Beyond Web Accessibility: Barriers to ICT for Disabled People

The Aidis Trust is a charity that was founded in 1975 to help Disabled people communicate through information and communication technology (ICT). The Aidis Trust believes that ICT can play a major role in reducing the isolation and social exclusion of Disabled people. Through services including assessment, training, workshops and on-going support the Aidis Trust helps Disabled people to use ICT to increase their independence and confidence. For more information about the Trust and it's work, please click here.

This study looks beyond web accessibility, identifying and analysing the barriers that prevent Disabled people from taking advantage of the wealth of opportunities that are available through Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Interest, Awareness, Access, Cost, Training and On-going support are identified as the key barriers. The financial cost of provision, installation and maintenance of computers, special assistive hardware and special needs software taken together form the most critical barrier. On-going support is also identified as extremely important to Disabled people.

The barriers are seen as a series of bottlenecks in the process of "ICT inclusion". The barriers overlap and are inter-connected. The study concludes that a holistic policy and service delivery approach, recognising and tackling all of the barriers, will help Disabled people to take advantage of ICT as a force for social inclusion.

Please click here to view a small file (2.8Mb) PDF version of the study.

Please click here to view a large file (4.7Mb) PDF version of the study.

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