Sp12T1 Web 2.0 Access Barriers

In several recent online and offline discussions on comment spam and other automated, improper use of forms, I have seen or heard people suggest using image-based CAPTCHAs (you know, those images of distorted letters and numbers) to prevent spambots and other programs from successfully submitting forms. Requiring the user to interpret an image of distorted characters and then enter those characters into a text input field may seem like a nice idea at first. Deciphering those characters for verification can be confusing for most of us, but for the blind who depend on screen readers, it is impossible for those programs to intrepret such mumbo jumbo.

This slide presentation starts with a comparison of Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. It demonstrates why we should be excited about Web 2.0. Then it goes into pointing out barriers to accessibility of Web 2.0 and why educators should be educated on how to use Web 2.0 correctly. It should be planned and with a purpose in mind for it to be an effective tool for teaching.

Describes how the JAWS is used for the visually impaired individuals.

Press release: 26th October 2011 A consortium of researchers and user organizations from across Europe is investigating the accessibility of Web 2.0 applications for disabled and older people. The group will then create new tools to help developers produce applications that are more accessible to these groups. I've included this because I think it speaks to the relevance of how difficult it is for disabled folks and older folks to use the new technology found within Web 2.0. It is wonderful to see that a group (NCBI Centre for Inclusive Technology) is taking the initiative to try a determine a solution that is prevalent for a portion of the world's population.

The assistive technology cited in this article applies not only to autistic children and adults but to children with other disabilities. As I was reading, I could think of some of my students who would benefit from the technology listed here.

Maria, This assignment requires that the links posted here take us to sites or articles focused on the barriers to Web 2.0 access, faced by people with disabilities. To meet the assignment requirement, the linked webpage must directly talk about Web 2.0 techniques, or at least using the internet. A website or article about assistive technologies is useful in general, but it does not meet the requirements for this assignment.

This writing explains that slowly, acceptance of Web 2.0 has increased since 2009.

This article is not specifically about web accessibility for people with disabilities.

This publication explains that dispite the many opportunities within Web 2.0 communication technologies, significant technology berriers for people with certain disabilities do exist today.

Web 2.0 technology has improved the quality of life for many autistic children, however, some barriers do exist. One of the berriers for many families is the price of some of the online resources. Fortunatelly, some less expensive resources are beginning to emerge.

Get started today working with all your Microsoft and IBM Lotus® Symphony™ applications using JAWS®, the world's most popular screen reader. Developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content, JAWS reads aloud what's on the PC screen.

This article was written by a student who is faced with learning disabilities. Within the paper she discusses challenges faced with certain aspects of technology and her authentic assessment of how she utilized certain tools.

LD OnLine is the leading website on learning disabilities, learning disorders and differences. Parents and teachers of learning disabled children will find authoritative guidance on attention deficit disorder, ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dysnomia, reading difficulties, speech and related disorders.

Windows  8 will be easier to use for those who are visually impaired or face other disabilities

" Assistive Technology " " Assistive Computer Devices Information provided by Disabled World - Published: 2009-02-17 A screen reader is a software application that attempts to identify and interpret what is being displayed on the computer screen. This interpretation is then represented to the user with text-to-speech, sound icons, or a braille output.

Accessibility has become a hot topic as increased awareness and growing requirements demand that applications take into account the needs of all potential users. Accessibility covers not only the Web application, but document, desktop application and hardware, and so on. In the Web application domain, making static Web pages accessible is relatively easy.

This article communicates the urgent need to make accessibility friendlier and more affordable to those with assistive technology needs. The Department of Justice wants to broaden the authority of the Americans with Disabilities Act in regard to the Internet and specifically websites. Today is the final day for public comment on that proposal. Meanwhile, new data has emerged that shows far fewer people with disabilities using the Internet than people without.

This is a group that helps companies make their websites accessible for all. Their belief is caring for all people (disabled, aged, second language readers and others) and not just making a website "legally compliant." They can help add captions to videos, text to pictures, and help with many other barriers that a person might come across.

The Zac Browser allows children with autism and similar disorders experience the web comfortably. By limiting access to sites that have been deemed appropriate for children with these disorders, the browser reduces distractions and inappropriate material. And it even works with the Nintendo Wii remote!