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Introduction

This document is to help us gather techniques and strategies as we come across them, so that they do not get forgotten or are hard to find later when we are finished the gap analysis.

Larger scale, engineering solutions can also be added to the issue papers.

Editors Note: We intend to add more examples to each technique and provide some example pages

Summary

Most designers want people to be able to use their site. However designs that might be difficult for some people to use can actually bar people with cognitive and learning disabilities from using the content at all. Typically this happens because content providers may not be familiar with the needs of different people.

This document contains detailed techniques that should enable content to be usable by people with cognitive and learning disabilities.

We have identified the following themes though the techniques.

  1. Help as many users as possible understand the site and know how to use it. This often involves using things that are clear and familiar to the user so that they do not have to learn new symbols, terms or design patters. Personalization and good use of semantics can help make the symbols and design as familiar to the user as possible.
  2. Prevent the user from making mistakes and make it easy to correct mistakes when they do occur. A good design and use of scripts will make errors less likely, but when they do occur the user should know how to correct them, without having to renter other data or start from the beginning.
  3. Help the use focus and to restore context if attention is lost. Items like breadcrumbs can help orientate the user and help the user restore the context when it is lost. (Making breadcrumbs clickable can also help the user undo mistakes)

 

Main techniques include:

  1. Use a clear structure with easy to follow sections short paragraphs manageable chunks
  2. Use an easy to follow writing style
  3. Provide rapid and direct feedback
  4. Help the user understand the content and orientate themselves in the content.
  5. Help users complete and check their work by less likely that the user will make mistakes and easy to undo mistakes when they occur
  6. Provide help
  7. Help the user focus and help restore the context if attention is lost
  8. Enable adaptability and personalization, so that symbols text and other features rare familiar and helpful to the user
  9. Minimize the cognitive skills required to use the content and avoid barriers that stop people with cognitive disabilities from using content, such as hard to use security mechanisms.

 

 

Document structure

The top level headings are who the techniques and strategies are for, such as general techniques that help most people with Cognitive and Learning Disabilities, techniques that help for attention, techniques that help people with difficulty processing language etc. The sections are based on function and not disability names.

The document is the divided into topics (such as Emphasis Structure) at heading level 3, and then into individual techniques at heading level 4. Each topic also has a "see also" section where you can put WCAG mappings. Where appropriate the techniques can labeled for localization.

Each technique is divided into:

Tags are for who it helps ("use for" tags) and for who can detriment ("avoid for" tags) from use of this strategy. The default is that a strategy is good for all groups.

Tags can be for the cognitive function impairments or other user descriptors such as localization.

For example

Use for: "Short Term Memory" would imply that this strategy is helpful for people with a short term memory impairment.

Tags can be concatenated. For example: "Short Term Memory-Visual Memory". Additional terms are limiting, and the tag becomes more specific as we concatenate terms.

Tags for cognitive function are found in the Cognitive Function Table (link to be provided soon).

Localization tags so far include:

Feel free to put in a technique even if you do not have all this information. However try to provide any research that you know of - even if it is just your own personal experience. If you add a localization category, please also add it to this introduction.

Exemptions

The group feel the following situations can create exceptions to parts of techniques

General techniques

General techniques are useful for most people with Cognitive and Learning Disabilities

Provide a clear structure

Break your content into manageable chunks

  • Identify 1-3 main tasks that covers most of what users want to do. Make sure it is obvious how to do them as soon as the content loads.
  • Have one topic per page.
  • Have one idea per paragraph. (One sentence is enough for a paragraph.)
  • Have one point per sentences. Long sentences can often be broken up into short sentence or lists. If a sentence can use more then one conjuction or comer, it typically can be broken up.

When personalization is supported, you can also divide content using the section tags. The user who prefer less content per page, could then see each section as a separate page with a next button.

Explanation and who it helps:

This brakes the content into digestible pieces that the user can cope with.

Sources/research:

https://www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2008-04/make%20it%20clear%20apr09.pdf

The Aphasia Alliance's Top Tips for 'Aphasia Friendlier' Communication taken from http://www.buryspeakeasy.org.uk/documents/Aphasia%20Alliance%20Aphasia%20Friendier%20Communication.pdf

Phiriyapkanon. Is big button interface enough for elderly users, P34, Malardardalen University Press Sweden 2011.

Help the user find information

Having a clear path to content helps all users. Also note that personalization can be used to remove extraneous information.
  • When possible have no more than three clicks to get to information. Divide your pages into sections and subtopics. Try and ensure that it is clear what topic the page would be under. Ensure that it can be reached though any high level page that it logically could belong. Help and support should be one click away
  • Provide different methods to find information. Provide a site map, and preferably a the search box as well.
  • Limit the number of links in each area.   Have no more then seven links in any one navigation section or under any one subheading.
  • Make clickable areas obvious, such as links and buttons
Explanation and who it helps:

Some people can get overwhelmed by too much information and may give up when it takes too long to find information

Sources/research:

http://www.autism.org.uk/working-with/autism-friendly-places/designing-websites-suitable-for-people-with-autism-spectrum-disorders.aspx (08/2015)

Use headings and labels to describe topic or purpose.

Simple colored headings with fonts two size larger than general content to aid navigation skills.

Explanation and who it helps:

This supports those who have reading and some visual perceptual difficulties due to Receptive Aphasia (Wernicke's Aphasia) and acquired dyslexia as well as those with general cognitive learning disabilities, where long sentences and complex words can cause difficulties. [EDN1

Sources/research:

Rose, T.A., Worrall, L.E., Hickson, L.M., Hoffmann, T.C. (2011). Aphasia friendly written health information: Content and design characteristics. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 13(4), 335-47.

Use consistent styles

Ensure:

  • All headings with the same role have the same style,
  • appearance of controls and menu items consistent in all areas,
  • clarity of display on plain backgrounds,
  • icons, controls and menus are used consistently across your site.
Explanation and who it helps:

This supports those who have reading and some visual perceptual difficulties due to Receptive Aphasia and acquired dyslexia as well as those with general cognitive learning disabilities. It also helps those with visual acuity difficulties where stroke and age related disabilities co-occur.

Use for tags: All
Receptive Aphasia, acquired dyslexia, visual acuity difficulties
Avoid for tags:

Sources/research:

The Aphasia Alliance's Top Tips for 'Aphasia Friendlier' Communication taken from http://www.buryspeakeasy.org.uk/documents/Aphasia%20Alliance%20Aphasia%20Friendier%20Communication.pdf

Use presentation, color and symbols to show structure and relationships

Ensure that

  • icons, controls and menus are located in consistent and non- distracting areas.
  • highlight key points in bold - (be careful not to over use, because it feels like shouting)
  • text boxes to highlight important information
Explanation and who it helps:

“People with aphasia post-stroke have also been reported to have more specific design preferences compared to people without aphasia, preferring written stroke information to contain color and text supported with diagrams” (Eames et al., 2003)ii

Sources/research:

The Aphasia Alliance's Top Tips for 'Aphasia Friendlier' Communication taken from http://www.buryspeakeasy.org.uk/documents/Aphasia%20Alliance%20Aphasia%20Friendier%20Communication.pdf

Eames, S., McKenna, K., Worrall, L., & Read, S. (2003). The suitability of written education materials for stroke survivors and their carers. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 10(3), 70-83.

Phiriyapkanon. Is big button interface enough for elderly users, P34, Malardardalen University Press Sweden 2011.

