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An exploratory study examining how students with print disabilities navigate accessible documents

Handouts Media

Presented at 9:15am in WB II on Wednesday, November 15, 2017.

#9050

Speaker(s)

  • Korey Singleton, ATI Manager, George Mason University
  • Kristine Neuber, IT Accessibility Coordinator, George Mason University

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format: Lecture
  • Expertise Level: Beginner
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

This exploratory study examines how students with print disabilities, primarily those with visual impairments, approach accessible documents (i.e., Word, PPT, PDF).

Abstract

While several studies have explored frustrations and challenges associated with blind users accessing web content, few have focused on document accessibility. This preliminary study examines how students with print disabilities, primarily those with visual impairments, approach accessible documents (i.e., Word, PPT, PDF). Using a combination of video observation, surveys, and semi-structured interviews, students were presented with an accessible document and provided with a series of tasks to complete navigating the document’s content. In this session, we will discuss the study, results, and potential implications for designing accessible documents for users with print disabilities.

Keypoints

  1. Users with print disabilties approach accessible content in different ways
  2. Practical considerations for training users with print disabilities to navigate accessible documents
  3. Practical considerations for prioritizing accessible document design based on needs of users

Disability Areas

Cognitive/Learning, Vision

Topic Areas

Accessible Course Design, Administrative/Campus Policy, Alternate Format, Teaching about Accessibility in Curriculum, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Korey Singleton

Korey Singleton earned his Master's in Assistive/Special Education Technology at George Mason University in 2006 and his Ph.D. in Education (concentration: Learning Technologies Design Research), with a focus on integrating UDL into the online course development process in 2017. He has worked for over 14 years as the Assistive Technology Initiative (ATI) Manager for George Mason University (GMU). The ATI operates under GMU’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and is tasked with guiding and implementing a university-wide strategy for addressing the information and communications technology accessibility needs of students, staff, faculty, and visitors with disabilities. For over 25 years, he has advocated for technology accessibility and the use of assistive technology by individuals with disabilities at home, at work, and in the classroom.

Kristine Neuber

To be added at a later date...

Handout(s)

Media

Videos