Volume : 9, Issue : 7, July - 2020

E-ACCESSIBILITY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Dr. Sampurna Guha

Abstract :

The study attempts to understand and address the various issues and challenges faced by students with disabilities in accessing digital resources especially at higher educational levels. The research objectives framed or the study aimed at: a) identifying the various standards of accessibility, b) understanding the barriers faced in e-accessibility and c) finding solutions to the challenges faced by students with special needs. The research method adopted for the study consisted of collecting both primary and secondary data. A survey of 10 educators from schools in and around Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, including both special and general educators, was carried out to gain primary data on the barriers faced by students with special educational needs in accessing digital content. The secondary data helped in the identification of various standard guidelines and principles for promoting web accessibility. The study findings reveal that educators, students and authors of e-content should be sensitized towards the various web accessibility guidelines and techniques. Further, the use of assistive technology should be promoted as a reasonable accommodation for accessing digital information based on user preferences which should be mapped with the e-learning resources and environment through generation of user profiles. The study also supports the inclusion of assistive technology in a child’s individualized educational program for facilitating e-inclusion and e-accessibility thereby promoting academic progress of the child.