DOCSLIB.ORG

Accessible PDF

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Accessible PDF Faculty of Media, Society and Culture The Disability Divide: A Study into the Impact of Computing and Internet-related Technologies on People who are Blind or Vision Impaired Scott Emery Hollier This thesis is presented for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Curtin University of Technology January 2007 DECLARATION This thesis contains no material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma in any university. To the best of my knowledge and belief this thesis contains no material previously published by any other person except where due acknowledgment has been made. ________________________ ________________________ Scott Hollier Date 1 ABSTRACT People with disabilities, and in particular people who are blind or vision impaired, are not embracing computing and Internet-related technologies at the same rate as the able-bodied population. The purpose of this study was to find the reasons behind this digital divide for people with disabilities and provide solutions. The investigation into this ‘disability divide’ initially examined the historical significance of the social construction of disability, the developments of computing and Internet-related technologies and the evolution of associated government and corporate policies. In order to gain an understanding of the specific elements in the current disability divide, interviews were conducted with a range of government representatives, multinational information technology developers and online information providers in Australia and the United States of America. In order to gain an understanding of what people with disabilities required from information technology, a national survey was conducted with people who are blind or vision impaired to determine their computing and Internet experiences. This study clearly identified that people with vision disabilities have a high level of computing and Internet expertise and it is specific barriers, rather than lack of will, that has prevented access to computing and Internet-related technologies. These barriers include issues relating to the perception of disability in society, Federal and state government policy, corporate policy, mainstream computing products, assistive technologies, real-time online communication, poverty and a lack of educational opportunities. Addressing the issues in these areas will significantly reduce the impact of the disability divide, allowing people who are blind or vision impaired to participate more effectively in the information age. 2 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 10 Purpose of the study ..................................................................................................................... 10 Research questions ........................................................................................................................ 11 Aims and objectives ...................................................................................................................... 12 Significance of the study ............................................................................................................... 12 Background to the study ............................................................................................................... 13 Overview of the thesis ................................................................................................................... 16 1.0 THE SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF DISABILITY ........ 19 1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 19 1.2 Disability today ............................................................................................................... 19 1.3 The social construction of disability................................................................................ 22 1.4 Policy approaches for people with disabilities ................................................................ 26 1.5 Examples of disability-related policy and legislation development in western countries 29 1.6 The evolution of the International Classification of Impairment, Disability and Handicap ....................................................................................................................................... 33 1.7 Disability from the perspective of blind and vision impaired individuals ...................... 36 1.8 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 39 2.0 THE ROLE OF COMPUTING AND INTERNET-RELATED TECHNOLOGIES FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR VISION IMPAIRED .......................................................................................................... 41 2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 41 2.2 The creation of the white cane and electronic-based technologies ................................. 42 2.3 The hope of personal computing ..................................................................................... 46 2.4 Overcoming the difficulties of the graphical user interface............................................ 48 2.5 The hope of the Internet .................................................................................................. 50 2.6 Overcoming the difficulties of the World Wide Web ..................................................... 53 2.7 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 56 3 3.0 ELEMENTS OF THE DISABILITY DIVIDE ....................................... 57 3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 57 3.2 Current access to computing and the Internet ............................................................... 57 3.3 The digital divide and the disability divide ..................................................................... 59 3.4 The interaction of changing social categories and assistive technology development .... 61 3.5 Accessibility barriers of personal computing ................................................................. 63 3.6 Accessibility barriers of the Internet .............................................................................. 66 3.7 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 69 4.0 DISABILITY-SPECIFIC POLICY AND LEGISLATION ..................... 71 4.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 71 4.2 Methodology for personal interviews.............................................................................. 