Applying Universal Design to Accessible Communication

©Copyright AccEase Ltd. 2011 All Rights Reserved www.AccEase.com

Applying Universal Design to Accessible Communication

Robyn HuntMike Osborne

AccEase Ltd


Roadmap

1. Why this workshop2. Introduce Universal Design & how it applies

to accessible communication3. Explore some things we’ve learnt4. Draw conclusions about what disabled

people should expect


Universal Design


Principles of Universal Design

• Equitable use • Flexibility in use • Simple and intuitive • Perceptible information • Tolerance for error • Low physical effort • Size and space for approach and use


Universal Design = Rich Information

Easy Read

Plain English

Information is available in different formats and can be delivered by different technologies

Regular PrintLarge Print Braille

hard copy – braille display

Sign language

InternetWeb / email

ReadersE-,screen, human, talking book

Voice Recognition

Magnifiers

CaptionsAudio description


When designing & delivering, people don’t take a Universal approach

Deaf Blind Low vision Mobility Reading 4 million careful owners

Beehive Bioethics Council Community Net Companies Office Department of Labour Embassies Employment Relations Service Ministry for the Environment GCSB Good Practice Funding Government Jobs


What we’ve learnt: Approach• Take a multidisciplinary approach• Accessible communication starts at the beginning

• you can’t add it in later• Accessible design is about everyone

• 80% get it for free• Go for the low-hanging fruit• Pick your experts carefully

•they need to really need to know the area• Accessible communications is as much about attitude as

expertise•It’s not about techies who get hung up on methodologies instead

of results


What we’ve learnt: Audiences• Information owners need to know what their

audiences needs and make sure that they get it• Engaging with disabled people takes time and

effort: there are no shortcuts• Relationship building with disabled people is

key• Standards are the starting point

• User testing rules• Accessible communications are possible,

disabled people are not asking for the impossible


What we’ve learnt: Action• It’s about action – helping people to get

things done faster and easier– When completing tasks on websites, the

longer they take the less satisfied they are • Hence, usability is a near relative of

accessibility


What disabled people should expect

• Accessible informatiom is doable– We’re not asking for the impossible – but it might

take time • Expect to hold a respectful conversation with

information providers• Information should be provided in a timely

fashion to quality standards and at no greater cost than to others

• Alternatives should be offered


Who should join the conversation first?

• Government–Including local

• Utilities• Insurance• Banks

• Transport–Including airlines

• Education• Health


Questions - Discussion

Mike OsbornePh: 64 4 934 2821Mob: 64 21 675 010

AccEase LtdWeb: www.AccEase.comBlog: www.LowVisionary.com

Robyn HuntPh: 64 4 939 0445Mob: 64 27 449 3019

Applying Universal Design to Accessible Communication

Documents

Transcript of Applying Universal Design to Accessible Communication