Array ( [0] => {{Short description|Modes of usability for people with disabilities}} [1] => {{About||design of products or environments for access by all users |Universal design|design of websites etc. for access by all users|Web accessibility| measures of spatial accessibility |Accessibility (transport)| the logical notion|Accessibility relation|the process in agenda-setting theory|Agenda-setting theory#Accessibility}} [2] => {{Self reference|For Wikipedia's accessibility guideline, see [[Wikipedia:Accessibility]].}} [3] => [4] => {{more citations needed|date=October 2016}} [5] => [6] => [[File:Curitiba 10 2006 05 RIT.jpg|alt=a woman with a baby carriage uses a platform lift to access a station above street level|thumb|The [[Rede Integrada de Transporte|public transport system in Curitiba, Brazil]], offers universal access.]] [7] => [8] => {{Disability}} [9] => [10] => '''Accessibility''' is the design of products, devices, services, vehicles, or environments so as to be usable by people with [[disabilities]].{{cite book|url=http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?doid=2596695.2596719 |author1=Henry, Shawn Lawton |author2=Abou-Zahra, Shadi |author3=Brewer, Judy |title=The Role of Accessibility in a Universal Web |publisher=Proceeding W4A '14 Proceedings of the 11th Web for All Conference Article No. 17 |isbn=978-1-4503-2651-3 |date=2014 |access-date=2014-12-17}} The concept of accessible design and practice of accessible development ensures both "direct access" (i.e. unassisted) and "indirect access" meaning compatibility with a person's [[assistive technology]]{{Cite web|url=http://www.washington.edu/accessit/print.html?ID=1109|title=What is assistive technology?|website=washington.edu|language=en|access-date=2018-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119142215/http://www.washington.edu/accessit/print.html?ID=1109|archive-date=2019-01-19|url-status=dead}} (for example, computer [[screen reader]]s). [11] => [12] => Accessibility can be viewed as the "ability to access" and benefit from some system or entity. The concept focuses on enabling access for people with disabilities, or enabling access through the use of [[assistive technology]]; however, research and development in accessibility brings benefits to everyone.{{cite web|url=http://transition.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Orders/1999/fcc99181.txt |title=Federal Communications Commission |publisher=FCC on Telecommunications Accessibility for the Disabled |date=1999}}{{Cite journal|url=http://www.ahip.getty.edu/cyberpub/goldberg.html |first=L. |last=Goldberg |title=Electronic Curbcuts: Equitable Access to the Future |date=1996 |journal=Getty Center for the History of Art and the Humanities and the Getty Art History Information Program, Cyberspace/Public Space: The Role of Arts and Culture in Defining a Virtual Public Sphere. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990427111220/http://www.ahip.getty.edu/cyberpub/goldberg.html |archive-date=April 27, 1999 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.accessiblesociety.org/topics/technology/eleccurbcut.htm |first=S. |last=Jacobs |title=Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996: Fueling the Creation of New Electronic Curbcuts. |date=1999 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/disacc00.htm |first=L. |last=Valdes |title=Accessibility on the Internet |date=2003}}{{cite book|author=Brewer, J. |chapter=Access to the World Wide Web: Technical and Policy Aspects |title=Universal Design Handbook |edition=1st |editor=Preiser, W. |editor2=Ostroff, E. |publisher=MacGraw-Hill |location=New York }} Therefore, an accessible society should eliminate [[digital divide]] or [[knowledge divide]]. [13] => [14] => Accessibility is not to be confused with [[usability]], which is the extent to which a product (such as a device, service, or environment) can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in a specified context of use.{{Cite web|title=Accessibility, Usability, and Inclusion|url=https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-usability-inclusion/|access-date=2020-07-05|website=Web Accessibility Initiative |language=en}} [15] => [16] => Accessibility is also strongly related to [[universal design]], the process of creating products that are usable by the widest possible range of people, operating within the widest possible range of situations.{{Cite web|url=http://www.udeworld.com/dissemination/publications/56-reprints-short-articles-and-papers/110-the-concept-of-universal-design.html|title=The Concept of Universal Design|website=udeworld.com|access-date=2018-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704095800/http://www.udeworld.com/dissemination/publications/56-reprints-short-articles-and-papers/110-the-concept-of-universal-design.html|archive-date=2018-07-04|url-status=dead}} Universal design typically provides a single general solution that can accommodate people with disabilities as well as the rest of the population. By contrast, accessible design is focused on ensuring that there are no barriers to accessibility for all people, including those with disabilities. [17] => [18] => ==Legislation== [19] => The [[disability rights movement]] advocates equal access to social, political, and economic life which includes not only physical access but access to the same tools, services, organizations and facilities as non-disabled people (e.g., museums{{cite journal|doi=10.1111/cura.12034|title=Museums and Technology: Being Inclusive Helps Accessibility for All|journal=Curator: The Museum Journal|volume=56|issue=3|pages=353|year=2013|last1=Lisney|first1=Eleanor|last2=Bowen|first2=Jonathan P.|last3=Hearn|first3=Kirsten|last4=Zedda|first4=Maria}}{{cite journal|doi=10.1590/0001-3765202020191156|title=Investigating accessibility in Latin American science museums and centers|journal=Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences|volume=92|issue=1|pages=e20191156|year=2020|last1=Norberto Rocha|first1=Jessica|last2=Massarani|first2=Luisa|last3=de Abreu|first3=Willian|last4=Inacio|first4=Gustavo|last5=Molenzani|first5=Aline|pmid=32321029|doi-access=free}}). Article 9 of the [[United Nations]] [[Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities]] commits signatories to provide for full accessibility in their countries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html|title=Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) {{!}} United Nations Enable|website=un.org|date=14 May 2015|language=en-US|access-date=2018-07-02}} [20] => [21] => [[File:Handicapped Accessible sign.svg|alt=white line figure of a person seated over the axis of a wheel, blue background|thumb|This is the [[International Symbol of Access|internationally recognized symbol for accessibility]].]] [22] => [23] => While it is often used to describe facilities or amenities to assist people with impaired mobility, through the provision of facilities like [[wheelchair ramp]]s, the term can include other types of disability. Accessible facilities therefore extend to areas such as [[Braille]] signage, [[elevator]]s, audio signals at [[pedestrian crossing]]s, walkway contours, [[website accessibility]] and [[accessible publishing]].{{Cite web|url=https://www.fs.fed.us/eng/toolbox/acc/acc12.htm|title=Accessibility Tools: When is a facility considered accessible?|website=fs.fed.us|access-date=2018-07-02}} [24] => [25] => In the United States, government mandates including Section 508, WCAG,{{Cite web|url=https://www.section508.gov/|title=Section508.gov {{!}} GSA Government-wide IT Accessibility Program|website=section508.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-07-02}} DDA are all enforcing practices to standardize accessibility testing engineering in product development. [26] => [27] => Accessibility modifications may be required to enable persons with disabilities to gain access to education, employment, transportation, housing, recreation, or even simply to exercise their right to vote. [28] => [29] => ===National legislation=== [30] => Various countries have legislation requiring physical accessibility which are (in order of enactment): [31] => * In the US, under the [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990]],{{Cite web|url=https://adata.org/factsheet/ADA-overview|title=An Overview of the Americans With Disabilities Act {{!