Use lists and tables

Ensure that:

  • bullet points are well spaced
  • a minimal number of words are used (e.g.5)
  • lists are not cluttered by surrounding items
  • keywords start the statement such as “Stroke happens suddenly”

Tables can also be used to clearly show the relationship between data.

Explanation and who it helps:

This supports people who have reading difficulties. It includes many people with intellectual disabilities, due to Receptive Aphasia and acquired dyslexia as well as those with general cognitive learning disabilities.

Sources/research:

"Top Five Instructional Tips for Students with Down syndrome" http://specialedpost.org/2013/01/31/top-five-instructional-strategies-for-students-with-down-syndrome/

"Down syndrome and Learning" http://inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/down-syndrome-and-learning/

Stroke Association Accessible Information Guidelines http://www.stroke.org.uk/professionals/accessible-information-guidelines

Use a clear presentation

  • Identify the main task or information and keep it easy to find, e.g. to the top left where the eye goes first in English (consider localization for right to left languages such as Arabic).
  • use visual grouping with subheading to enable filtering of content without overwhelming
  • use white space and lines to define areas
  • include an index or sitemap
  • keep linking images simple and explanatory, so that users easily know exactly where they will go if they click the link.
  • for long or complex content include a short introduction to summarize content
Explanation and who it helps:

This supports people with intellectual disabilities those who have any type of Aphasia, specific learning difficulties as well as those with general cognitive learning disabilities. This supports those who have Dementia and/or acquire cognitive disabilities as they Age.

Sources/research:

"Top Five Instructional Tips for Students with Down syndrome" http://specialedpost.org/2013/01/31/top-five-instructional-strategies-for-students-with-down-syndrome/ "Down syndrome and Learning" http://inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/down-syndrome-and-learning/

iBrennan, A., Worrall, L., & McKenna, K. (2005). The relationship between specific features of aphasia-friendly written material and comprehension of written material for people with aphasia: An exploratory study. Aphasiology, 19(8), 693-711. doi:10.1080/02687030444000958

Phiriyapkanon. Is big button interface enough for elderly users, P34, Malardardalen University Press Sweden 2011.

Be predictable

The more predictable your content is the easier it is to know how to use it.

Explanation and who it helps:

All but especially those with some forms of autism

Sources/research:

Neilson-aging

Computers helping people with special needed, 14 international conference ICCHP 2014 Eds. Miesenberger, Fels, Archambault, Et. Al. Springer (pages 401). Paper: Tablets in the rehabilitation of memory impairment, K Dobsz et. al.

Writing style

Be clear and to the point

Making your message clear. The first step is to identify what your main message is. Then ensure that:

  • Extraneous information is separated (preferably removed)
  • key points are separated out
  • check that the order of statements is logical
  • use short clear sentences (avoid multiple points in one sentence)
  • choose words that are in general use ,and are easily understood by your audience
  • avoid hyphenated words and acronyms (unless they are easily understandable)
  • be factual
  • use clear headings to signpost information. For multi media it should be easy to go back to each section using techniques such as indexing and bookmarks.
  • use words that make it clear what will happen when links and buttons are used (such as "search" in place of "submit")
  • avoid the use of metaphors such as 'it's raining cats and dogs' as people may take these literally.

In cases where there is a lot of information provide a clear and simple summary of the content.

 

Explanation and who it helps:

This supports those who have reading difficulties and some visual perceptual difficulties. It can include people with intellectual disabilities, Receptive Aphasia and acquired dyslexia as well as those with general cognitive learning disabilities, where long sentences and complex words can cause difficulties. This supports those who have Dementia and/or acquire cognitive disabilities as they Age.

Additionally it supports persons with general cognitive learning disabilities, where long sentences and complex words can cause difficulties.

Sources/research:

i Stroke Association Accessible Information Guidelines http://www.stroke.org.uk/professionals/accessible-information-guidelines

Computers helping people with special needs, 14 international conference ICCHP 2014 Eds. Miesenberger, Fels, Archambault, et. al. Springer (pages 401). Paper: Never Too old to use a tablets, L. Muskens et. al. pages 392 - 393.

Phiriyapkanon. Is big button interface enough for elderly users, P34, Malardardalen University Press Sweden 2011.

Neilson-aging

"Top Five Instructional Tips for Students with Down syndrome" http://specialedpost.org/2013/01/31/top-five-instructional-strategies-for-students-with-down-syndrome/

http://www.autism.org.uk/working-with/autism-friendly-places/designing-websites-suitable-for-people-with-autism-spectrum-disorders.aspx (downloaded 08/2015)

"Students with Down syndrome" http://www.downssa.asn.au/__files/f/3203/A%20Student%20with%20Down%20Syndrome%202014.pdf

Give instructions clearly

  • use short clear sentences
  • use simple, clear words
  • do not miss out steps
  • do not assume users can guess what you mean
  • leave plenty of space between lines (at least 1.5 spacing between lines)
  • use unambiguous language

Note that many users find it easier if you limit decisions/options for user. However other users find it easier to see all related options at the same time. Providing a consistent "more options" mechanism can help. Personalization can also help address conflicting needs.

Explanation and who it helps:

This supports those who have Dementia and/or acquire cognitive disabilities as they Age.

Sources/research:

The Aphasia Alliance's Top Tips for 'Aphasia Friendlier' Communication taken from http://www.buryspeakeasy.org.uk/documents/Aphasia%20Alliance%20Aphasia%20Friendier%20Communication.pdf

Phiriyapkanon. Is big button interface enough for elderly users, P34, Malardardalen University Press Sweden 2011.

Computers helping people with special needed, 14 international conference ICCHP 2014 Eds. Miesenberger, Fels, Archambault, Et. Al. Springer (pages 401). Paper: Tablets in the rehabilitation of memory impairment, K Dobsz et. al.

http://www.autism.org.uk/working-with/autism-friendly-places/designing-websites-suitable-for-people-with-autism-spectrum-disorders.aspx (downloaded 08/2015)

Use a simple tense and active rather than passive voice.

Simple present tense is usually easier to understand then other tenses

Example: "I am using the present tense" as appose to "the present tense was used"

With the active voice, the subject of sentence performs the action. Passive voice the subject receives the action. For example

Example - Active: Researchers showed that high stress can cause heart attacks.

Example - Passive: High stress, has been proved by researchers to sometimes be the cause of heart attacks.

To identify passive voicing

  • Check that it is clear who is the subject of the sentence
  • The term "by" phrase often is used in passive voicing
  • Possible use of 'you' but careful use of other pronouns such as 'she', 'he' etc ii
  • Determiners such as 'this' and 'that' can confuse

Exemption

There are times when passive voicing or other tense can be clearer. In these cases, there is an exemption if active voicing has been shown in a user test to be harder to understand, less friendly or inappropriate.

For example: The sentence "You many not eat here" may be considered aggressive. "Eating is not allowed in this room" is just as clear and is less aggressive.

Explanation and who it helps:

Those with Expressive Aphasia may ?and the use of passive voice “di?cult due to problems with retrieving the relevant grammatical morphemes” and those with receptive Aphasia may also find it hard to automatically understand the meaning of passive voice . This supports those who have Dementia and/or acquire cognitive disabilities as they Age.

Sources/research:

iFaroqi-Shah Y, Thompson CK. Effect of lexical cues on the production of active and passive sentences in Broca's and Wernicke's aphasia. Brain and Language. 2003;85:409-426. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3034248/
iiStroke Association Accessible Information Guidelines http://www.stroke.org.uk/professionals/accessible-information-guidelines

Computers helping people with special needs, 14 international conference ICCHP 2014 Eds. Miesenberger, Fels, Archambault, et. al. Springer (pages 401). Paper: Never Too old to use a tablets, L. Muskens et. al. pages 392 - 393.

