Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108070

Jeon Small, MA ABD, Pamela Schallau, MS, Karen Brown, MEd, Daria Ettinger, BSN, Sue Blanchard, BS, Gloria L. Krahn, PhD, MPH, and Richard Appleyard, PhD. Oregon Institute on Disability & Development, Oregon Health & Science University, Child Development and Rehabilitation Center, 707 S.W. Gaines Street, Portland, OR 97239-2901, 503.418.1477, smallje@ohsu.edu

ABSTRACT This pilot study investigated individuals with developmental cognitive disabilities (DCD) navigating W3C accessibility-compliant Web sites and the impact of four cognitive determinants: situation awareness, spatial awareness, task-set switching, and anticipated system response. Participants were placed into one of two search conditions and were asked to complete information-finding tasks. The usability evaluation demonstrated that the majority of users with DCD were able to access the Web but they were unable to successfully use the W3C accessibility-compliant Web sites. The use of navigation aids were examined, different Web navigation problems were identified as well as user satisfaction and perceived usability. It is clear from this study that current Web accessibility guidelines do not sufficiently address the needs of people with cognitive disabilities. Additional research is needed to further describe several potentially confounding factors that were identified.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the factors that contribute to poor navigational acess among computer users.
• Outline the role of external links in hindering or promoting Web navigation.
• Differentiate the user strategies among mild and moderate cognitively impaired participants in search behavior.

Keywords: Access,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.