}} ADA National Network|website=adata.org|language=en|access-date=2018-07-02}} new public and private business construction generally must be accessible. Existing private businesses are required to increase the accessibility of their facilities when making any other renovations in proportion to the cost of the other renovations. The [[United States Access Board]]{{Cite web|url=https://www.access-board.gov/|title=Home – United States Access Board|website=access-board.gov|language=en-us|access-date=2018-07-02}} is "A Federal Agency Committed to Accessible Design for [[Americans with disabilities|People with Disabilities]]". The [[Job Accommodation Network]] discusses accommodations for people with disabilities in the workplace.{{Cite web|url=https://askjan.org/|title=JAN – Job Accommodation Network|website=askjan.org|access-date=2018-07-02}} Many states in the US have their own disability laws. [32] => * In Australia, the [[Disability Discrimination Act 1992]] has numerous provisions for accessibility.{{Cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2016C00763|title=Disability Discrimination Act 1992|last=AG|website=legislation.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2018-07-02}} [33] => * In South Africa the [[Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 2000]] has numerous provisions for accessibility.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/WEBTEXT/56231/65195/E00ZAF01.htm|title=South Africa. Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000|website=ilo.org|access-date=2018-07-02}} [34] => * In the UK, the [[Equality Act 2010]] has numerous provisions for accessibility.{{Cite news|url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance|title=Equality Act 2010: guidance|work=GOV.UK|access-date=2018-07-02|language=en}} [35] => * In Sri Lanka, the Supreme Court, on 27 April 2011 gave a landmark order to boost the inherent right of disabled persons to have unhindered access to public buildings and facilities.{{cite news | last = Ockersz | first = Lynn | title = Landmark Supreme Court ruling – A fillip for accessibility rights of disabled. | page=17 | publisher = Upali Newspapers – The Sunday Island | date = 8 November 2009 | url = http://www.island.lk/2009/11/08/news-17.jpg | access-date = 2010-01-26}} [36] => * In Norway, the Discrimination and Accessibility Act ''Diskriminerings- og tilgjengelighetsloven'' defines lack of accessibility as discrimination and obliges public authorities to implement universal design in their areas. The Act refers to issue-specific legislation regarding accessibility in e.g. ICT, the built environment, transport and education.{{cite web|url=https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/2013-06-21-61|title=Ikke tilgjengelig:Lov om forbud mot diskriminering på grunn av nedsatt funksjonsevne (diskriminerings- og tilgjengelighetsloven) – Lovdata|website=lovdata.no}} [37] => * In Brazil, the law on the inclusion of people with disabilities has numerous provisions for accessibility.{{cite web|url=http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2015-2018/2015/lei/l13146.htm|title=Lei Brasileira de Inclusão da Pessoa com Deficiência (Estatuto da Pessoa com Deficiência).|website=planalto.gov.br}} [38] => * In Canada relevant federal legislation includes the [[Canadian Human Rights Act]], [[Employment equity (Canada)|the Employment Equity Act]], the [[Canadian Labour Code]], and the [[Accessible Canada Act (Bill-C81)]] which made Royal Assent on June 21, 2019.{{cite web |title=Canada's first federal accessibility legislation receives Royal Assent |date=21 June 2019 |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2019/06/canadas-first-federal-accessibility-legislation-receives-royal-assent.html |publisher=Employment and Social Development Canada |access-date=18 September 2019}} [39] => [40] => [[File:Beach accessibility mobi-mat and wheelchair ramp.jpg|thumb|Beach accessibility: ramp and [[mobi-mat]] enable wheelchair users to visit a sandy seashore.]] [41] => Legislation may also be enacted on a state, provincial or local level. In [[Ontario, Canada]], the [[Ontarians with Disabilities Act]] of 2001 is meant to "improve the identification, removal and prevention of barriers faced by persons with disabilities".{{Cite web|url=https://accessontario.com/aoda/|title=About the AODA – Accessibility Ontario|website=accessontario.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2018-07-02}} [42] => [43] => The [[European Union]] (EU), which has signed the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, also has adopted a European Disability Strategy for 2010–20. The Strategy includes the following goals, among others:{{cite web|title=EU disability strategy 2010–20: access and rights|url=http://ec.europa.eu/news/justice/101115_en.htm|publisher=European Commission|access-date=November 12, 2012}} [44] => * Devising policies for inclusive, high-quality education; [45] => * Ensuring the European Platform Against Poverty includes a special focus on people with disabilities (the forum brings together experts who share best practices and experience); [46] => * Working towards the recognition of disability cards throughout the EU to ensure equal treatment when working, living or travelling in the bloc [47] => * Developing accessibility standards for voting premises and campaign material; [48] => * Taking the rights of people with disabilities into account in external development programmes and for EU candidate countries. [49] => [50] => A ''European Accessibility Act'' was proposed in late 2012.{{cite web| url=http://ec.europa.eu/smart-regulation/impact/planned_ia/docs/2012_just_025_european_accessibiliy_act_en.pdf| title=European Accessibility Act: legislative initiative to improve accessibility of goods and services in the Internal Market | publisher=[[European Commission]] | date=September 2012 | access-date=13 June 2014 }} This Act would establish standards within member countries for accessible products, services, and public buildings. The harmonization of accessibility standards within the EU "would facilitate the social integration of persons with disabilities and the elderly and their mobility across member states, thereby also fostering the free movement principle".{{cite web| title=European Accessibility Act proposed for 2012 | url=http://www.eurocities.eu/eurocities/news/European-Accessibility-Act-proposed-for-2012-WSPO-8SMHJQ | publisher=[[Eurocities]] | access-date=November 12, 2012}} [51] => [52] => ==Assistive technology and adaptive technology== [53] => [[File:Birmingham opportunities fair.jpg|thumb|This opportunity fair in [[Birmingham|Birmingham, West Midlands]], was organised to help people with disabilities and their carers find out what services, support and opportunities are available to them.]] [54] => [[Assistive technology]] is the creation of a new device that assists a person in completing a task that would otherwise be impossible. Some examples include new computer software programs like [[screen reader]]s, and inventions such as [[assistive listening devices]], including [[hearing aid]]s, and [[traffic light]]s with a standard [[color code]] that enables [[colorblind]] individuals to understand the correct signal. [55] => [56] => Adaptive technology is the modification, or adaptation, of existing devices, methods, or the creation of new uses for existing devices, to enable a person to complete a task.{{Cite web|url=https://actcenter.missouri.edu/about-the-act-center/what-is-adaptive-technology/|title=What is Adaptive Technology? // ACT Center|website=actcenter.missouri.edu|language=en|access-date=2018-07-02}} Examples include the use of remote controls, and the [[autocomplete]] (word completion){{Cite web|url=https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_input_autocomplete.asp|title=HTML input autocomplete Attribute|website=w3schools.