Electronics and Computer Science (ECS), University of Southampton

• To understand the role of Assistive technologies in achieving universal design
• To explore the relationship between accessibility and usability
• To prepare students to engage in research and development in assistive technologies and universal design

Module Details

Title: Assistive Technologies and Universal Design
Code: INFO6002

Credits: 10
Semester: 1

Programmes in which this module is compulsory

• MSc Web Technology

Programmes in which this module is optional

• MEng Computer Science with Distributed Systems and Networks (4 yrs) (G4G5)
• MEng Computer Science with Mobile and Secure Systems (4 yrs) (G421)
• MEng Computer Science with Image and Multimedia Systems (4 yrs) (G450)
• MComp Information Technology in Organisations (G500)
• MSc Software Engineering
• MEng Software Engineering (G600)
• MEng Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence (4 yrs) (G4GR)
• MEng Computer Science (4 yrs) (G401)

• Models of disability
• Definitions of Assistive Technology and Universal Design
• Relevant Legislation and Accessibility and Usability Standards
• The interdisciplinary approach to design, research, evaluation
• Assessment for assistive technology and universal design
• Sources of information about Current research in assistive technology and universal design

• Case for universal design (Business, Legislation, Moral, self interest)
• Models of disability
• Ethical research issues
• Assistive Technologies and Universal Design
• Accessibility and Usability Standards
• Assistive Technology Assessment and Evaluation
• Involving users in research design and evaluation
• Research in assistive technologies and universal design

• Lecture, 1 hour, Twice per week

• 70% - Written report, frequency: 1
• 20% - Web site, frequency: 1
• 10% - Online Oral presentation, frequency: 1

Referral policy: On referral, this unit will be assessed by set coursework assignment(s).

Background textbook:

Jeffrey Zeldman, Designing with web standards, 2nd ed. New Riders, 2007

Clark,Joe. Building accessible websites, New Riders, 2003

Clarkson et al (Ed), Designing Accessible Technology, Springer, 2006

Sarah Horton, Access by Design : A Guide to Universal Usability for Web Designers , New Riders, 2005

Alliance for Technology Access, Computer Resources for People With Disabilities: A Guide to Assistive Technologies, Tools, and Resources for People of All Ages, Hunter House, 2004 New edition being prepared - on order. 2004 not available

Engineering Software for Accessibility by Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft Press, 2009

Web Accessibility: Web Standards and Regulatory Compliance by Jim Thatcher; Michael R. Burks; Christian Heilmann; Andrew Kirkpatrick; Patrick H. Lauke; Bruce Lawson; Shawn Lawton Henry; Bob Regan; Richard Rutter; Mark Urban; Cynthia Waddell. Apress, 2006

On-line resources:

Extensive On-line resources exist e.g.http://www.w3.org/WAI/

http://www.webaim.org/

http://www.microsoft.com/enable/research/default.aspx