Accessible websites – what is out there?. (7th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Waight, Mary; Oldreive, Warren
• Is Part Of: British journal of learning disabilities. Volume 44:Number 2(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 129
• Publication Date: 2015-01-07
• Subjects: Communication -- empowerment issues -- independent living -- learning (intellectual) disabilities; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Learning disabled -- Periodicals; Learning disabled children -- Periodicals; Learning disabled youth -- Periodicals; 362.3
• DOI: 10.1111/bld.12119
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-4187

Abstract

Abstract : Accessible summary: Many people use the Internet to find the information they want. We looked at different websites. We wanted to know how they helped people find information. We looked to see whether they had ways of helping people who cannot read. We found that the websites were all very different. We thought of ways to make websites easier for people so that everyone can find the information they want. Summary: This study aims to outline a time‐related study to identify UK websites providing information for people with learning disabilities and to evaluate the websites to determine strengths and weaknesses. Following a brief review of literature, a series of criteria were drawn up to evaluate websites for people with learning disabilities. Eighty‐three identified sites were organised and allocated to categories based on function. Of these, 19 websites were deemed to have been created for people with learning disabilities to access. These were reviewed using the following criteria: how site was accessed; how navigation occurred within the site; whether literacy was required; how different compensatory strategies were incorporated including images, video and audio. The assessment criteria revealed a marked inconsistency within the websites in the areas examined. Differences in website design are discussed and suggestions of possible ways forward made to facilitate access for people with learning disabilities.