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-07-02}} feature in computer word processing programs, which both help individuals with mobility impairments to complete tasks. Adaptations to wheelchair tires are another example; widening the tires enables wheelchair users to move over soft surfaces, such as deep snow on ski hills, and sandy beaches. [57] => [58] => Assistive technology and adaptive technology have a key role in developing the means for people with disabilities to live more independently, and to more fully participate in mainstream society. In order to have access to assistive or adaptive technology, however, educating the public and even legislating requirements to incorporate this technology have been necessary. [59] => [60] => The UN CRPD, and courts in the United States, Japan, UK, and elsewhere, have decided that when it is needed to assure secret ballot, authorities should provide voters with assistive technology. [61] => [62] => The European Court of Human Rights, on the contrary, in case Toplak v. Slovenia ruled that due to high costs, the abandonment of the assistive equipment in elections did not violate human rights. [63] => [64] => ==Employment== [65] => [[File:Usda hiring applicants with disabilities.jpg|thumb|upright|William P. Milton Jr., Deputy Director of the Office of Human Resource Management, outlined the 'Four Simple Steps to Hiring Qualified Candidates with Disabilities' to employees of the [[United States Department of Agriculture|U.S. Department of Agriculture]] during a 2011 [[National Disability Employment Awareness Month]] event in [[Washington, D.C.]]]] [66] => [67] => Accessibility of employment covers a wide range of issues, from skills training, to [[occupational therapy]],{{Cite web|url=https://www.aota.org/Conference-Events/OTMonth/what-is-OT.aspx|title=What is Occupational Therapy?|website=aota.org|access-date=2018-07-02}} finding employment, and retaining employment. [68] => [69] => Employment rates for workers with disabilities are lower than for the general workforce. Workers in Western countries fare relatively well, having access to more services and training as well as legal protections against employment discrimination. Despite this, in the United States the 2012 unemployment rate for workers with disabilities was 12.9%, while it was 7.3% for workers without disabilities.{{cite web|title=Disability Employment Resources by Topic|url=http://www.dol.gov/odep/|publisher=U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Disability Employment Policy|access-date=November 30, 2012}} More than half of workers with disabilities (52%) earned less than $25,000 in the previous year, compared with just 38% of workers with no disabilities. This translates into an earnings gap where individuals with disabilities earn about 25 percent less of what workers without disabilities earn. Among occupations with 100,000 or more people, dishwashers had the highest disability rate (14.3%), followed by refuse and recyclable material collectors (12.7%), personal care aides (11.9%), and janitors and building cleaners (11.8%). The rates for refuse and recyclable material collectors, personal care aides, and janitors and building cleaners were not statistically different from one another.{{cite web|title=Workers with a Disability Less Likely to be Employed, More Likely to Hold Jobs with Lower Earnings, Census Bureau Reports|url=https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/american_community_survey_acs/cb13-47.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau Newsroom|access-date=30 April 2014}} [70] => [71] => Surveys of non-Western countries are limited, but the available statistics also indicate fewer jobs being filled by workers with disabilities. In India, a large 1999 survey found that "of the 'top 100 multinational companies' in the country [...] the employment rate of persons with disabilities in the private sector was a mere 0.28%, 0.05% in multinational companies and only 0.58% in the top 100 IT companies in the country".{{cite journal|first1=Arun|last1=Kumar|first2=Deepa|last2=Sonpal|first3=Vanmala|last3=Hiranandani|title=Trapped Between Ableism And Neoliberalism: Critical Reflections On Disability And Employment In India|journal=Disability Studies Quarterly|year=2012|volume=32|issue=3|pages=N.p|doi=10.18061/dsq.v32i3.3235|url=http://dsq-sds.org/article/view/3235/3109|access-date=November 30, 2012|doi-access=free}} India, like much of the world, has large sections of the economy that are without strong regulation or social protections, such as the [[informal economy]].{{Cite news|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/04/1008562|title=Nearly two-thirds of global workforce in the 'informal' economy – UN study|date=2018-04-30|work=UN News|access-date=2018-07-02|language=en}} Other factors have been cited as contributing to the high unemployment rate, such as public service regulations. Although employment for workers with disabilities is higher in the public sector due to hiring programs targeting persons with disabilities, regulations currently restrict types of work available to persons with disabilities: [72] => "Disability-specific employment reservations are limited to the public sector and a large number of the reserved positions continue to be vacant despite nearly two decades of enactment of the PWD Act". [73] => [74] => Expenses related to adaptive or assistive technology required to participate in the workforce may be tax deductible expenses for individuals with a medical practitioner's prescription in some jurisdictions. [75] => [76] => ===Disability management=== [77] => Disability management (DM) is a specialized area of [[human resources]] that supports efforts of employers to better integrate and retain workers with disabilities. Some workplaces have policies in place to provide "reasonable accommodation" for employees with disabilities, but many do not. In some jurisdictions, employers may have legal requirements to end [[ableism|discrimination against persons with disabilities]]. [78] => [79] => It has been noted by researchers that where accommodations are in place for employees with disabilities, these frequently apply to individuals with "pre-determined or apparent disabilities as determined by national social protection or Equality Authorities",{{cite book|author1=Geisen, Thomas |author2=Henry George Harder|title=Disability Management and Workplace Integration: International Research Findings|year=2011|publisher=Gower Publishing|isbn=9781409418887|pages=165}} which include persons with pre-existing conditions who receive an official disability designation. One of the biggest challenges for employers is in developing policies and practises to manage employees who develop disabilities during the course of employment. Even where these exist, they tend to focus on workplace injuries, overlooking job retention challenges faced by employees who acquire a non-occupation injury or illness. Protecting employability is a factor that can help close the unemployment gap for persons with disabilities. [80] => [81] => ==Transportation== [82] => {{For|the metric of transport connectivity for planning purposes|Accessibility (transport)}} [83] => Providing mobility to people with disabilities includes changes for public facilities like gently sloping paths of travel for people with wheelchairs and difficulty walking up stairs, or audio announcements for the blind; dedicated services like [[paratransit]]; and adaptations to personal vehicles. [84] => [85] => ===Adapted automobiles for persons with disabilities=== [86] => {{See also|Adapted automobile}} [87] => [[File:Taxi wheelchair.jpg|thumb|A wheelchair accessible [[taxi]] with a rear ramp, [[Tokyo Motor Show]] 2009]] [88] => Automobile accessibility also refers to ease of use by disabled people. Automobiles, whether a car or a van, can be adapted for a range of physical disabilities. Foot pedals can be raised, or replaced with hand-controlled devices. Wheelchair hoists, lifts or ramps may be customized according to the needs of the driver. [[Ergonomic]] adaptations, such as a lumbar support cushion, may also be needed.{{cite book|last=Dimond|first=Bridget C.|title=Legal Aspects of Physiotherapy|year=2009|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9781405176156|pages=[https://archive.org/details/legalaspectsofph0000dimo/page/263 263]|url=https://archive.org/details/legalaspectsofph0000dimo/page/263}} [89] => [90] => Generally, the more limiting the disability, the more expensive the adaptation needed for the vehicle. Financial assistance is available through some organizations, such as [[Motability]] in the United Kingdom, which requires a contribution by the prospective vehicle owner. Motability makes vehicles available for purchase or lease.{{cite book|last=Dimond|first=Bridget C.|title=Legal Aspects of Occupational Therapy|year=2011|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9781444348163|pages=n.p}} [91] => [92] => When an employee with a disability requires an adapted car for work use, the employee does not have to pay for a "[[reasonable accommodation|reasonable adjustment]]" in the United Kingdom; if the employer is unable to pay the cost, assistance is offered by government programs.