Disability Informatics: meeting the needs of people with disabilities

Richard Appleyard
Oregon Health & Science University

Topic: Usability and human factors on the web
Track: Practice
Type: Oral presentation

     Full text: Not available
     Slides: Not Available
     Last modified: March 31, 2006
     Presentation date: 10/16/2006 4:30 PM in RYH Tudor 8
     (View Schedule)

Abstract
Disability Informatics is an emerging field that seeks to better understand how individuals with disabilities can use information technology and information systems to address any functional issues they encounter, improve their self-efficacy and empower them to be as independent as any other person. Disability Informatics research often involves identifying and addressing the particular needs and requirements of particular populations of people with disabilities when utilizing general information systems. One of the main solutions is then educating and raising awareness of these issues to information technology professionals and the healthcare IT industry.

In many instances, accessible information systems are also advantageous to the non-disabled population. In fact, one of the major reasons for considering universal design principles and accessibility in design is that everyone is subject to different types of functional limitations in various environments, e.g., design requirements for noisy environments are very similar to those for people with hearing impairments, and for environments where is not safe to look at a device (such as driving a car) are very similar to those for people with visual impairments. But whereas these systems provide a convenience or make something easier for the general population, they are essential for populations with disabilities to function independently.

An introduction to Disability Informatics will be presented, along with research examples and an overview of the need for accessible design requirements.