Introduction User Interface design focuses on anticipating what users might need to do and ensuring that the interface has elements that are easy to access, understand and use. Universal user interface design is aimed to develop products that can be used by all people in different environments to the greatest extent possible, without having the need to adapt or having a specialized design (Chubb, 2014). The computing environment is growing rapidly, and this has made it possible for the designers to focus on the development of interfaces that presents information in the most effective manner to people using various devices like laptops, tablets and smartphones, as well as people with disabilities in the various modalities. Therefore, the …show more content…
Flexibility in use- Universal interface design should accommodate preferences and abilities of wide range of individuals. Tolerance for error- The design should have measures and controls that can help minimize hazards and the adverse consequences that can be caused by accidental actions. Additionally, the design should have a mechanism for communicating the status, as well as the next steps where applicable, in order to reduce frustration for the users (Stephanidis, 2013). How Section 508 Affects the Development of User Interfaces and the Impact of Standards on Users Section 508 requires Federal departments and agencies that develop, procure, maintain or use electronic and information technology to ensure that Federal employees and the members of the public with disabilities, have access to, and use of information and data as the individuals without disability, unless it will be undue burden to the institution to do so. Web based applications are required to present their information in a manner that makes it possible for the disabled users to have access too. Therefore, the development of the user interfaces are affected in the following way: The interface should provide a text equivalent for every non-text element, the alternatives for the presentation of multimedia are supposed to be synchronized within the presentation,
This technology includes voice amplifiers, wheelchair software, and other computing software to assist learning for those with a disabilities. The technology used is high tech especially in the wheelchair software. If the system was to fail it could lead to potential distress or harm of the individual in the wheelchair. In addition, staff must be properly trained so they are capable of carrying out the software
To ensure, users do not experience any issues particularly with users with disabilities when accessing the website, the guidelines set by W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the most broadly adopted Web accessibility standard. They are set a set of guidelines that specify how to make content accessible, including devices. The guideline covers many areas, including alternatives for auditory and visual content, navigation mechanisms, ensure that documents are clear and simple, design for device independence, and many
There’s a law that relates to the Rehabilitation act that was enacted in 1973 and revised in 1998 that states, according to Section508.gov “requires Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. The law (29 U.S.C. § 794 (d)) applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Under Section 508, agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information that is comparable to the access available to others. The United States Access Board discusses the Section 508 law and its responsibility for developing accessibility standards for EIT to incorporate into regulations that govern Federal
Section 504 stipulates rather broadly that a person with a disability is “one who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life functions, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment” (US Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section). Because impairments are not specifically named, these laws are open to interpretation and qualify anyone in need of
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was passed to promote equal access to federally funded programs for people with disabilities. It was focused on nondiscrimination in the programs or activities that receive federal funding. A person would be defined as disabled if they have physical or mental impairment, has a record of the impairment, and is regarded as having the impairment. Section 504 is used for students who do not qualify for special education and is most frequently used for students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and AIDS. To be eligible under Section 504 the child must undergo an evaluation with assessment tools that will accurately demonstrate the child’s specific area of educational need.
Section 504 and the ADA directly impact schools on several levels. First, all educational programs must be available to the qualifying individuals. Each eligible student who is classified as a 504 student must be offered regular or special education with the needed
Generally, there are two key forms of monitor interfaces that should be highly considered in the process of designing different computer applications namely the multi-touch screen interface and the mouse-driven interface. The controlling actions that are carried out by different computer users tend to have different preferences when it comes to the use of different computer applications uses (Dearden, 2008). As such, the application of the multi-touch screen gives computer users an opportunity to interact with the computer applications via a touch screen that will give them a chance to tap, swipe, long tap, and pinch the screens for purposes of performing their required
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) assists Ontarians by “developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards in order to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities…”. This act creates a standard that must be met through all facets of society. Whether it be in an in-store customer experience, in the workplace or online, AODA lays a framework that will assist in the day-to-day lives of Ontarians with disabilities. This act greatly impacts the IT field, in that it changes the way IT professionals utilize technology, in order to assist and accommodate disabled citizens. Disabled Ontarians occupy a significant population within all of Ontario, “15.5% of Ontario’s population has a disability and this
Usability is a critical portion of web design that one must be ever mindful of when constructing websites. Whether creating a personal web space or building multiple pages for a large corporation, it is the burden of the designer to guarantee people can access that content. According to the United Nations, disabled people compose roughly 10 percent of the world’s population (United Nations, 2010). Many regulations and standards have been set forth to provide disabled people with the same opportunities to access content available on the World Wide Web, as it is most of the World’s population.
Following the amendment and reauthorization of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Microsoft Corporation began an initiative to research, develop, and market software, hardware, systems, and services that would assist and appeal to people with disabilities. The corporation also turned its attention to attracting, hiring, and retaining people with disabilities who have the qualifications to work at Microsoft a division for accessibility and disabilities was formed by the company. The goal going forward was to make valuing diversity and accessibility an article of faith at Microsoft.
Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that outlaws discrimination based upon disability. It is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled are met. Section 504 ensures that the child with a disability has equal access to an education. Section 504 does not require a public school to provide an individualized educational program (IEP) that is designed to meet a child's unique needs
User interface design is the design of user interfaces (UI) for machines and software, used on computers, smartphones, and any other electronic device. The goal of a user interface is to maximize a user’s ability to access all necessary components of the intended application or website with less effort exerted by the user; as a developer you want to create something beautiful that somebody with any previous experience of interfaces would be capable of using. Using an interface should be an enjoyable experience, the user shouldn’t be stressed out or annoyed by UI, and its inability to present the necessary information in an aesthetically pleasing and efficient manner. There are no steps to design that are set in stone, but crucial things that should be considered are:
The use of technology in educating children with special needs has widely grown in the past few decades. Individuals with special needs are unique and all have different areas in which they need assistance. Due to the advancements in assistive technology, computer programs, software, and other technology tools, it has become much easier for people to find useful and easier ways to become educated. Because of this, “technology has changed the way people with disabilities live, work, and learn.” (Winzer,98)
"Our vision is to create innovative technology that is accessible to everyone and that adapts to each person's needs. Accessible technology eliminates barriers for people with disabilities and it enables individuals to take full advantage of their capabilities."
Individuals with sight problems can adjust color and brightness to assist them in viewing programs. Children with hearing problems can adjust volume controls and replace noise commands with visual commands. For example, if a child clicks on a program that is unable to open, they can program the computer to respond with a verbal message informing them of the inaccessible program, as opposed to the usual noise response. “Laptop computers can provide high-tech tools for note taking because of their mobility”(Barfield, 2003, p. 1). Customized computers also offer many different options for individuals depending on their needs. Touch screens, and touch pads enable an individual to use a computer by simply touching a screen or pad with his/her finger. “This often allows students who have fine motor problems, inaccurate keyboard skills, or problems with spelling to complete programs without frustration (Olson, 2000, p. 344). Voice activated computers allow students to use a microphone to enter information into the computer. Positions of buttons and switches can also be changed to accommodate an individuals certain needs. Other parts of the computer can also be altered to aid an individual with special needs. For example, individuals with limited motor control often use a key guard. “A keyguard is a keyboard overlay with holes positioned over each key. This assists in stabilization of finger, hand, or stick movement (Ray, 1995, p.