{{cite book|publisher=Disability Rights Commission|title=Disability Discrimination Act 1995: Code of Practice; Employment and Occupation|year=2004|isbn=9780117034198|pages=5}} [93] => [94] => ===Low floor=== [95] => {{Redirect|Low floor|more details|Low-floor bus|and|Low-floor tram}} [96] => [[File:Person on PMD boarding an SMRT bus, August 2022.jpg|thumb|Existence of wheelchair ramps allows those on wheelchairs or [[Personal transporter|personal mobility devices]] to board low-floor public transport vehicles]] [97] => A significant development in transportation, and [[public transport]] in particular, to achieve accessibility, is the move to "low-floor" vehicles. In a low-floor vehicle, access to part or all of the passenger cabin is unobstructed from one or more entrances by the presence of steps, enabling easier access for the infirm or people with [[Baby transport|push chairs]]. A further aspect may be that the entrance and corridors are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Low-floor vehicles have been developed for [[bus]]es, [[trolleybus]]es, [[trams]] and [[train]]s. [98] => [99] => A low floor in the vehicular sense is normally combined in a conceptual meaning with normal pedestrian access from a standard [[Curb (road)|kerb (curb)]] height. However, the accessibility of a low-floor vehicle can also be utilised from slightly raising portions of kerb at [[bus stop]]s, or through use of level boarding [[bus rapid transit]] stations or tram stops.{{Cite news|url=https://www.itdp.org/library/standards-and-guides/the-bus-rapid-transit-standard/what-is-brt/|title=What is BRT? – Institute for Transportation and Development Policy|work=Institute for Transportation and Development Policy|access-date=2018-07-02|language=en-US}} The combination of access from a kerb was the technological development of the 1990s, as step-free interior layouts for buses had existed in some cases for decades, with entrance steps being introduced as chassis designs and overall height regulations changed. [100] => [101] => Low-floor buses may also be designed with special height adjustment controls that permit a stationary bus to temporarily lower itself to ground level, permitting wheelchair access. This is referred to as a [[kneeling bus]]. [102] => [103] => At [[rapid transit]] systems, vehicles generally have floors in the same height as the platforms but the stations are often underground or elevated, so accessibility there is not a question of providing low-floor vehicles, but providing a step-free access from street level to the platforms (generally by [[elevator]]s, which may be restricted to disabled passengers only, so that the step-free access is not obstructed by non-disabled people taking advantage).{{cn|date=May 2022}} [104] => [105] => ===Accessibility planning for transportation in the United Kingdom=== [106] => In the [[United Kingdom]], local transport authorities are responsible for checking that all people who live within their area can access essential opportunities and services, and where gaps in provision are identified the local authorities are responsible for organizing changes to make new connections. These requirements are defined in the UK Community Planning Acts legislation{{Cite news|url=https://theknowledgeexchangeblog.com/2017/01/25/community-planning-in-the-devolved-uk/|title=Community planning in the devolved UK|date=2017-01-25|work=The Knowledge Exchange Blog|access-date=2018-07-02|language=en-US}} and more detailed guidance has been issued by the [[Department for Transport]] for each [[Local authority#England|local authority]]. This includes the requirement to produce an Accessibility Plan under Community Planning legislation and to incorporate this within their [[Local Transport Plan]].{{Cite web|url=https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/parkingandtravel/transportplansandprojects/localtransportplan|title=Local Transport Plan {{!}} PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK|website=plymouth.gov.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702175727/https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/parkingandtravel/transportplansandprojects/localtransportplan|archive-date=2018-07-02|url-status=dead}} An Accessibility Plan sets out how each local authority plans to improve access to employment, learning, health care, food shops and other services of local importance, particularly for disadvantaged groups and areas. Accessibility targets are defined in the accessibility plans, these are often the distance or time to access services by different modes of transport including walking, cycling and public transport. [107] => [108] => Accessibility Planning was introduced as a result of the report "Making the Connections: Final Report on Transport and Social Exclusion".Office of the Deputy Prime Minister – Social Exclusion Unit: "[http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/cabinetoffice/social_exclusion_task_force/assets/publications_1997_to_2006/making_transport_2003.pdf Making the Connections: Final Report on Transport and Social Exclusion] {{Webarchive|url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100907154242/http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/cabinetoffice/social_exclusion_task_force/assets/publications_1997_to_2006/making_transport_2003.pdf |date=2010-09-07 }}". February 2003. This report was the result of research carried out by the [[Social exclusion|Social Exclusion]] Unit. The United Kingdom also has a "code of practice" for making train and stations accessible: "Accessible Train and Station Design for Disabled People: A Code of Practice".Department of Transport & Transport Scotland: "[http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/rail/railstations/accessiblestationdesigns/cop.pdf Accessible Train and Station Design for Disabled People: A Code of Practice]". July 2008. This code of practice was first published in 2002 with the objective of compliance to Section 71B of the Railways Act 1993,{{Cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1993/43/section/71B|title=Railways Act 1993|website=legislation.gov.uk|language=en|others=Expert Participation|access-date=2018-07-02}} and revised after a public consultation period in 2008. [109] => [110] => Some transport companies have since improved the accessibility of their services, such as incorporating [[low-floor bus]]es into their stock as standard.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} In August 2021, [[South Western Railway (train operating company)|South Western Railway]] announced the streamlining of their accessibility services, allowing passengers requiring assistance to inform the company with as little as 10 minutes' notice at all 189 stations on its network, replacing an older scheme wherein assisted journeys had to be booked six hours to a day in advance. The system will utilise clear signage at stations and [[QR code]]s, allowing customers to send details of the assistance they require and their planned journey to staff remotely.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/aug/05/south-western-railway-launches-10-minutes-notice-assistance-scheme |title=South Western Railway launches 10 minutes' notice assistance scheme |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |date=5 August 2021 |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=5 August 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210805114212/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/aug/05/south-western-railway-launches-10-minutes-notice-assistance-scheme |archive-date=5 August 2021 }} [111] => [112] => Making public services fully accessible to the public has led to some technological innovations. [[Public announcement]] systems using [[audio induction loop]] technology can broadcast announcements directly into the hearing aid of anyone with a hearing impairment, making them useful in such public places as auditoriums and train stations. [113] => [114] => ===Accessibility in urban design=== [115] => [[File:White cane in Tokyo area - Aug 31 2019.jpeg|thumb|[[Tactile paving]] can assist the visually impaired as they walk.]] [116] => Accessibility modifications to conventional urban environments has become common in recent decades. The use of a [[curb cut]], or [[kassel kerb]], to enable wheelchair or walker movement between sidewalk and street level is found in most major cities of wealthy countries. The creation of priority parking spaces and of [[disabled parking permit]]s has made them a standard feature of urban environments. Features that assist people with