilities. Adaptable and adaptive systems need to deal better with cognitive themes and the diversity of people with different cognitive abilities and disabilities. We now have the technology to begin to build such systems, but they must be both accessible and support equal access to web sites and other systems.

CIRCUA 3. Effective e-learning systems for children with learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders. Such children need better access to learning and training. We are only now beginning to understand their needs and preferences. Careful research is needed to understand the parameters of situations and systems where they will be able to learn effectively, whilst respecting the sensitivities and complexities involved. 4. New communication methods for effective working between universal access centres. In the information society, it is still difficult for such centres to work together. We wish to explore new channels for co-working including e-publication and other methods.

CIRCUA 5. Integrating assistive technologies for successful uptake and market share. There is a gradual awareness that assistive technologies can both (a) be effective in supporting universal access and (b) can enable suppliers to reach a greater share of the market. Concepts like equal access, inclusive design and design for all must be integrated to deal with performance, economic and ethical issues from the perspectives of disabled users, designers and companies. 6. Researching criteria for success of equal access systems. This research explores the relationship between proposed criteria and seeks to identify the implications for good practice in access. In particular there is a need to clarify the roles of usability and accessibility in effective system design. Ray Adams, Budget Holder