72 4.3 Historical development of disability and information technology legislation ................ 77 4.4 Australian and United States policy frameworks ........................................................... 79 4.4.1 Australian framework ..................................................................................................... 79 4.4.2 United States framework ................................................................................................. 83 4.5 Benefits and problems of Australian and United States policy and legislation .............. 85 4.6 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 90 5.0 THE PROVISION OF ONLINE INFORMATION............................... 92 5.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 92 5.2 The provision of government online information ........................................................... 93 5.3 Legal precedents regarding access to information technology for people with disabilities 95 5.4 Provision of online information by the media ................................................................. 98 5.5 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 102 6.0 THE PROVISION OF OPERATING SYSTEMS, SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS AND HARDWARE ..........................................................104 6.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 104 6.2 Mainstream corporate implementation of accessibility policy ..................................... 105 6.3 Disability-specific product vendors’ accessibility policy .............................................. 112 6.4 Corporate policies based on legal requirements ........................................................... 115 4 6.5 Products designed to assist people who are blind or vision impaired .......................... 116 6.5.1 Accessibility tools in mainstream operating systems .................................................... 116 6.5.2 Hardware products ....................................................................................................... 123 6.5.3 Software products .......................................................................................................... 129 6.5.4 Internet tools .................................................................................................................. 134
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Disability Inclusion Action Planning 38
    Disability Inclusion Planning – A Guide for Local Government OCTOBER 2016 ALGA and Urbis would like to acknowledge the stakeholders who provided input in the development of this guide including: • representatives of 27 councils nationally • members of the Disability Advisory Committees consulted • peak bodies and advocacy organisations • state and territory government representatives • local government state and territory associations • representatives from the Australian Human Rights Commission • representatives from the Department of Social Services • representatives from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development • industry representatives. We would like to thank everyone involved for your time and willingness to provide valuable insight to inform the development of this resource. ALGA extends its thanks to the Commonwealth Department of Social Services for providing the funding This Guide, as well as an accessible Word for the update of the 1995 Guide. version, is available to download on the ABN 31 008 613 876 ALGA website (alga.asn.au/). T (02) 6122 9400 Alison Wallace (Director), Poppy Wise (Associate F (02) 6122 9401 Director), Diane Fase (Senior Consultant) and E [email protected] Christina Griffiths(Consultant) from Urbis and W alga.asn.au Monica Telesny (ALGA Senior Policy Adviser) were responsible for this Guide. Contents Foreword 1 About this guide 2 The case for inclusion 3 Disability in Australia 6 Legislative and policy context 11 Guide to disability inclusion action planning 38 A template for a disability inclusion action plan 45 Useful resources 51 Reference List 60 Foreword In 2009 the Australian Government began a providing people with disability the opportunity to fully collaborative process, in partnership with all States participate in all aspects of society.
    [Show full text]
  • ADVOCACY & HUMAN RIGHTS Resource Description Website
    Resources/dsa.org.au ADVOCACY & HUMAN RIGHTS Resource Description Website Advocacy and Information for people with a disability, their families and carers as www.adhc.nsw.gov.au Information Services well as to the broader community about access to the community, NSW Government disability supports and equipment, and promoting the development of community awareness. Advocacy Tasmania Tasmania based community organisation providing free and www.advocacytasmania.org.au independent advocacy services for people with a disability, older people, people with mental illness and people who use alcohol and other drugs. Australian Centre for Promoting and protecting the human and legal rights of people www.disabilitylaw.org.au Disability Law with disability and their supporters through legal advocacy. Complaints, Resolution Helping people using Australian Government-funded disability www.jobaccess.gov.au/complaints/crrs and Referral Service employment and advocacy services to resolve complaints. Disability Advocacy Key provider of community-based advocacy services within the www.das.org.au Alice Springs NT municipalities of Alice Springs, Amoonguna and Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, offering free, confidential advocacy service to persons and families with a disability, and supporting and empowering clients to exercise their own rights in accordance with the NT Disability Advocacy Standards. Disability Advocacy and Information and advocacy support to individuals, families, carers www.dacssa.org.au Complaints Service SA and communities in South Australia. © Disability Services Australia Information updated as of January 2020 1 Resources/dsa.org.au Disability Advocacy Network of organisations Australia-wide that undertakes or www.dana.org.au Network Australia provides individual advocacy, systemic advocacy, self advocacy, (DANA) citizen advocacy, legal advocacy or family advocacy for people with disability to become valued and included members of the community, with their fundamental needs met and their human rights respected.