visual impairments include [[braille]] signs and [[tactile paving]] to allow a user with a cane to easily identify stairways, train platforms, and similar areas that could pose a physical danger to anyone who has a visual impairment. [117] => [118] => Urban design features that may appear to be simple conveniences for persons without disabilities are often essential to anyone who has a disability. In examining barriers in the built environment, Castrodale (2018) asserts that through go-along and other research methods, the voices and knowledges of disabled persons need to be central in identifying and eliminating barriers.Castrodale MA (2018) Mobilizing dis/ability research: A critical discussion of qualitative go-along interviews in practice. Qualitative Inquiry 24: 45–55. The loss of these features presents a significant barrier. For example, sometimes a lack of prompt snow-clearing on sidewalks of major Canadian city streets means that wheelchair and walker users cannot reach pedestrian crossing buttons on crosswalk posts, due to snow bank accumulation around the posts, making the crossing buttons inaccessible. Public services must take into account the need to maintain accessibility features in the urban environment. [119] => [120] => ==Housing== [121] => [[File:-118wiki.jpg|thumb|[[Accessible|Accessibly]] designed modification for a high-step entrance]] [122] => {{Further|Accessible housing}} [123] => Most existing and new housing, even in the wealthiest nations, lack basic accessibility features unless the designated, immediate occupant of a home currently has a disability. However, there are some initiatives to change typical residential practices so that new homes incorporate basic access features such as zero-step entries and door widths adequate for wheelchairs to pass through. [[Occupational Therapist]]s are a professional group skilled in the assessment and making of recommendations to improve access to homes.Occupational therapy research on assistive technology and physical environmental issues: A literature review, Fange et al. (2006), Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy They are involved in both the adaptation of existing housing to improve accessibility,Changes in accessibility and usability in housing: an exploration of the housing adaptation process (2005), Fange and Iwarsson, Occupational Therapy International and in the design of future housing.Accessibility and usability in housing: construct validity and implications for research and practice (2003), Fange and Iwarsson, Disability and Rehabilitation [124] => [125] => The broad concept of [[Universal design]] is relevant to housing, as it is to all aspects of the built environment. Furthermore, a [[Visitability]] movement{{Cite web|url=https://www.wbdg.org/resources/visitability|title=Visitability {{!}} WBDG Whole Building Design Guide|website=wbdg.org|language=en|access-date=2018-07-02}} begun by grass roots disability advocates in the 1980s focuses specifically on changing construction practices in new housing. This movement, a network of interested people working in their locales, works on educating, passing laws, and spurring voluntary home access initiatives with the intention that basic access become a routine part of new home construction. [126] => [127] => ===Accessibility and 'ageing in place'=== [128] => Accessibility in the design of housing and household devices has become more prominent in recent decades due to a rapidly ageing population in developed countries.{{Cite news|url=https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/accessibility/homes/|title=Accessible Home Design: Information & Ideas|work=Disabled World|access-date=2018-07-02|language=en-US}} Ageing seniors may wish to continue living independently, but the ageing process naturally increases the disabilities that a senior citizen will experience. A growing trend is the desire for many senior citizens to 'age in place', living as independently as possible for as long as possible. Accessibility modifications that allow ageing in place are becoming more common. Housing may even be designed to incorporate accessibility modifications that can be made throughout the life cycle of the residents. [129] => [130] => The [[English Housing Survey]] for 2018/19 found only 9% of homes in England have key features, such as a toilet at entrance level and sufficiently wide doorways, to deem them accessible. This was an improvement from 5% in 2005. More than 400,000 wheelchair users in England were living in homes which are neither adapted nor accessible.{{cite news |title=Government data reveals 'accessible homes crisis' for disabled people |url=https://www.homecareinsight.co.uk/government-data-reveals-accessible-homes-crisis-for-disabled-people/ |access-date=30 August 2020 |publisher=Home Care Insight |date=13 July 2020}} [131] => [132] => ==Voting== [133] => Under the [[Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities]], states parties are bound to assure accessible [[election]]s, [[voting]], and voting procedures. In 2018, the United Nations [[Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities]] issued an opinion that all polling stations should be fully accessible. At the [[European Court of Human Rights]], there are currently two ongoing cases about the accessibility of polling places and voting procedures. They were brought against [[Slovenia]] by two voters and the [[Slovenian Disability Rights Association]].{{Cite web|url=https://english.sta.si/2717030/disabled-take-slovenia-to-human-rights-court-over-polling-stations-accessibility|title=STA: Disabled take Slovenia to Human Rights Court over polling stations accessibility|website=english.sta.si|access-date=2020-01-14}} As of January 2020, the case, called [[Toplak and Mrak v. Slovenia]], was ongoing.{{Cite web|url=https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng?i=001-200412|title=HUDOC – European Court of Human Rights|website=hudoc.echr.coe.int|access-date=2020-01-14}} The aim of the court procedure is to make accessible all polling places in Europe.{{Cite web|url=https://pushliving.com/top-european-court-to-rule-on-making-all-polling-stations-accessible-in-europe/|title=Top European Court to Rule on Making All Polling Stations Accessible in Europe|date=2020-03-10|website=Wheelchair Accessible Lifestyle|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-15}} [134] => [135] => ==Disability, information technology (IT) and telecommunications== [136] => {{Update section|inaccurate=yes|date=November 2012}} [137] => {{Main|Design for All (in ICT)}} [138] => {{see also|Data access}} [139] => Advances in information technology and telecommunications have represented a leap forward for accessibility. Access to the technology is restricted to those who can afford it, but it has become more widespread in Western countries in recent years. For those who use it, it provides the ability to access information and services by minimizing the barriers of distance and cost as well as the accessibility and usability of the interface. In many countries this has led to initiatives, laws and/or regulations that aim toward providing universal access to the internet and to phone systems at reasonable cost to citizens.{{cite web |url=http://www.w3.org/WAI/users/browsing.html |title=Better Web Browsing: Tips for Customizing Your Computer|publisher=World Wide Web Consortium}} [140] => [141] => A major advantage of advanced technology is its flexibility. Some technologies can be used at home, in the workplace, and in school, expanding the ability of the user to participate in various spheres of daily life. [[Augmentative and alternative communication]] technology is one such area of IT progress. It includes inventions such as [[speech-generating device]]s, [[teletypewriter]] devices, adaptive pointing devices to replace computer mouse devices, and many others. Mobile telecommunications devices and computer applications are also equipped with accessibility features.