Inclusive design of technology means developing systems flexible enough to serve the broadest possible range of users. Inclusive design calls for adaptable interfaces to be built into the product early in the design phase, producing systems more easily used by everyone.
- Allow for customization based on user preference.
- Provide equivalent access to auditory and visual content based on user preference.
- Provide compatibility with assistive technologies and include complete keyboard access.
- Provide context and orientation information.
- Follow relevant specifications, standards, and/or guidelines.
- Consider the use of XML.
Inclusively designed products are accessible to most users with disabilities and more usable for everyone. Beyond being "the right thing to do," inclusive design actual improves products. Flexibility in input and output methods supports changing environments, such as watching video with captions in a quiet library or switching from a mouse to a keyboard (or vice versa) to relieve repetitive strain injury. The information needed by blind users is similar to the way the web is displayed on devices like PDAs and cell phones. An inclusively designed NSDL will reach more users and provide the most flexibility of use.
People with disabilities benefit enormously from access to on-line learning resources. Well designed, accessible materials can be crucial for learners who can't use traditional print because of visual impairments or physical disabilities.
The W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
In coordination with organizations around the world, the WAI pursues accessibility of the Web through five primary areas of work: technology, guidelines, tools, education and outreach, and research and development.
General Concepts, Universal Design Principles and Guidelines
This set of pages contains very helpful information for those interested in understanding disability-related issues. Of particular note is the article Thirty-Something (Million): Should They Be Exceptions? written by Gregg Vanderheiden, the Director of the Trace Center.
Information on Understanding Disability and Universal Design from ITTATC
Good information from the Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training Center (ITTATC) which promotes the development of accessible electronic and information technology through technical assistance, training and information.
Making Educational Software Accessible: Design Guidelines Including Math & Science Solutions
This set of guidelines from the National Center for Accessible Media provides guidance on the universal design of educational software.
