@article {3013, title = {Accessibility to Electronic Communication for People with Cognitive Disabilities: A Systematic Search and Review of Empirical Evidence}, journal = {Universal Access in the Information Society}, volume = {14}, year = {2015}, pages = {547-562}, publisher = {Springer Berlin Heidelberg}, abstract = {

The purpose of this study was to identify and synthesize measures for accessibility to electronic communication for people with cognitive disabilities by seeking answers to the following research questions: What measures to make electronic communication accessible to people with cognitive disabilities are evaluated and reported in the scientific literature? What documented effects do these measures have? Empirical studies describing and assessing cognitive accessibility measures were identified by searches of 13 databases. Data were extracted and methodological quality was assessed. Findings were analyzed and recommendations for practice and research were made. Twenty-nine articles with consider-able variations in studied accessibility measures, diagnoses, methods, outcome measures, and quality were included. They address the use of Internet, e-mail, telephone, chat, television, multimedia interfaces, texts and pictures, operation of equipment, and entering of information. Although thin, the current evidence base indicates that the accessibility needs, requirements, and preferences of people with cognitive disabilities are diverse. This ought to be reflected in accessibility guidelines and standards. Studies to systematically develop and recommend effective accessibility measures are needed to address current knowledge gaps.

}, keywords = {Accessibility, cognitive disability, usability}, isbn = {1020901403}, doi = {10.1007/s10209-014-0351-6}, author = {Johan Borg and Ann Lantz and Jan Gulliksen} } @article {3171, title = {Universal design, inclusive design, accessible design, design for all: different concepts {\textemdash} one goal? On the concept of accessibility {\textemdash} historical, methodological and philosophical aspects}, journal = {Universal Access in the Information Society}, volume = {14}, year = {2015}, note = {

The article discusses the concept of accessibility from methodological, historical and philosophical perspectives. It aims to articulate different explication of the concept across various cultures and systems.

}, pages = {505-526}, abstract = {

Accessibility and equal opportunities for all in the digital age have become increasingly important over the last decade. In one form or another, the concept of accessibility is being considered to a greater or smaller extent in most projects that develop interactive systems. However, the concept varies among different professions, cultures and interest groups. Design for all, universal access and inclusive design are all different names of approaches that largely focus on increasing the accessibility of the interactive system for the widest possible range of use. But, in what way do all these concepts differ and what is the underlying philosophy in all of these concepts? This paper aims at investigating the various concepts used for accessibility, its methodological and historical development and some philosophical aspects of the concept. It can be concluded that there is little or no consensus regarding the definition and use of the concept, and consequently, there is a risk of bringing less accessibility to the target audience. Particularly in international standardization the lack of consensus is striking. Based on this discussion, the authors argue for a much more thorough definition of the concept and discuss what effects it may have on measurability, conformance with standards and the overall usability for the widest possible range of target users.

}, keywords = {Accessibility, disability, universal design, usability}, isbn = {1020901403}, doi = {10.1007/s10209-014-0358-z}, author = {Persson, Hans and {\r A}hman, Henrik and Yngling, Alexander Arvei and Jan Gulliksen} }