{{Cite web|title=Accessibility|url=https://www.apple.com/accessibility/|access-date=2020-08-31|website=Apple|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Android accessibility overview – Android Accessibility Help|url=https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6006564|access-date=2020-08-31|website=support.google.com}}{{Cite web|title=Accessibility Technology & Tools|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility|access-date=2020-08-31|website=Accessibility|language=en-us}} They can be adapted to create accessibility to a range of tasks, and may be suitable for different kinds of disability. [142] => [143] => The following impairments are some of the disabilities that affect communications and technology access, as well as many other life activities: [144] => * [[Communication disorder]]s;{{cite web|url=http://health.nih.gov/topic/SpeechCommunicationDisorders|title=Speech and Communication Disorders|publisher=National Institutes of Health}} [145] => * [[Hearing impairment]]s;{{cite web|url=https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hearingdisordersanddeafness.html|title=Hearing Disorders and Deafness|publisher=National Library of Medicine}} [146] => * [[Visual impairment]]s;{{cite web|url=https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/visionimpairmentandblindness.html|title=Visual Impairment and Blindness|publisher=National Library of Medicine}} [147] => * [[Mobility impairment]]s; [148] => * A [[learning disability]] or impairment in mental functioning. [149] => [150] => Each kind of disability requires a different kind of accommodation, and this may require analysis by a medical specialist, an educational specialist or a job analysis when the impairment requires accommodation. [151] => * [[Job analysis]]{{cite journal|pmc=2538128|title=Pre-employment and periodical health examinations, job analysis and placement of workers| pmid=13276805|volume=13|issue=4|year=1955|journal=Bulletin of the World Health Organization|pages=495–503|last1=Forssman|first1=S}} [152] => [153] => ===Examples of common assistive technologies=== [154] => {| class="wikitable" [155] => |- [156] => ! Impairment !! Assistive technology [157] => |- [158] => | Communication impairment || [[Blissymbols]] board or similar device; [[Speech synthesis|electronic speech synthesizer]] [159] => |- [160] => | Hearing impairment || [[hearing aid]]s, [[earphone]]s, [[headphone]]s, [[headset (audio)|headsets]]; [[Closed captioning|real-time closed captioning]]; [[teletypewriter]]; sign language [[avatar (computing)|avatars]] [161] => |- [162] => | Mobility impairment || Page-turning device; adaptive keyboards and computer mice (pointing devices such as trackballs, vertical mouse, foot mouse, or programmable pedal) [163] => |- [164] => | Physical or mental impairment, learning disability || [[Voice recognition software]], [[refreshable braille display]], [[screen reader]] [165] => |- [166] => | Perceptual disability, learning disability || [[Audiobook|Talking textbook]]s, [[virtual keyboard]] [167] => |- [168] => | Visual impairment, learning disability || Modified monitor interface, magnification devices; [[reading service]], [[e-text]] [169] => |- [170] => | Visual impairment, learning disability || [[Braille note-taker]]; [[Braille printer]]; [[screen magnifier]]s; [[optical scanner]] [171] => |- [172] => |} [173] => [174] => ====Mobility impairments==== [175] => One of the first areas where information technology improved the quality of life for disabled individuals is the voice operated wheelchair. Quadriplegics have the most profound disability, and the voice operated wheelchair technology was first developed in 1977 to provide increased mobility. The original version replaced the joystick system with a module that recognized 8 commands. Many other technology accommodation improvements have evolved from this initial development.{{cite journal|pmid=849131|title=Voice Operated Wheelchair| volume=58|issue=4|date=April 1977|journal=Arch Phys Med Rehabil|pages=169–75|last1=Clark|first1=J. A.|last2=Roemer|first2=R. B.}} [176] => [177] => Missing arms or fingers may make the use of a keyboard and mouse difficult or impossible. Technological improvements such as speech recognition devices and software can improve access. [178] => [179] => ====Communication (including speech) impairments==== [180] => A communication disorder interferes with the ability to produce clearly understandable speech. There can be many different causes, such as nerve degeneration, muscle degeneration, stroke, and vocal cord injury. The modern method to deal with speaking disabilities has been to provide a text interface for a speech synthesizer for complete vocal disability. This can be a great improvement for people that have been limited to the use of a throat vibrator to produce speech since the 1960s. [181] => [182] => ====Hearing impairment==== [183] => An individual satisfies the definition of hearing disabled when hearing loss is about 30 dB for a single frequency, but this is not always perceptible as a disability.{{Cite news|url=https://www.hear-it.org/Defining-hearing-loss|title=Definition of hearing loss – Mild, Moderate, Severe & Profound - hear-it.org|access-date=2018-07-02}} For example, loss of sensitivity in one ear interferes with [[sound localization]] (directional hearing), which can interfere with communication in a crowd. This is often recognized when certain words are confused during normal conversation. This can interfere with voice-only interfaces, like automated customer service telephone systems, because it is sometimes difficult to increase the volume and repeat the message. [184] => [185] => Mild to moderate hearing loss may be accommodated with a hearing aid that amplifies ambient sounds. Portable devices with speed recognition that can produce text can reduce problems associated with understanding conversation. This kind of hearing loss is relatively common, and this often grows worse with age. [186] => [187] => The modern method to deal with profound hearing disability is the Internet using email or word processing applications. The [[telecommunications device for the deaf]] (TDD) became available in the form of the [[Teleprinter|teletype]] (TTY) during the 1960s. These devices consist of a keyboard, display and modem that connects two or more of these devices using a dedicated wire or plain old telephone service. [188] => [189] => Modern [[computer animation]] allows for [[sign language]] avatars to be integrated into public areas. This technology could potentially make train station announcements, news broadcasts, etc. accessible when a human interpreter is not available.{{cite conference |chapter-url=https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/2049536.2049557 |chapter=Assessing the deaf user perspective on sign language avatars |last1=Kipp |first1=Michael |last2=Nguyen |first2=Quan |last3=Heloir |first3=Alexis |last4=Matthes |first4=Silke |title=The proceedings of the 13th international ACM SIGACCESS conference on Computers and accessibility – ASSETS '11 |date=October 2011 |publisher=[[Association for Computing Machinery]] |book-title=Proceedings of the 13th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS-11) |pages=107–114 |location=Dundee, Scotland |doi=10.1145/2049536.2049557 |isbn=9781450309202 |conference=13th ACM Sigaccess Conference on Computers and Accessibility }}{{cite report |author1=World Federation of the Deaf|author1-link=World Federation of the Deaf |author2=World Association of Sign Language Interpreters|author2-link=World Association of Sign Language Interpreters |date=14 March 2018 |title=WFD and WASLI Statement on Use of Signing Avatars |url=https://wfdeaf.org/news/resources/wfd-wasli-statement-use-signing-avatars/ |page=2 |access-date=22 September 2020}} Sign language can also be incorporated into film; for example, all movies shown in Brazilian movie theaters must have a [[Brazilian Sign Language]] video track available to play alongside the film via a [[second screen]].