Information Accessibility
Improving Information Accessibility for Individuals with Down's Syndrome in the City of Kingston
LOCATION
Kingston, ON
DURATION
2 Weeks
ROLE
UX Reaercher
What is Down's Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. Most children with Down syndrome have mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Language is delayed, and both short and long-term memory is affected. In Kingston city, individuals with Down syndrome face challenges in accessing information due to their cognitive disabilities. Therefore, it is important to consider their specific needs when designing information sources such as the Kingston city website and other information panels. By doing so, we can make information more accessible and improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome in Kingston city.
Background
Kingston city is a bustling urban center with a diverse population. However, individuals with Down's syndrome face challenges in accessing information due to their cognitive disabilities. The Kingston city website is a key source of information for residents and visitors alike, but it is not currently optimized for accessibility for individuals with Down's syndrome.
Current Challenges
#1
Individuals with Down's syndrome face challenges in processing complex information due to their cognitive disabilities.
#2
The Kingston city website is not currently optimized for accessibility for individuals with Down's syndrome.
#3
Complex information sources in Kingston city can be confusing for individuals with Down's syndrome to process.
LITERATURE REVIEW
To achieve this objective, I conducted a review of the literature on information accessibility for individuals with Down's syndrome. A literature review on the accessibility of information sources for individuals with Down syndrome revealed that there is limited research on website accessibility aimed specifically at users with Down syndrome. However, existing guidelines for website accessibility and usability can address most of the needs that various disabilities or difficulties necessitate.
The review also identified challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome in processing complex information and using keyboards to enter text. Best practices for designing accessible information sources include using assistive technologies, simplifying language and images, and providing clear navigation. Further research is needed to develop more targeted guidelines for designing accessible information sources for individuals with Down syndrome.
SURVEY DATA FINDINGS
An online survey was conducted to evaluate the accessibility of information sources for individuals with Down syndrome. The survey was promoted through various channels, including websites and social media platforms, and 20 individuals with Down syndrome from Kingston City participated in the survey. Participants were encouraged to complete the survey at their own convenience.
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
1
Simplify the website
The Kingston City website can be redesigned to use plain language and visual aids such as pictures and videos to make it more accessible for individuals with Down's syndrome. Incorporating multimedia technology such as videos, animations, and interactive graphics into the redesigned Kingston City website.
2
Use digital tools
Replacing cornerstones with digital tools that can assist people with cognitive disabilities to process information easily can be an effective solution. This can include using digital screens to present transportation maps in a simplified and customized manner.
3
Accessibility guidelines
Adhering to website accessibility and usability guidelines while redesigning the Kingston city website can make it more accessible not only for individuals with Down's syndrome but also for other groups of people who may have different accessibility needs.
CONCLUSION
Incorporating these research-based solutions into the proposed case study while considering the specific needs of individuals with Down's syndrome can help make information more accessible and improve their quality of life in Kingston city. By implementing these solutions, Kingston city can become a more inclusive and accessible community for all its residents and visitors.
NEXT STEPS
By following these steps, we can help create more accessible information sources for individuals with Down syndrome in Kingston City.
Develop targeted guidelines
Based on the survey findings, it's important to develop targeted guidelines for designing accessible information sources for individuals with Down syndrome in Kingston city. These guidelines should focus on creating user-friendly and easy-to-understand information sources that cater to the specific needs of individuals with Down syndrome.
Incorporate accessibility features
The guidelines should also include recommendations for incorporating accessibility features such as text-to-speech or screen readers to make information sources more accessible to individuals with different types of disabilities.
Collaborate with organizations
To ensure that the guidelines are effective and meet the needs of the community, it may be beneficial to collaborate with organizations that work with individuals with Down syndrome. This will help ensure that the guidelines are practical and relevant to the community's needs.
Implement and evaluate
Once the guidelines have been developed, it's important to implement them and evaluate their effectiveness. This could involve testing information sources designed using these guidelines with individuals with Down syndrome and soliciting feedback from them. Based on this feedback, you can make any necessary adjustments to improve accessibility.