    [Show full text]
  • Community Access Mapping Report 2020 OUR PURPOSE
    Community Access Mapping Report 2020 OUR PURPOSE WELCOME TO THE GAME IS AN INITIATIVE CREATED TO SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM CALD BACKGROUNDS LIVING WITH A DISABILITY TO ACCESS SPORT AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES. WE WORK AT THE INTERSECTION OF CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY, DISABILITY, AND SPORT & RECREATION. WE BELIEVE EVERY YOUNG PERSON, REGARDLESS OF THEIR BACKGROUND OR ABILITY SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE ACTIVE AND CONNECTED TO THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THAT SPORT IS A POWERFUL WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS. OUR PEOPLE YOUNG PEOPLE = 5-25 YEARS OLD. CALD = CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE - ANY PERSON BORN OVERSEAS, HAS AT LEAST ONE PARENT BORN OVERSEAS INCLUDING PEOPLE FROM REFUGEE, ASYLUM SEEKER AND OTHER MIGRANT BACKGROUNDS OR SPEAKS A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH AT HOME (LOTE). DISABILITY = ANY SELF-IDENTIFIED OR FORMALLY DIAGNOSED PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY (INCLUDING PSYCHO-SOCIAL). FOCUS SPORTS THE STRENGTHS-BASED APPROACH WILL INITIALLY FOCUS ON: 1) SWIMMING 2) SOCCER AND 3) BASKETBALL. SWIMMING: PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND PEOPLE FROM CALD BACKGROUNDS EXPERIENCE HIGHER DROWNING RATES THAN THE OVERALL AUSTRALIAN POPULATION. WATER SAFETY IS IMPORTANT IN DEVELOPING LIFE SKILLS RELATED ACTIVITIES AS PART OF AUSTRALIAN CULTURE. SOCCER AND BASKETBALL: HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF WORLDWIDE POPULARITY AND ENGAGEMENT INCLUDING WITHIN AUSTRALIAN MIGRANT COMMUNITIES. THEY HAVE HIGH POTENTIAL FOR MODIFICATIONS AND ADAPTATIONS. AIMS Welcome to the Game will focus it's activities in areas and communities that have: HIGH NUMBERS OF PEOPLE, FROM CALD BACKGROUNDS; HIGH NUMBERS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH A DISABILITY; HIGH LEVELS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC DISADVANTAGE; LACK OF INCLUSIVE, MODIFIED SPORTS PROGRAMS THAT SEEK TO MEET INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.
    [Show full text]
  • People with Disability and Employment
    People with Disability and Employment Submission to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability 24 September 2020 ABN 47 996 232 602 Level 3, 175 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001 General enquiries 1300 369 711 National Information Service 1300 656 419 TTY 1800 620 241 Australian Human Rights Commission People with Disability and Employment 24 September 2020 1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 4 2 Summary of recommendations ................................................................. 7 3 International and domestic human rights framework ........................ 10 3.1 Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ............................... 10 3.2 Other international human rights law instruments .................................. 11 3.3 Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) .................................................... 12 3.4 Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) ............................................................................. 13 The general protections regime ......................................................................... 13 Unfair dismissal and unlawful termination .................................................... 14 Fair and equal pay ................................................................................................ 14 3.5 National Disability Strategy ....................................................................... 15 4 Australia’s
    [Show full text]
  • What About a Disability Rights Act for Canada? Practices and Lessons from America, Australia, and the United Kingdom Author(S): Michael J
    Canadian Public Policy What about a Disability Rights Act for Canada? Practices and Lessons from America, Australia, and the United Kingdom Author(s): Michael J. Prince Source: Canadian Public Policy / Analyse de Politiques, Vol. 36, No. 2 (June/juin 2010), pp. 199-214 Published by: University of Toronto Press on behalf of Canadian Public Policy Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25702420 . Accessed: 15/01/2014 18:45 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp . JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected]. University of Toronto Press and Canadian Public Policy are collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Canadian Public Policy / Analyse de Politiques. http://www.jstor.org This content downloaded from 142.157.26.24 on Wed, 15 Jan 2014 18:45:03 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions a What about Disability Rights Act for Canada? Practices and Lessons from America, Australia, and the United Kingdom Michael J. Prince Faculty ofHuman and Social Development University of Victoria,British Columbia Le gouvernementHarper et la plupartdes partis federaux sontd'accord avec Padoption d'une chartecanadienne des droits des personnes handicapees enmatiere d'acces a differentsservices. L'objectif de cette etude etait de tirer,de l'experience d'autres pays ayant adopte ce typede lois, des lesons qui pourraient etre utiles aux decideurs politiques canadiens.
