Computer Science and Software Engineering - Monash University Introduction to Accessible Design Brian Hardy Accessible Information Solutions National Information and Library Service
Copyright 2005 National Information & Library Service Concept of Digital Inclusion “An accessible product or service is one which can be used by all its intended users, taking into account their differing capabilities.” Irish National Disability Authority IT Accessibility Guidelines, Version 1.1
Copyright 2005 National Information & Library Service Accessible ICT Products and Services Build bridges across the digital divide (achieving a social good) Reduce the cost of service delivery (fewer exceptions needed) Reduce the costs of employment (Workplace rehabilitation, Discrimination Act compliance) Expand market reach of the product.
Copyright 2005 National Information & Library Service Beneficiaries of Accessible Design People with disabilities People with poor communications infrastructure Infrequent users (e.g. older people and new users) People with old equipment People using PDAs, web phones etc. People working in restricted access environments People with temporary impairments People coping with environmental distractions
Copyright 2005 National Information & Library Service Beneficiaries – Microsoft Research 60% of US working age (19-64 year olds) are likely to benefit from the use of assistive technology – Due to difficulties with daily tasks or employment or an identified impairment 57% of year-old computer users in USA are likely to benefit Accessible Design is a mainstream issue. Source: Forrester Research 2003 (
Copyright 2005 National Information & Library Service Detailed Findings 44% of computer users use built-in accessibility options 17% computer users use assistive technology products Users seek solutions to make their computers easier to use, not for solutions based on their health or disability. Making accessibility options easier to discover and use will result in computers that are easier, more convenient, and more comfortable for computer users.
Copyright 2005 National Information & Library Service Objective Measures of Accessibility Functional Outcome: “Ensure that Federal employees and members of the public with disabilities have access to and use of information and data, comparable to that of the employees and members of the public without disabilities unless it is an undue burden to do so.” US Regulations - Section 508, Rehabilitation Act 1998
Copyright 2005 National Information & Library Service Guidelines and Standards Statutory Regulation Procurement Rule Procurement Guideline General Policy Requirement Derived Requirement Industry Code Technical Recommendation Good Practice Advice (Technical and General)
Copyright 2005 National Information & Library Service Useful Resources IBM Software Accessibility Guidelines www-306.ibm.com/able/guidelines/software/ accesssoftware.html Guidelines for the Design of Accessible Information and Communication Technology Systems
Copyright 2005 National Information & Library Service Accessibility is Experiential Person is able to use data, information and services as effectively as someone without an impairment Compliance with technical rules is necessary, but not sufficient
Copyright 2005 National Information & Library Service Issues that People Face Introducing: Curtis Gordon Kyle How People with Disabilities Use the Web
Copyright 2005 National Information & Library Service Examples from Real Life Excel Spreadsheet Monash Uni Website Short Courses Website Computer Science and Software Engineering Website
Copyright 2005 National Information & Library Service Questions / Comments