This is a 'web portal which aggregates accessibility-related information for persons with disabilities (e.g. support services, technical resources, physical layout and equipment, links to external support entities, etc.). Importantly, this portal is easily reached via a prominent link on the main Open University Library's Help and Support page.'
Type of Material:
Reference Material
Recommended Uses:
This site is helpful for users with disabilities to use before they begin their research using online library resources. This site is also helpful for educators who want to learn more about the problems (and solutions to problems) users with disabilities face while researching online.
Technical Requirements:
Internet Browser (tested in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge)
Identify Major Learning Goals:
This resource is aimed at Open University students with disabilities but can also be helpful for other students or educators and librarians who work with students with disabilities. The purpose of this site is to provide users with disabilities the information they need to navigate library resources. It provides a list of known accessibility issues, as well as providing tips and tools on making online resources more accessible.
Target Student Population:
College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional, Students with Disabilities
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
A basic understanding of ADA compliance and current issues in accessibility of online content would be helpful but not necessary.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
There is a strong need for educators to be aware of accessibility issues and for students to have the resources and tools needed to navigate online environments. The site is clear and concise, making it easy to read and understand. In particular, the tips for databases with accessibility issues would be very helpful to students and instructors using those databases. The site can be used as a reference without an assignment guiding students.
Concerns:
Some of the resources were created specifically for Open University students, making it less relevant to other students. The site would need to be adapted in order for all the information in the guide to be relevant to other students. In addition, more content relevant to all students of higher education (such as open-source accessibility software) would be helpful.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The portal increases the potential for student learning and provides conceptual understanding. The site is efficient, allowing for a good deal of information to be shared in a short timeframe.
Concerns:
There are not clearly defined learning objectives and some prerequisite knowledge is assumed.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Overall, the site is easy to use and visually engaging. There are text and videos for sharing information.
Concerns:
Overall, having a menu on the right side is useful. However, the portal is part of a larger online guide for library users, so the website includes links in the menu not related to accessibility. Since the menu is surrounded by links varying in font sizes, it could be challenging for a user to discern which links are related to accessibility. In addition, the headings are not always clear. Lastly, the guide is not under a license allowing derivatives. This makes it difficult for educators from other institutions to adapt the content for their libraries.
Creative Commons:
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