Avoid double negatives.

  • It is important to avoid sentences that contain double negatives or dependent clauses for example He doesn't have nothing but the clothes on his back.”
Explanation and who it helps:

These sentences tend to be grammatically incorrect and confusing - their use should be avoided for those who have intellectual disabilities, any type of Aphasia, specific learning difficulties as well as those with general cognitive learning disabilities. This supports those who have Dementia and/or acquire cognitive disabilities as they Age.

Sources/research:

iSarno, M.T(1998) (ed) Acquired Aphasia. San Diego : Academic Press, 1998,
— id: 1029, year: 1998, vol: 1, page: 28

Phiriyapkanon. Is big button interface enough for elderly users, P34, Malardardalen University Press Sweden 2011.

"Down Syndrome Issues and Information: Speech and Language" (http://www.down-syndrome.org/information/language/)

"Speech and Language Therapy for children with Down Syndrome" (http://www.ndss.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl e&id=138:speech-a-language-therapy&catid=51:therapies-adevelopment&itemid=142&showall=1)

"Down syndrome 101 for Educators" http://downsyndromeinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Down-Syndrome-101-for-Educators-DSIA-Presentation.pdf

Checking Readability

Check long documents in sections to determine which parts are too hard to read.

One way to do this is to use the Flesch Reading Ease score which rates text on a 100-point scale. The higher the score, the easier it is to understand the document. For most standard documents, aim for a score of approximately 70 to 80.

The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level score rates text on a U.S. grade-school level. For example, a score of 5.0 means that a fifth grader, i.e., a Year 6, average 10 years old, can understand the document. For most standard documents, aim for a score of approximately 5.0 by using short sentences, not by simplifying vocabulary.

In cases were a higher reading age is required (such as for a legal document) provide an easy to read summary of key points.

Provide rapid and direct feedback.

Applications should continuously provide easily-recognizable feedback of success or failure with every action. Confirm that after a user action the user known that the action was successful or not. Applications should also let the user know what just happened and where they are in a process.

Spoken feedback is often more effective then written feedback. However having both spoken feedback and longer lasting written and visual feedback helps the user know where they are and restores the context if attention is lost.

For example:

 

Explanation and who it helps:

This supports those who have Dementia and/or acquire cognitive disabilities as they Age. It also helps anyone with impaired short term memory remember what they just did.

Sources/research:

Phiriyapkanon. Is big button interface enough for elderly users, P34, Malardardalen University Press Sweden 2011.

Neilson- aging

Help meaning

Include short tooltips on all icons, jargon

Tooltips should be precise and relate directly to the object.

When possible tooltips should be able to be turned off via personalization. This is because they may not be noticed by some who have severe aphasia and a visual agnosia and could add clutter and even confuse if they are read out by a screen reader or text to speech support. But for those with less severe difficulties they can be helpful.

Explanation and who it helps:

The amount of help offered by tooltips very much depends on the ability of the user as do many of the techniques above.

These is helpful to most persons with intellectual disabilities. Sometimes a person with an intellectual disability can get confused and distracted. If tooltips are to be used they must precise and relate directly to the object.

Sources/research:

From WCAG:

  • Guideline 3.1 Readable: Make text content readable and understandable.
  • Unusual Words: A mechanism is available for identifying specific definitions of words or phrases used in an unusual or restricted way, including idioms and jargon. (3.1.3 Level AAA)
  • Abbreviations: A mechanism for identifying the expanded form or meaning of abbreviations is available. (3.1.4 Level AAA)
  • Reading Level: When text requires reading ability more advanced than the lower secondary education level after removal of proper names and titles, supplemental content, or a version that does not require reading ability more advanced than the lower secondary education level, is available. (3.1.5Level AAA)
  • Pronunciation: A mechanism is available for identifying specific pronunciation of words where meaning of the words, in context, is ambiguous without knowing the pronunciation. (3.1.6 Level AAA)

Use of charts and graphs

Where appropriate, create charts and graphics to provide additional ways to reinforce important concepts. Typically, if something can be shown in a chart or a graphic, it will help many users if it is provided.

However, graphics should be clear and easy to identify what is going on

The ability to “read between the lines” of a text, graphic, or lecture may seem like an exercise in “common sense,” but it may create barriers for students with autism, who may not be able to readily discern the intended relevance of graphical data.

Clear explanations may reduce undue cognitive loads for all users.

Further use aria-describedby to associate the graphic or sections of a graphic or chart and the text that describes it can be read by a screen reader whilst the right section of the chart is highlighted.

Explanation and who it helps:

People who find reading or language difficult can be helped by a chart or graph

Sources/research:

“Accommodating-ASD-In-STEM.pdf”. Nathan W . Moon, PhD Robert L. T odd, M S David L. Morton, PhD Emily Ivey, M S (You can download it from John's Dropbox account at http://bit.ly/18wev76.)

Make sure there isn't a copyright violation here.

Use symbols and images to show meaning

Explanation and who it helps:

Symbols as an addition to short sentences and phrases can understanding.

However as some people have difficulty remembering symbols, use text with the symbol.

  • Use clear symbols that can easily be seen and expanded
  • Use images understood by different users
  • In left to right languages place the image to the left of the text

In the future we intend to enable semantics that will add symbols that are easy to use by the individual user.

Sources/research:

See http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about-dyslexia/further-information/dyslexia-style-guide.html

Garrett, K. L., Beukelman, D. R., & Low-Morrow, D. (1989). A comprehensive augmentative communication system for an adult with Broca's aphasia. Augmentative & Alternative Communication, 5(1), 55.

Top Five Instructional Tips for Students with Down syndrome" http://specialedpost.org/2013/01/31/top-five-instructional-strategies-for-students-with-down-syndrome/

"Down syndrome and Learning" http://inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/down-syndrome-and-learning/

Phiriyapkanon. Is big button interface enough for elderly users, P34, Malardardalen University Press Sweden 2011

Also see:

  • Info and Relationships: Information, structure, and relationships conveyed through presentation can be programmatically determined or are available in text. (WCAG 1.3.1 Level A)
  • Headings and Labels: Headings and labels describe topic or purpose. (WCAG 2.4.6 Level AA)
  • Consistent Navigation: Navigational mechanisms that are repeated on multiple Web pages within a set of Web pages occur in the same relative order each time they are repeated, unless a change is initiated by the user. (WCAG 3.2.3 Level AA)
  • Consistent Identification: Components that have the same functionality within a set of Web pages are identified consistently. (WCAG 3.2.4 Level AA)

Use of synchronized highlighting, of complex graphics and formula with speech

Associate maths, sections of math and sections of complex items with explanations.

Provide text or speech explanations for sections of charts, mathematical formula and graphics, so that the section of the formula or graphic being discussed can be highlighted at the same time as the explanatory text is being read.

For example, when the text is describing the denominator of a formula, that denominator should be highlighted.

Note that this requires an accessible format for math such as MathML used with aria-describedby and CSS.

This has been shown to increase math comprehension by 10%

Sources/research:

Lewis et al. (2012)

Temperature

  • Use the default temperature format of locale
  • Allow reading of long form temperature.
  • Reinforce with non-numerical values, e.g., Very Cold, Cold, Cool, Mild, Warm, Hot, Very Hot.

