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Published on: June 1, 2015
Improving web access for individuals who rely on augmentative and alternative communication
Diane Nelson Bryen1, George Heake, Amy Semenuk
1Temple University, Philadephia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA. dianeb@temple.edu
Summary
WebAACcess improves web navigation for individuals with motor disabilities using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This tool makes online experiences more efficient, easier, and equally effective compared to standard browsers.
Area of Science:
- Assistive Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Web Accessibility
Background:
- Individuals with speech and motor disabilities encounter significant barriers to World Wide Web navigation.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users represent a large population that could benefit from improved web accessibility tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the usability of WebAACcess, an accessibility enhancement tool designed to mitigate web navigation challenges.
- To compare the efficiency, ease of use, and effectiveness of web navigation with and without WebAACcess.
Main Methods:
- A repeated-measures research design was employed, with participants serving as their own controls.
- Twelve participants (7 with motor disabilities using AAC, 5 without disabilities) navigated equivalent web pages.
- Web navigation was tested using Internet Explorer alone versus Internet Explorer with WebAACcess.
Main Results:
- Navigating the web using WebAACcess with Internet Explorer was consistently more efficient for all participants.
- Participants found web navigation easier when using WebAACcess.
- The effectiveness of web navigation was comparable between using Internet Explorer alone and with WebAACcess.
Conclusions:
- WebAACcess significantly enhances the web navigation experience for users with motor disabilities, including those who use AAC.
- The tool offers a more efficient and user-friendly approach to accessing online content.
- WebAACcess demonstrates potential as a valuable tool for improving digital inclusion for people with disabilities.
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