{{Cite web |date=18 Sep 2017 |title=Deluxe Launches First Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) Localization Service Outside Brazil |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deluxe-launches-first-brazilian-sign-language-libras-localization-service-outside-brazil-300521137.html |access-date=14 Nov 2023 |website=Cision PR Newswire |publisher=Deluxe Entertainment Services Group Inc. through Cision PR Newswire}}{{Cite web |title=Accessibility & The Audio Track File |url=https://cinepedia.com/accessibility/accessibility-the-audio-track-file/ |access-date=14 November 2023 |website=Cinepedia}} [190] => [191] => ====Visual impairments==== [192] => A wide range of technology products are available to deal with visual impairment. This includes screen magnification for monitors, screen-reading technology for computers and small screen devices, mouse-over speech synthesis browsing, braille displays, braille printers, braille cameras, voice-operated phones, and tablets. [193] => [194] => One emerging product that will make ordinary computer displays available for the blind is the refreshable tactile display, which is very different from a conventional braille display. This provides a raised surface corresponding to the bright and dim spots on a conventional display. An example is the Touch Sight Camera for the Blind. [195] => [196] => [[Speech Synthesis Markup Language]] ''(V1.0 Released 7 September 2004{{cite web|url=https://www.w3.org/TR/2004/REC-speech-synthesis-20040907/|title=Speech Synthesis Markup Language (SSML) Version 1.0|website=w3.org}})'' and [[Speech Recognition Grammar Specification]] ''(V1.0 released 16 March 2004{{cite web|url=https://www.w3.org/TR/speech-grammar/|title=Speech Recognition Grammar Specification Version 1.0|website=w3.org}})'' are relatively recent technologies intended to standardize communication interfaces using Augmented [[Backus–Naur form|BNF]] Form and [[XML]] Form. These technologies assist visual impairments and physical impairment by providing interactive access to web content without the need to visually observe the content. While these technologies provides access for visually impaired individuals, the primary benefactor has been automated systems that replace live human customer service representatives that handle telephone calls. [197] => [198] => ===Web accessibility=== [199] => {{See also|Web accessibility}} [200] => [201] => ====International standards and guidelines==== [202] => There have been a few major movements to coordinate a set of guidelines for accessibility for the [[World Wide Web|web]]. The first and most well known is The [[Web Accessibility Initiative]] (WAI), which is part of the World Wide Web Consortium ([[W3C]]). This organization developed the [[Web Content Accessibility Guidelines]] (WCAG) 1.0 and 2.0 which explain how to make Web content accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Web "content" generally refers to the information in a Web page or Web application, including text, images, forms, and sounds. (More specific definitions are available in the WCAG documents.){{cite web| url=http://www.w3.org/WAI/gettingstarted/Overview.html |title=WAI Resources on Introducing Web Accessibility | publisher=[[W3C]] | work=[[Web Accessibility Initiative]] | access-date=18 June 2014 }} [203] => [204] => The WCAG is separated into three levels of compliance, A, AA and AAA. Each level requires a stricter set of conformance guidelines, such as different versions of [[HTML]] (Transitional vs Strict) and other techniques that need to be incorporated into coding before accomplishing validation. Online tools allow users to submit their website and automatically run it through the WCAG guidelines and produce a report, stating whether or not they conform to each level of compliance. [[Adobe Dreamweaver]] also offers plugins which allow web developers to test these guidelines on their work from within the program. [205] => [206] => The [[ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 36#WG 7 Culture.2C Language.2C and Human Functioning Activities|ISO/IEC JTC1 SC36 WG7]] 24751 Individualized Adaptability and Accessibility in e-learning, education and training series is freely available and made of 3 parts: Individualized Adaptability and Accessibility in e-learning, education and training, Standards inventory and Guidance on user needs mapping. [207] => [208] => Another source of web accessibility guidance comes from the [[US government]]. In response to [[Rehabilitation Act of 1973#Section 508|Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act]], the Access Board developed standards to which U.S. federal agencies must comply in order to make their sites accessible. The U.S. General Services Administration has developed a website where one can take online training courses for free to learn about these rules.Section 508: [http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=5 508 Training]. [209] => [210] => ====Web accessibility features==== [211] => Examples of accessibility features include: [212] => * [[Web Accessibility Initiative|WAI]]-AA compliance with the [[Web Content Accessibility Guidelines|WAI's WCAG]] [213] => * [[Semantic HTML|Semantic]] Web markup [214] => * (X)HTML Validation from the W3C for the page's content [215] => * CSS Validation from the W3C for the page's layout [216] => * Compliance with all guidelines from Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act [217] => * A high contrast version of the site for individuals with low vision, and a low contrast (yellow or blue) version of the site for individuals with dyslexia [218] => * Alternative media for any multimedia used on the site (video, flash, audio, etc.) [219] => * Simple and consistent navigation [220] => * Device independent [221] => [222] => While WCAG provides much technical information for use by web designers, coders and editors, ''BS 8878:2010 Web accessibility – Code of Practice''[http://www.hassellinclusion.com/bs8878/ BS 8878:2010 Web accessibility – Code of Practice]. has been introduced, initially in the UK, to help site owners and product managers to understand the importance of accessibility. It includes advice on the business case behind accessibility, and how organisations might usefully update their policies and production processes to embed accessibility in their business-as-usual. On 28 May 2019, BS 8878 was superseded by ''ISO 30071-1'',[https://www.hassellinclusion.com/iso-30071-1/ ISO 30071-1]. the international Standard that built on BS 8878 and expanded it for international use. [223] => [224] => Another useful idea is for websites to include a web accessibility statement on the site. Initially introduced in PAS 78,[http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/footer/accessibility-statement/general-web-accessibility-guidance/ PAS 78]. the best practice for web accessibility statements has been updated in BS 8878[http://www.hassellinclusion.com/bs8878/ BS 8878]. to emphasise the inclusion of: information on how disabled and elderly people could get a better experience of using the website by using assistive technologies or accessibility settings of browsers and operating systems (linking to "BBC My Web My Way"[https://www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility/ BBC My Web My Way], [[BBC]], UK. can be useful here); information on what accessibility features the site's creators have included, and if there are any user needs which the site does not currently support (for example, descriptive video to allow blind people to access the information in videos more easily); and contact details for disabled people to be able to use to let the site creators know if they have any problems in using the site. While validations against WCAG, and other accessibility badges can also be included, they should be put lower down the statement, as most disabled people still do not understand these technical terms.[http://www.hassellinclusion.com/accessibility/ Example of an accessibility statement written by the lead-author of BS 8878]. [225] => [226] => ==Education and accessibility for students== [227] => [[File:Vietnam phusical therapy school orphanage.jpg|thumb|upright|A teacher helps her student in an orphanage in central [[Vietnam]]. The orphanage caters to many abandoned and disabled children who, through education and communication programs, are able to have a life that would otherwise not be possible.]] [228] => [[File:Latrine ramp school.jpg|thumb|Construction of a ramp for a school latrine in Ukunda, Kenya, to make the school building more accessible to students with disabilities]] [229] => Equal access to education for students with disabilities is supported in some countries by legislation. It is still challenging for some students with disabilities to fully participate in mainstream education settings, but many adaptive technologies and assistive programs are making improvements. In India, the [[Medical Council of India]] has now passed the directives to all the medical institutions to make them accessible to persons with disabilities. This happened due to a petition by Satendra Singh founder of [[Infinite Ability]].