These are subjective values and may not always be helpful especially when dealing with weather and ambient temperature (due to reasons such as variances in regional average temperature - what is considered hot in UK is considered cool in India or Thailand). It may be possible to use look up tables and JSON to query relative average temperature based upon locale and adjust temperature ranges accordingly.

Give additional hints and pointers to users to give context.

Explanation and who it helps

The requirement to convert between Centigrade and Fahrenheit and vice versa is burdensome so defaulting to the format of the locale removes one layer of complexity.

Reading the values long form rather than using figures is helpful in for the same reasons outlined in the dates and calendar section.

Examples

Even with all of the above in place a person may not be able to marry up the concept of temperature with the numbers so giving additional hints may help make the link to whether something is hot or cold.

Use symbols where appropriate for example for weather the symbols used such as sun, snowflake, sun & cloud will give some indication.

Pass example: The Temperature is Five Degrees Centigrade (Cold) hint: It's hat and scarf weather.

Failure example: Failure to explain figures representing relative values. Temperature = 21℃/70℉

The Temperature is Thirty Degrees Centigrade (Very hot) hint: It's shorts weather

Use for tags: Dyscalculia, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, high cognitive load, situationally disabled.

Sources/research

Research carried out by Neil Milliken with web users who have Dyscalculia - case studies.

Calculations

Ability to have mathematical notation read out with text to speech to aid understanding.

Explanation and who it helps

The reading of Maths notation can be achieved through the use of MathML with text to speech but Maths reading rules need to be applied for the correct reading order and formats may be localized. Correct localization and use of MathML for text to speech reading aloud with text highlighting can help with memory difficulties when coping with complex equations for those with Dyscalculia, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder.

Examples

A maths equation using MathML read aloud with MathJax https://www.mathjax.org/

Pass example: Use of MathML for maths notation http://www.w3.org/TR/MathML/

Failure examples: Use of symbols as graphics without explanations.

Use for tags: dyscalculia, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder.

Sources/research

Mathematical Markup Language (MathML) Version 3.0 2nd Edition W3C Recommendation 10 April 2014 http://www.w3.org/TR/MathML/

Making Mathematics Accessible http://www.dessci.com/en/reference/accessibility/

Math on the web http://www.dessci.com/en/reference/webmath/

Currency

Localisation and sequence of symbols and numbers

  • Consider placement of currency symbols related to locale and offer acronym with explanation or full text

Explanation and who it helps

This may help explain the currency being used and also offer clarity in terms of the type of coins such as Australian dollar as opposed to US dollar. This can help everyone including those with dyscalculia, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder and those who may be under high cognitive load or situationally disabled.

Examples

Providing text or shortened forms of currency representations with explanations:

  • € 234,56 Euro
  • £ 234,56 British Pounds
  • $ 234,56 US Dollars

Providing standardised text or shortened forms of currency representations.

Failure examples

Failure to provide standardised, recognised currency symbols or text short form in the appropriate position.

Use for tags: All

Sources/research

ISO 4217 Currency Codes http://www.xe.com/iso4217.php

1.3.1 Info and Relationships: Information, structure, and relationships conveyed through presentation can be programmatically determined or are available in text. (Level A) WCAG advises providing symbol before the number as part of the W3C working draft on http://www.w3.org/TR/2013/NOTE-UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20-20130905/content-structure-separation-programmatic#content-structure-separation-programmatic-intent-head

Buying and Selling Online (Quantities and Size)

Do not rely on numbers alone when describing goods. Provide a hint or additional information to aid users.

Explanation and who it helps

People with dyscalculia frequently struggle with the concept of quantities, this presents challenges when buying goods. In the failure example below it would be easy for someone with dyscalculia to think that the 25Kg was the smaller of the two.

Examples

Pass examples

Small Pack of Basmati Rice - 250 grams . (Will make a single meal for two people).

Extra Large Sack of Basmati Rice - 25 Kilograms (Will feed a family for months)

Failure examples

Basmati Rice 250g

Basmati Rice 25Kg

Use for tags: Dyscalculia, dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder.

Sources/research

Research carried out by Neil Milliken with web users who have dyscalculia - case studies.

Buying & Selling Online (Payments)

See also: Web Security and Privacy Technologies

Functions

  • Allow use of E-Wallets and password management tools.
  • Avoid asking people to enter credit card details.
  • Allow pasting of password and payment details into form fields.
  • Avoid additional layers of password authentication (e.g., verified by Visa or time sensitive random security numbers).

Format

  • Break up card input forms to match credit cards, e.g., 4x4 numbers.
  • Different cards have different patterns of numbers e.g. Amex may have more numbers than Standard Cards. Payment forms usually ask the user for the type of card. The card input form should reflect the payment card type.

Explanation and who it helps

People may struggle remembering card numbers or may have difficulty entering numbers in the correct order due to sequencing issues. Multiple layers of authentication compound problems and many banks require two-factor authentication that uses pass codes that time out after 30 seconds. Reducing the requirement for this will be of great benefit to people with dyslexia, dyscalculia, anyone who has poor working memory or issues with sequencing.

Examples

Pass examples

Allows user to utilize digital wallet to enter payment details - user choses payment card and details are entered automatically.

User chooses credit card type and the input boxes match the format of the numbers on the card.

User can copy and paste information into form fields.

Failure examples

User cannot use digital wallet or copy and paste in details.

Form fields do not match the numbers on the payment card.

The user is asked for additional authentication which asks requires remembering password fragments e.g. the first second and penultimate characters of a password.

Use for tags: Dyscalculia, dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder.

Sources/research

Research carried out by Neil Milliken with web users who have dyscalculia - case studies.

Use a clear design

Use clear visual affordances.

Actions and actionable items that can be interacted with should have a clear visual style to indicate this e.g. buttons should look like buttons. Use techniques like 'flat design' with great care as they have much reduced affordances.

Explanation and who it helps:

All but especially those with some forms of autism

Sources/research:

Citations needed - see flat design page on our wiki and Jamie Knight's blog posts

Computers helping people with special needed, 14 international conference ICCHP 2014 Eds. Miesenberger, Fels, Archambault, Et. Al. Springer (pages 401). Paper: Tablets in the rehabilitation of memory impairment, K Dobsz et. al.

Have a clean and uncluttered design

This typically involves:

  • Use a plain, evenly spaced sans serif font such as Arial
  • There is white-space (or other light background color) around blocks of text and graphics
  • Use left justification with ragged right edge. (localization: for left to right languages only)
  • Right justification with ragged left edge. (localization: for right to left languages only)
  • Font size is between 14 and 18 pt
  • There is no change in font style
  • Avoid narrow columns (as used in newspapers)
  • capital letters are used sparingly e.g. first word only and names
  • Take care to use bold text just for key items, avoid using italics, ALLCAPS or underline for emphasis
  • Text and images should be expandable.
  • Avoid text and numbers in images, including equations
  • Make important information two font sizes bigger
  • Try to avoid the underlining of text - where hyperlinks may have the default underline ensure they have a different color as well
  • Lines should not be too long: 60 to70 characters.
  • Avoid cramping material and using long, dense paragraphs: space it out. with one idea per paragraph.
  • Line spacing of 1.5 is preferable.
  • Use bullet points and numbering rather than continuous prose.
  • Avoid using non standard font alternatives such as Cufo'n
Explanation and who it helps:

These are sensible clear reading guidelines for all and can support those with a wide range of disabilities and reading difficulties including those with cognitive learning disabilities.

