Testing a web information portal for people with learning disabilities

Abstract

This paper contributes to an incremental base of research exploring usability issues related to information and communication experiences and needs of individuals with learning difficulties. A web portal designed specifically with the intended users in mind (i.e. individuals with learning difficulties) has been developed and piloted through a Rix Centre (UEL (University of East London) ) initiative in collaboration with a number of schools and adult service organisations. Seven individuals aged 14–16 years and identified with mild learning difficulties participated in the study. Assessment of findings includes evidence of participant self‐directed interest and initiated use of web technologies, recognition and competent utilisation of basic navigation tools, and simple task completion within the web portal itself. Areas of noted interest warranting further exploration include participant behaviour in regard to limited length, depth, and frequency of individual web site browsing; participant difficulty with advanced navigation skills and eye–hand coordination connected to directed cursor movement and mouse manipulation; and web content readability levels. Additionally, further consideration exploring a user's degree of real information acquisition is necessary better to ensure meaningful and relevant web experiences for individuals with learning difficulties.

Studying web usability with people with Learning Disabilities: what the literature tells us

“…Similarly, studies include those comparing the performance of people with Learning Disabilities with a 'mainstream' cohort (KARREMAN; VAN DER GEEST;BUURSINK, 2007) and on their own (WILLIAMS; HANSON-BALDAUF, 2010).…”

“…WILLIAMS; HANSON-BALDAUF, 2010;SMALL et al 6 , 2005) noting problems with scrolling. Conversely, Rotondi et al (2007) recommend a large amount of content per page to reduce the need for navigation.…”

ICTs and Music in Special Learning Disabilities

“…Moreover there are certain possibilities like scrolling, navigating back, recognizing the previous page and undertaking less directed web site activity. Above all, the most important conclusion is that people with mild learning difficulties can be adept with web technology and music [3].…”

“…Transition is when young people with disabilities move from school based support to life in the community [3]. The basic aim of the research was to test the usability and how the participants could navigate the site and understand information.…”

“…E-learning and e-teaching are used in different educational contexts promoting the inclusion of students with special disabilities in education [2]. There is also a description of a usability evaluation of a web portal so as to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities, especially around the period of "transition" [3]. Effectiveness of iPad computerized writing instruction was evaluated for the 4th -9th graders with diagnosed specific learning disabilities (SLD) affecting writing like dysgraphia, dyslexia, oral and written language learning disability [4].…”