{{cite news|title=MCI asks all medical institutions to be 'accessible'|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/mci-asks-all-medical-institutions-to-be-accessible/article4628862.ece|access-date=21 April 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 April 2013}} [230] => [231] => Students with a physical or mental impairment or learning disability may require note-taking assistance, which may be provided by a business offering such services, as with tutoring services. Talking books in the form of talking textbooks are available in Canadian secondary and post-secondary schools. Also, students may require adaptive technology to access computers and the Internet. These may be tax-exempt expenses in some jurisdictions with a medical prescription. [232] => [233] => ===Accessibility of Assessments=== [234] => It is important to ensure that the accessibility in education includes assessments.{{Cite web|title=Making assessments accessible|url=https://www.jisc.ac.uk/guides/making-assessments-accessible|access-date=2020-08-17|website=Jisc|language=en-GB|quote=Accessibility must be considered from the outset when designing assessments, otherwise disabled learners could be unintentionally disadvantaged.}} Accessibility in testing or assessments entails the extent to which a test and its constituent item set eliminates barriers and permits the test-taker to demonstrate their knowledge of the tested content.{{Citation|last=Roelofs|first=Erik|title=A Framework for Improving the Accessibility of Assessment Tasks|date=2019|work=Theoretical and Practical Advances in Computer-based Educational Measurement|pages=21–45|editor-last=Veldkamp|editor-first=Bernard P.|series=Methodology of Educational Measurement and Assessment|place=Cham|publisher=Springer International Publishing|language=en|doi=10.1007/978-3-030-18480-3_2|isbn=978-3-030-18480-3|editor2-last=Sluijter|editor2-first=Cor|doi-access=free}} [235] => [236] => With the passage of the [[No Child Left Behind Act]] of 2001 in the United States,{{Cite news|url=https://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/no-child-left-behind-overview-definition-summary.html|title=No Child Left Behind Overview: Definitions, Requirements, Criticisms, and More|work=Education Week |last1=Klein |first1 =Alyson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826002830/https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/no-child-left-behind-an-overview/2015/04 | archive-date=2022-08-26 | publisher=Editorial Projects in Education | location=Bethesda MD |issn=0277-4232 | oclc=07579948 |access-date=2018-07-02|language=en-US}} student accountability in essential content areas such as reading, mathematics, and science has become a major area of focus in educational reform.{{Cite web|url=https://www2.ed.gov/nclb/overview/intro/execsumm.html|title=Executive Summary of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001|date=2007-11-20|website=www2.ed.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-07-02}} As a result, test developers have needed to create tests to ensure all students, including those with special needs (e.g., students identified with disabilities), are given the opportunity to demonstrate the extent to which they have mastered the content measured on state assessments. Currently, states are permitted to develop two different types of tests in addition to the standard grade-level assessments to target students with special needs. First, the alternate assessment may be used to report proficiency for up to 1% of students in a state. Second, new regulations permit the use of alternate assessments based on modified academic achievement standards to report proficiency for up to 2% of students in a state. [237] => [238] => To ensure that these new tests generate results that allow valid inferences to be made about student performance, they must be accessible to as many people as possible. The Test Accessibility and Modification Inventory (TAMI){{cite web |url=http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/tami.xml |title=Peabody College of Education and Human Development | Vanderbilt University |publisher=Peabody.vanderbilt.edu |date=2012-07-30 |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927114520/http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/tami.xml |archive-date=2011-09-27 |url-status=dead }} and its companion evaluation tool, the Accessibility Rating Matrix (ARM), were designed to facilitate the evaluation of tests and test items with a focus on enhancing their accessibility. Both instruments incorporate the principles of accessibility theory and were guided by research on universal design, assessment accessibility, cognitive load theory, and research on item writing and test development. The TAMI is a non-commercial instrument that has been made available to all state assessment directors and testing companies. Assessment researchers have used the ARM to conduct accessibility reviews of state assessment items for several state departments of education. [239] => [240] => ==See also== [241] => {{div col|colwidth=30em}} [242] => * [[Accessible publishing]] [243] => * [[Assistive technology]] [244] => * [[Accessible toilet]] [245] => * [[Accessible tourism]] [246] => * [[CEN/CENELEC Guide 6]] [247] => * [[Computer accessibility]] [248] => * [[Convenience]] [249] => * [[Curb cut effect]] [250] => * [[Disability flag]] [251] => * [[Universal design]] [252] => * [[Design for All (in ICT)]] [253] => * [[digital divide]] [254] => * [[Human factors and ergonomics]] [255] => * [[Game accessibility]] [256] => * [[Knowbility]] [257] => * [[National Federation of the Blind v. Target Corporation]] [258] => * [[Occupational therapy]] [259] => * [[Principles of Intelligent Urbanism]] [260] => * [[Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act]] [261] => * [[Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973]] [262] => * [[Timeline of disability rights in the United States]] [263] => * [[Timeline of disability rights outside the United States]] [264] => * [[Transgenerational design]] [265] => * [[Visitability]] [266] => * [[Walkability]] [267] => * [[Walking audit]] [268] => * [[Walter Harris Callow]], inventor of wheelchair accessible bus [269] => * [[Wheelchair accessible van]] [270] => * [[Web accessibility]] [271] => * [[Universal design for instruction]] [272] => {{div col end}} [273] => [274] => ==References== [275] => {{Commons category}} [276] => {{Reflist}} [277] => [278] => {{Disability navbox}} [279] => {{Authority control}} [280] => [281] => [[Category:Accessibility| ]] [282] => [[Category:Ergonomics]] [283] => [[Category:Transportation planning]] [284] => [[Category:Urban studies and planning terminology]] [285] => [[Category:Urban design]] [] => )
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Accessibility

Accessibility is a term used to describe the degree to which something, such as a website, building, or product, can be used by people with disabilities or impairments. It involves designing and creating environments, systems, and products that are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

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It involves designing and creating environments, systems, and products that are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities. The concept of accessibility extends beyond physical disabilities and includes visual impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive impairments, and more. The Wikipedia page on accessibility provides information and context about the concept. It discusses accessibility in various domains, such as web accessibility, which focuses on making websites and online content usable by individuals with disabilities. The page also covers the principles and guidelines for creating accessible websites, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Additionally, the page explores the importance of accessibility in other areas, such as transportation, architecture, and communication. It explains how accessible design can benefit not only people with disabilities but also the entire population, as it promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities. The Wikipedia page offers insights into the history of accessibility and the evolution of attitudes towards disability. It provides examples of advocacy and legislation aimed at improving accessibility, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States. The page also discusses the challenges and barriers that individuals with disabilities still face in accessing various environments, products, and services. Overall, the Wikipedia page on accessibility serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the concept, its applications, and its significance in promoting inclusivity and equal rights for individuals with disabilities.

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