Sources/research:

"Am I making myself clear? Mencap's guidelines for accessible writing http://www.easy-read-online.co.uk/media/10609/making-myself-clear.pdf

"Top Five Instructional Tips for Students with Down syndrome" http://specialedpost.org/2013/01/31/top-five-instructional-strategies-for-students-with-down-syndrome/

"Down syndrome and Learning" http://inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/down-syndrome-and-learning/

See http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about-dyslexia/further-information/dyslexia-style-guide.html

Rello et al 2013

http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/sites/default/files/good_fonts_for_dyslexia_study.pdf

Rello et al 2013 - http://taln.upf.edu/content/biblio/578


Accessibility of text replacements using Canvas (custom fonts)

http://www.paciellogroup.com/blog/2009/06/notes-accessibility-of-text-replacement-using-html5-canvas/

Formats for Numbers and Time

Time

Check use of appropriate punctuation between numbers when providing times as these may be read inappropriately by text to speech engines.
Explanation and who it helps:

Being able to hear the numbers for time repeatedly read out aloud accurately with 'text to speech' technologies can help comprehension and memory. Developers need to be aware of how these technologies react to time formats. This feature can provide those with dyscalculia, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder and those who may be under high cognitive load or situationally disabled with a better understanding of the concepts.

Example

The international standard notation for the time of day is hh:mm:ss but this can be hard for those with cognitive impairments to fully comprehend - 10:30:10 may be read out as 10 hours, thirty minutes and 10 seconds by most text to speech engines but may be too long to remember. The ISO advises the 24 hour clock for example 13:30 as opposed to 01.30pm - the latter is localized for English speakers but may help those with learning disabilities along with symbols to represent the period in the day such as suggest under calendars.

Pass example: Numbers representing time can be read out accurately by text to speech engines.

Failure examples:Numbers fail to be read out accurately by text to speech engines.

Layout for Numbers

Check use of white space and punctuation characters between numbers. Use of spaces and commas within numbers can confuse and text to speech engines cope in different ways.

Explanation and who it helps
Where any numbers are presented their use needs to be considered. If they are representing dates, time, references, telephone numbers or mathematical notation their layout impacts on users' understanding. Users need to not only recognize standardised layouts but also to be able to understand the meaning as the numbers are read aloud by text to speech engines. This feature can provide those with dyscalculia, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder and those who may be under high cognitive load or situationally disabled with a better understanding of the concepts.

Example
  • Reference numbers compared to a quantity or value e.g. Ref: 7241500 as opposed to 7,241,500 chickens
  • Telephone numbers have localized layouts and text to speech readers cope in different ways with the layout so a telephone symbol and/or word for telephone/mobile/cell phone alongside the number can help avoid confusion.

Pass example: Numbers representing specific concepts can be recognised by their layout as well as being read out accurately by text to speech engines.

Failure example: Numbers fail to conform to recognised layouts and are not read out accurately by text to speech engines.

Roman Numerals
Roman Numerals should be presented in upper case if used in isolation.

Explanation and who it helps

Roman Numerals can be presented as lower case or upper case especially when used with musical notation but these may not always be recognised by text to speech engines or may be confused with other navigational elements such as numerical bullet points. Use of Roman Numerals are not always easily understood. The use of this format for isolated numbers impacts on comprehension for those with dyscalculia, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder and should be avoided if possible.

Examples

Text to speech engines will try to read the lower case Roman Numeral as word e.g. vi instead of VI - read as /vie/ instead of six.

Pass example: Roman Numerals presented in upper case if used in isolation.

Failure example: Roman Numerals presented in lower case in isolation.

Use for tags: dyscalculia, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder.

Sources/research

Are there any guidelines for the presentation of numbers?

Use linear horizontal text based scales for questionnaires and surveys rather than numbers.

Explanation and who it helps

It has been found that using linear text positioned horizontally on a page can enhance the results where numerical like rating scales are used to carry out research into people's views on a subject. Using simple text is also important as this can help those with dementia and cognitive learning disabilities as well as those with dyscalculia, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder.

Examples

Rather than having a scale of 1-5 where one is poor and 5 is excellent use the words across the page just under the question and it has also been shown that using the higher rating scale first can also impact positively on the results.

excellent very good good fair poor

Pass example: Offering users of a survey or questionnaire an alternative format.

Failure example: Failure to offer users of a survey or questionnaire an alternative format.

Sources/research

W3C working group draft F82: Failure of Success Criterion 3.3.2 by visually formatting a set of phone number fields but not including a text label http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20-TECHS/F82.html

University of Loughborough DDIG - personal perceptions of dyscalculia and Dyspraxia http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/mec/activities/maths-statistics-support/thedyscalculiaanddyslexiainterestgroup/personalperspectives/.

Toepoel, V., Das, M. and van Soest, A. 2006. Design of web questionnaires: The effect of layout in rating scales, Tilberg, , The Netherlands: Tilburg University. (Discussion Paper No. 2006‐30, CentERdta) https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Vera_Toepoel/publication/4784408_Design_of_Web_Questionnaires_The_Effect_of_Layout_in_Rating_Scales/links/0deec520de9f388043000000.pdf (accessed 5th june, 2015)

Hartley, J. and Betts, L. 2010. Four layouts and a finding: the effects of changes in the order of the verbal labels and the numerical values on Likert‐type scale scores. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 13: 17-27

Relative values

Note: This is not clear.

  • Relate percentages to part of a set and avoid comparing percentages to fractions.
  • Avoid comparing the value of one item against another where the values are relative.

Explanation and who it helps

Real concepts can be understood rather than abstract numbers Using an absolute value is better than comparing values in such a way that an item when compared to another may appear to have a difference in value. Use of imagery and/or text best supports this concept. This also applies to relative sizes, quantity and distance. These ideas support those with dyscalculia, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder and those who may be under high cognitive load.

Examples

Half an apple may be better understood when compared to 50% or 12

Pass examples

Relative values offer an alternative or explanation.

Failure examples

Failure to explain figures representing relative values.

Use for tags: dyscalculia, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder.

Sources/research

Harling, P. Decimals and Percentages. St. Martin's College http://ictedusrv.cumbria.ac.uk/maths/pgdl/unit7/unit7/page_55.htm (accessed 05 />06/2015)

Relative Value v. Absolute Value - Cheng, L (2009) blog Thinking about Thinking http://larrycheng.com/2009/06/24/relative-value-v-absolute-value/ (Accessed 05/06/2015)

Help users complete and check their work

Enough Time

Timed event should be avoided - if they are necessary there need to be clear controls, pauses and the ability to return to the original point and an alternative is included.

Timed events rarely help anyone and can cause stress and frustration.
Sources/research:

Avoid Loss of data

Data needs to be held, saved and available if web pages are refreshed by accident, closed or new tabs are opened. There needs to be the ability to return to forms partially filled and the ability to save content but security issues may prevent this on some websites.

Explanation and who it helps:

This helps everyone. If these steps cannot be done because of security problems than provide alternatives means to get to the data.

Sources/research:

"Who needs more time on tests?" http://www.betterevidence.org/issue-13/who-needs-more-time-on-tests/

Lovett BJ (2010), Extended Time Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Answers to Five Fundamental Questions, Review of Educational Research, 80, 611-38.

Lovett BJ and Leja AM (2013), Students' Perceptions of Testing Accommodations: What We Know, What We Need to Know, and Why It Matters,Journal of Applied School Psychology, 29, 72-89.

