Web Design Requirements for Improved Web Accessibility for the Blind
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Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Abstract
Considerable research has been done on how to make e-learning
systems accessible. But Learners in electronic and hybrid learning environments
utilize many Web based systems beyond what the instructor and institution
provides and can control such as search engines, news portals and research
databases. This paper presents Web design requirements that can improve the
accessibility of such websites for PWDs particularly the blind. The requirements
were derived from both theoretical and quantitative data gathered from
both literature and a case study. It was observed that graphical user interfaces,
non-linear navigation, forms, tables, images, lack of key board support, nonstandard
document formats and acronyms and abbreviations hinder Web accessibility
for the blind. Therefore in order to improve Web accessibility for the
blind, the following requirements were suggested; a text only version of the
website or a combination of design considerations namely: text alternatives for
visual elements, meaningful content structure in the source code, skip navigation
link(s), orientation during navigation, ensure (tables, frames and forms) are
accessible if any is used, test the website with keyboard only access, use or
convert documents into standard formats and expand abbreviations and acronyms
the first time they appear on a page. Meeting the given requirements in
the Web development process improves Web accessibility for all blind Web users
including those engaged in hybrid learning.
Description
Keywords
Web Accessibility, Requirements, Blind, Hybrid Learning, E-learning
Citation
Baguma, R., & Lubega, J. T. (2008, August). Web design requirements for improved web accessibility for the blind. In International Conference on Hybrid Learning and Education (pp. 392-403). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.