Phillips SE (1994), High-Stakes Testing Accommodations: Validity versus Disabled Rights, Applied Measurement in Education, 7, 93-120.

From WCAG

  • Timing Adjustable: For each time limit that is set by the content, at least one of the following is true: (WCAG2.2.1 Level A)
  • Pause, Stop, Hide: For moving, blinking, scrolling, or auto-updating information, all of the following are true: (2.2.2 Level A)
  • No Timing: Timing is not an essential part of the event or activity presented by the content, except for non-interactive synchronized media and real-time events. (2.2.3 Level AAA)
  • Re-authenticating: When an authenticated session expires, the user can continue the activity without loss of data after re-authenticating. (2.2.5 Level AAA)

Prevent errors

Where possible prevent the user from making errors and needing to fix them

  • Require as little information as possible. Make it visually clear what information is required
  • Provide instructions
  • Accept as many formats as possible, such as different ways of writing a phone number and date formats
  • Correct errors in the back-end, such as the post code being written in the text field with the city or state information
  • Provide a summary before submitting important information. Make it one click to repair information
  • Users often confuse advertisements and native content. Put advertisements in a box clearly marked as "advertisement". Keep advertisement septate from native content.
  • Users often forget about the scroll. Put any important features, such as save and send, above the scroll.
  • Never trick the user into buying or agreeing to something that they did not understand, or create a price structure that is unclear. For example,
    • never increase the number of items (such as having a default of two) if the user may not notice
    • never have hidden charges that are only brought to the users attention after they have given their credit card information. All charges must be clear before the start of the transaction task.
  • Calendars and dates
    • Calendars should default to the first relevant day. Work calendars should default to first working day of a user's locale.
    • Calendar based booking systems must avoid ability to book return date before departure date.
    • If the user tries to select an invalid date it must be clear why a date can not be selected such as with a short clear and friendly error message (for example "sorry that date has passed). This avoids abandonment of the process.
    • Use terms that describe the present past and future days rather than just using numbers or dates. By using terminology such as today, tomorrow or travel now in the appropriate language for the locale, the user has a clear understanding of the timeliness of the event, booking or occasion.
    • Display long form of dates with punctuation, e.g., June 1st, 2015 or 1st June, 2015. This offers a clear understanding of the date. Punctuation helps the text to speech API read the date in a way that is easier to follow.
    • When using numbers for time - check use of appropriate punctuation between numbers when providing times as these may be read inappropriately by text to speech engines.
  • Temperature
    • Use the default temperature format of locale. The requirement to convert between Centigrade and Fahrenheit and vice versa is burdensome so defaulting to the format of the locale removes one layer of complexity.
    • Allow reading of long form temperature. Reading the values long form rather than using figures is helpful in for the same reasons outlined in the dates and calendar section.
    • Reinforce with non-numerical values, e.g., Very Cold, Cold, Cool, Mild, Warm, Hot, Very Hot. These are subjective values and may not always be helpful especially when dealing with weather and ambient temperature (due to reasons such as variances in regional average temperature - what is considered hot in UK is considered cool in India or Thailand). It may be possible to use look up tables and JSON to query relative average temperature based upon locale and adjust temperature ranges accordingly.
    • Give additional hints and pointers to users to give context.

Examples

Example

Currently many web based calendars require settings to be changed to suit the locale. Users may not be aware of the start of the week in the locale e.g. Sunday in the Middle East and be unable to take appropriate actions to suit their needs.

Pass example: Calendar settings recognize locale and/or offer the ability to edit settings

Failure example: Incorrect punctuation and poorly localized date layout.

Example

The booking form provides two calendars and user is able to select dates without warning as to whether they are possible e.g. flight out on June 1st - flight return May 30th.

Pass example:User is unable to select inappropriate dates and/or simple explanation provided should he/she do so.

Failure example: User can select inappropriate dates without warning. Calendar merely grays out inappropriate dates which may not be noticed. No warnings provided.

Example

The booking form provides the option to select a short series of terms such as 'today' or 'tomorrow' as well as presenting a calendar. This can speed booking times for those who have failed to organize their booking times in advance as well as those with dyscalculia, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder and those who may be under high cognitive load or situationally disabled.

Pass example: User is able to select text based terms for days near to the appropriate booking times not just calendar dates.

Failure example: Only calendar provided

Example

In USA the month appears before the day which is reversed in UK e,g 06/01/2015 or 01/06/2015. Further dyslexics and other user groups will not often confuse the order.

Pass example: Month is given in text with numbers for date and year.

Failure example: A series of numbers for the date.

Example

The international standard notation for the time of day is hh:mm:ss but this can be hard for those with cognitive impairments to fully comprehend - 10:30:10 may be read out as 10 hours, thirty minutes and 10 seconds by most text to speech engines but may be too long to remember. The ISO advises the 24 hour clock for example 13:30 as opposed to 01.30pm - the latter is localized for English speakers but may help those with learning disabilities along with symbols to represent the period in the day such as suggest under calendars.

Being able to hear the numbers for time repeatedly read out aloud accurately with 'text to speech' technologies can help comprehension and memory. Developers need to be aware of how these technologies react to time formats. This feature can provide those with dyscalculia, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder and those who may be under high cognitive load or situationally disabled with a better understanding of the concepts.

Pass example: Numbers representing time can be read out accurately by text to speech engines.

Failure example: Numbers fail to be read out accurately by text to speech engines.

Example

Even with all of the above in place a person may not be able to marry up the concept of temperature with the numbers so giving additional hints may help make the link to whether something is hot or cold.

Use symbols where appropriate for example for weather the symbols used such as sun, snowflake, sun & cloud will give some indication.

Pass example: The Temperature is Five Degrees Centigrade (Cold) snowflake hint: It's hat and scarf weather.

Failure example: Failure to explain figures representing relative values. Temperature = 21℃/70℉

The Temperature is Thirty Degrees Centigrade (Very hot) sun hint: It's shorts weather

Examples

A maths equation using MathML read aloud with MathJax https://www.mathjax.org/

Pass example: Use of MathML for maths notation http://www.w3.org/TR/MathML/ . Aria described by is used to sync any text describing sections of equations.

Failure example: Use of symbols as graphics without explanations.

Use for tags: dyscalculia, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder.

Example

Providing text or shortened forms of currency representations with explanations:

  • € 234,56 Euro
  • £ 234,56 British Pounds
  • $ 234,56 US Dollars

Pass example: Providing standardised text or shortened forms of currency representations.

Failure example: Failure to provide standardised, recognised currency symbols or text short form in the appropriate position.

Use for tags: All

Sources/research

Research carried out by Neil Milliken with web users who have dyscalculia - case studies.

ISO 4217 Currency Codes http://www.xe.com/iso4217.php

WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships: Information, structure, and relationships conveyed through presentation can be programmatically determined or are available in text. (Level A) WCAG advises providing symbol before the number as part of the W3C working draft on http://www.w3.org/TR/2013/NOTE-UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20-20130905/content-structure-separation-programmatic#content-structure-separation-programmatic-intent-head

Mathematical Markup Language (MathML) Version 3.0 2nd Edition W3C Recommendation 10 April 2014 http://www.w3.org/TR/MathML/

Making Mathematics Accessible http://www.dessci.com/en/reference/accessibility/

Math on the web http://www.dessci.com/en/reference/webmath/

Nielson -aging

Deque blog Why Don't Screen Readers Always Read What's on the Screen? Part 1: Punctuation and Typographic Symbols http://www.deque.com/blog/dont-screen-readers-read-whats-screen-part-1-punctuation-typographic-symbols/

ISO 8601 Date and Time format http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/iso8601.htm - Please note the example provided on the ISO page namely 2012-09-27 is read aloud by Microsoft Word TTS as 'two thousand and twelve, two hundred and nine minus twenty-seven and on the web page the dashes are read as dashes by Acapela voice

2.5m ticket sales lost every year due to inaccessible booking sites - report http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/uk-music-industry-loses-out-on-2-5m-tickets-sales-per-year-due-to-inaccessible-booking-systems-for-deaf-and-disabled-customers-r/057407

W3C Date and Time Format http://www.w3.org/TR/NOTE-datetime

Kuhn, M., (1995) A summary of the international standard date and time notation. last modified 2004-12-19 - http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~mgk25/iso-time.html (Accessed June 1st 2015)

From WCAG

  • Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data): … (3.3.4 Level AA)
    • Reversible: Submissions are reversible
    • Checked: Data entered by the user is checked for input errors and the user is provided an opportunity to correct them.
    • Confirmed: A mechanism is available for reviewing, confirming, and correcting information before finalizing the submission.
  • Error Prevention (All): For Web pages that require the user to submit information, at least one of the following is true: (3.3.6Level AAA)
  • Help: Context-sensitive help is available. (3.3.5 Level AAA)

Make it easy to undo mistakes

Where technically feasible undo and redo should be provided.

  • Users should be able to go back steps to correct errors without losing their work. For example, breadcrumbs can be provided with previous steps clickable.
  • Avoid reset buttons which can be confusing and users can hit them accidentally, losing their work.
  • Provide clickable breadcrumbs that allow users to see the previous steps, go back, and change them.
  • Support should be provided if undo is not available.
  • Error text should say what the error is and tell the user how to correct it.
  • Error text should be simple, clear and friendly.

Explanation and who it helps:

Helps all users feel confident especially those with cognitive disabilities

Sources/research:

Neilson-aging

WCAG 2.0

Provide Help

Provide context sensitive help

Explanation and who it helps:
All users benefit from this.

Note that an alternative technique will be to use aria attribute of aria-function. this allows the user agent to add help.

Example: <button type="button" aria-function="undo" >default</button>

Sources/research:

Neilson Norman Group article: Pop-ups and Adaptive Help Get a Refresh by Katie Sherwin on March 15, 2015 - http://www.nngroup.com/articles/pop-up-adaptive-help/. Present help content in a small modeless overlay window. Provide a link to more detailed information if available. Alow user to minimize, resize and move the window. What about small screens?

Include short tooltips on all icons, jargon

Explanation and who it helps:

These is helpful to most persons with cognitive disabilities such as intellectual disabilities. Sometimes a persons with an intellectual disability can get confused and distracted. If tooltips are to be used they must precise and relate directly to the object

Some people, however, find tooltips distracting. When it existences provide a mechanisms to turn off tool tips.

Note that an alternative technique will be to use aria attribute of aria-function. this allows the user agent to add a tooltip.

For example: <button type="button" aria-function="undo" >default</button>

Sources/research:

Neilson Norman Group article: Pop-ups and Adaptive Help Get a Refresh by Katie Sherwin on March 15, 2015 - http://www.nngroup.com/articles/pop-up-adaptive-help/. Present help content in a small modeless overlay window. Provide a link to more detailed information if available. Allow user to minimize, resize and move the window. What about small screens?

Provide human help

Human help should be one click away. Such as

  • Live help option . Note. It must be easy and clear to close the window. If not it is distracting
  • A phone number that will automatically call via an interoprable Voice over IP specification
  • A simple contact us form.
  • Use available standards to get human help such as using the 0 digit on voice menu systems

Asking for help should not require giving more information then necessary to help them. For example, if an email is provided a phone number should not be also required.

Sources/research:

Neilson Norman Group article: Pop-ups and Adaptive Help Get a Refresh by Katie Sherwin on March 15, 2015 - http://www.nngroup.com/articles/pop-up-adaptive-help/. Present help content in a small modeless overlay window. Provide a link to more detailed information if available. Alow user to minimize, resize and move the window. What about small screens?

Provide speech support

Explanation and who it helps:

Always make sure you have used accessible format and that all content can be converted to speech (see WCAG 2.0)

However, screen readers can be complex to use. If you want the maximum number of people to use your site add an icon or button on the page that reads the content to the user without requiring them to install a screen reader.

Sources/research:

Attention and focus

Attention is affected for most people with cognitive disabilities. Including: dementia ADHA and others. Other people with disabilities may find it hard to focus with a high arousal page with moving text and animated images . Also, a clear page helps avoid overload for people with autism and Asperger syndrome.

Provided a clear route to important information from the front page. Also personalization can remove distractions and reduce extraneous information.

Sometimes, the user will lose focus despite having clear content. In these cases help the user retain the context and regain focus.

Alow the user to determine levels of interruptions, as easily as possible.

  • Interruptions can be easily controled and avioded
  • Secondary content (such as special offers or complementary material) can be easily controled and avioded.
  • No sudden changes occur on the site.
  • Media events can be easily controled and avioded.
  • Chat can be easily turned off and on again.
  • Non-critical messages can easily be turned off and on again.

Aviod distracting elements

  • Blinking text
  • Scrolling banners are avoided
  • Text is kept to narrow columns in the center of the site
  • Low or No unasked for Background Audio or video
  • Extraneous and inconsequential media events are avoided
  • Sudden changes
  • Further pop-ups and similar distractions must be always consistently easy to close and avoid so that all people can continue their task.
Explanation and who it helps:
Those with aphasia may have visual and audio perceptual difficulties and be confused by sudden interruption and distracting happenings. Attention may be poor and there is a need to have time and space to concentrate on the task in hand.

Sources/research:

Wiig, E. H., & Austin, P. W. (1972). Visual attention and distraction in aphasic and non-aphasic children. Perceptual and motor skills, 35(3), 863-866.

Sources/research

From WCAG

  • Interruptions: Interruptions can be postponed or suppressed by the user, except interruptions involving an emergency. (WCAG 2.2.4Level AAA)
  • Low or No Background Audio(WCAG1.4.7 Level AAA) ...

No interruptions

  • Interruptions can be avoided
  • No sudden changes occur on the site
  • No unasked for media events
  • Chat can be easily turned off
Explanation and who it helps:
Those with aphasia may have visual and audio perceptual difficulties and be confused by sudden interruption and distracting happenings. Attention may be poor and there is a need to have time and space to concentrate on the task in hand. To support those who have Dementia and/or acquire cognitive disabilities as they Age, who may have difficulties in completing complex tasks. wait until the person completes one task before proceeding to the next step.

Sources/research:

Wiig, E. H., & Austin, P. W. (1972). Visual attention and distraction in aphasic and non-aphasic children. Perceptual and motor skills, 35(3), 863-866.

Computers helping people with special needs, 14 international conference ICCHP 2014 Eds. Miesenberger, Fels, Archambault, et. al. Springer (pages 401). Paper: Never Too old to use a tablets, L. Muskens et. al. pages 392 - 393.

From WCAG
  • Interruptions: Interruptions can be postponed or suppressed by the user, except interruptions involving an emergency. (WCAG 2.2.4Level AAA)
  • Low or No Background Audio(WCAG1.4.7 Level AAA) ...

Help the user orientate themselves, and regain focus when it is lost

Using visual grouping, white space and clear structure will help the user focus Having headings and feedback will also help the use orientate themselves inside the content. (see techniques on structure and feedback for clear details.)

Even with the clearest layout, the user will sometimes lose focus and forget what they are doing. This happens more and more in todays world of wearable technology and multi tasking. However for many people with cognitive disabilities this can also happen despite their best efforts to work or complete a task without interruptions.

  1. Providing headings and titles that orientate the user
  2. Providing a summary of what the user has already completed. Examples include a text summary or breadcrumbs.

Summaries of completed steps or content learned must contain any relevant key points necessary to know where you are and what you are doing.

Techneques can be used in any media such as dividing your content into sections, and using a clear heading for each section. For multi media check that it is easy for the user to go back to each section using techniques such as indexing and bookmarks.

Failure example

The following breadcrumbs do not help adequately the user know what they are doing

step 1 >>  step 2 >> step 3

Pass example

The following breadcrumbs reminds the user what they are doing

step 1 - ordered 15 products >>  step 2 -  payment information >> step 3 - shipping information

Make the breadcrumbs clickable so the user can click on them to find out more, such as what products were bought. Also this should allow the user to undo any errors and check their work. (See techniques on preventing errors.) The user must then be able to jump back to the current page without having to redo additional steps.

 

Explanation and who it helps:
People living with dementia or MCI will often forget what they were doing. Attention deficit disorder also affects the ability to focus on a task. Those with aphasia may have visual and audio perceptual difficulties and be confused by sudden interruption and distracting happenings. Attention may be poor and there is a need to have time and space to concentrate on the task in hand.
Sources/research:

Wiig, E. H., & Austin, P. W. (1972). Visual attention and distraction in aphasic and non-aphasic children. Perceptual and motor skills, 35(3), 863-866.

Enable adaptability and safe personlization

Use rich semantic tags to show what things are so that they can be adapted for the user.

Use standardized techniques as much as possible as this helps the user be familiar with the interface across many applications.

When using personalization do not expose the user health and cognitive issues to anyone who may exploit them.

This can be done in HTML

Example: <h2> contact us</h2>

You can also use the aria attribute of aria-function. This allows the user agent to add symbols and extra help. (Under development)

Example (Under development): <button type="button" coga-function="undo" >default</button>

Use the landmarks and aria ePub or coga roles, whenever they are appropriate.

Example(Under development): <section role="coga-warning">

Explanation and who it helps:

Sources/research:

How Individual Should Digital AT User Interfaces Be for People with Dementia. Peter Cudd, Philippa Greasley, Zoe Gallant, Emily Bolton and Gail Mountain. AAATE proceedings 3012.

Keep the user safe

For example: Do not expose user information in a way that can be exploited by other people. If the user agrees to have their information stored make sure that the consent is informed and that they fully understand the risks.

For example: Do not mislead or confuse the user in a way that may do them harm.

For example an commerce site that automatically incrementing the number of items selected without warning the user, is trying to confuse the user.

These mechanisms are particularly damaging for people with cognative disabilities who then feel they can not use the Internet safely.

 

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Enable

some text

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Minimize the cognitive skills required to use the content when there is a known alternative

Explanation and who it helps:

Most user interfaces are designed to help users complete tasks. However, sometimes they can introduce barriers that are not necessary for using the content.

When an author makes design choices that mean people who could have used their content now can not, that content is not accessible.

Examples in security:

Web security and privacy technologies, for example, intentionally require users to perceive more and to do more to complete tasks. Three examples of these technologies are passwords, CAPTCHA, and 2-Factor Authentication. Such techniques require that the user has a good working memory or short term memory required to copy a code or remember complex passwords.

Alternatives exists that can alow more people to use content securely. These alternatives include using Web tokens, signing in via email account or face book, or biometrics are all alternatives to the above. For more details on this issue and on alternatives are available https://rawgit.com/w3c/coga/master/issue-papers/privacy-security.html

In voice  systems this may include,
  • Requiring the user to understand categories,
  • Requiring the user to remember numbers
  • can all be used as a barrier to getting human help
is is avoidable by having 0 as a reserved digit to access a human

In the Web of things this may include:
  1. remembering what symbols mean
  2. remembering sequences to run certain tasks
This is avoidable by having simple text with symbols and 
clear discoverability of how o complete each task
and recoverability from errors

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Techniques for specific groups

Limit the number of features and choices on the same screen.

Do not provide many features, choices and options on the same screen. Limit to around 2 -5 key options. Put additional options under a "more options" sub-menu or enable them to be hidden.

One technique will be to use aria attribute of aria-importance. This allows the user agent to remove unwanted features.

For example: <button aria-importance= "critical">send</button>

This content is essential for the key function of the page.

For a more broad audience, reduce the number of links and options to seven in any one section.

Explanation and who it helps:

This is another way to reduce complexity. This supports those who have intellectual disabilities, Dementia and/or acquire cognitive disabilities as they Age.

Sources/research:

Computers helping people with special needed, 14 international conference ICCHP 2014 Eds. Miesenberger, Fels, Archambault, Et. Al. Springer (pages 401). Paper: Tablets in the rehabilitation of memory impairment, K Dobsz et. al.

http://www.autism.org.uk/working-with/autism-friendly-places/designing-websites-suitable-for-people-with-autism-spectrum-disorders.aspx

Techniques under development

Provide symbols on key content

Add symbols to key content that help the user understand the meaning.

See also: Multi-Modal Content Delivery

Calendar
When time is included in a calendar use clear icons or simple text to represent occurrences that may be repeated such as certain times of day for example icons for sun rising, sun past midday and sun going down or text such as morning (am) for 9-12 or afternoon for 1-4 (pm) etc. This technique can be applied to other items such as months and days if appropriate.

Explanation and who it helps

By using simple symbols and/or text that can be an addition to numbers helps those who may be confused by times in the morning looking the same as a time in the evening if the am or pm is not noticed or the 24 hour clock causes problems. 6:30am and 6.30pm 0906 and 1906 or 1609. Increased use of symbols can help those with receptive aphasia as well as other cognitive learning disabilities not just those with dyscalculia, dyslexia or attention deficit disorder.

Examples
Example

Using a symbol such as 0900 or 1300 2 suns, each representing a clock and with an arrow pointing to a time position along with the time - these symbols may be seen in a column along the side of the calendar.

Pass example: Icons or symbols are used to denote repeated times within the calendar as an addition to times and / or text.

Failure example: Only numbers for time included in a calendar where there are repetitions.

Note that an alternative technique will be to use aria attribute of aria-function. This allows the user agent to add a symbol.

For example: <button type="button" aria-function="undo" >default</button>

Explanation and who it helps:

see http://aac.unl.edu/vocabulary.html

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Use semantics to provide extra help

One technique will be to use aria attribute of aria-function. This allows the user agent to add symbols and extra help.

For example: <button type="button" aria-function="undo" >default</button>

Other aria semantics can be used to provide direct help:

aria-feedback= "your email was sent"

aria-explain= "this item costs more"

<span aria-numberfree="almost all">9 out of 10 </span>

Using standard HTML tags is also useful, such as

<h2> contact us</h2>

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Augmentative with signs

An overview of Signing and Lexical development in children with intellectual disabilities, as well as its effects on cognitive understanding.

Sources/research:

"Signing and Lexical Development in Children with Down Syndrome by John Clibbens also appeared in Down Syndrome Research and Practice. http://www.downsyndrome.org/reviews/119/?page=1

"Using Sign Language with Down syndrome" http://www.about-down-syndrome.com/sign-language-in-down-syndrome.html

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