    [Show full text]
  • Trade Unions and Workers with Disabilities: Promoting Decent Work, Combating Discrimination
    Trade unions and workers with disabilities: Promoting decent work, combating discrimination Labour Education 2004/4 No. 137 Contents Editorial V Employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities: The ILO’s role, by Barbara Murray 1 Disability – the human cost of discrimination, by Luc Demaret 11 Women with disabilities – dual discrimination, by Natacha David 17 Unions and disability – doing MORE, by Ian Graham 23 France improves protection for people with disabilities, by Philippe Réau 29 Inclusive workplaces – Norway’s tripartite agreement, by Lene Olsen 33 Vocational training for disabled people in Ukraine, by Samuel Grumiau 37 III Editorial lthough much has been done by the ILO to protect and promote the Ahuman rights of people with disabilities and to fi ght with them for equal opportunity and equal treatment in society and at the workplace, much more needs to be done. The International Labour Offi ce has, since its very inception in 1919, considered that disabled people have equal rights to decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity, and has worked to promote these rights through its international labour standards, its research and publications, and its advocacy and technical cooperation activities. Trade unions have also been strong advocates of the integration of those people with “different capacities” at the workplace and in society. Many disabled people who can work and wish to work are unable to do so, for reasons linked to the physical and social environment, and the mistaken assumptions made about their work capacity. Both the ILO and its constituents should and could do better.
    [Show full text]
  • Disability Support Services 2007-08: National Data on Services Provided Under the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreem
    DISABILITY SERIES Disability support services 2007–08 National data on services provided under the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement December 2009 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Canberra Cat. no. DIS 56 The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is Australia’s national health and welfare statistics and information agency. The Institute’s mission is better information and statistics for better health and wellbeing. © Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2009 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be directed to the Head, Media and Communications Unit, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, GPO Box 570, Canberra ACT 2601. This publication is part of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Disability series. A complete list of the Institute’s publications is available from the Institute’s website <www.aihw.gov.au>. ISSN 1444-3589 ISBN 978 1 74024 976 8 Suggested citation Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2009. Disability support services 2007–08: national data on services provided under the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement. Disability series. Cat. no. DIS 56.Canberra: AIHW. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Board Chair Hon. Peter Collins, AM, QC Director Penny Allbon Any enquiries about or comments on this publication should be directed to: Nick Thompson Australian Institute of Health and Welfare GPO Box 570 Canberra ACT 2601 Phone: (02) 6244 1212 Email: [email protected] Published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Printed by Union Offset Printers Please note that there is the potential for minor revisions of data in this report.
    [Show full text]
  • Inquiry Into Violence, Abuse and Neglect Against People with Disability in Institutional and Residential Settings Tasmanian Government Submission
    Inquiry into violence, abuse and neglect against people with disability in institutional and residential settings Tasmanian Government Submission May 2015 1 5 / 2 9 0 9 7 INTRODUCTION THE INQUIRY On 11 February 2015, the Senate referred the following matter to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report: Violence, abuse and neglect against people with disability in institutional and residential settings, including the gender and age related dimensions, and the particular situation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse people with disability. The terms of reference are: a) the experiences of people directly or indirectly affected by violence, abuse and neglect perpetrated against people with disability in institutional and residential contexts; b) the impact of violence, abuse and neglect on people with disability, their families, advocates, support persons, current and former staff and Australian society as a whole; c) the incidence and prevalence of all forms of violence, abuse and neglect perpetrated against people with disability in institutional and residential settings; d) the responses to violence, abuse and neglect against people with disability, as well as to whistleblowers, by every organisational level of institutions and residential settings, including governance, risk management and reporting practices; e) the different legal, regulatory, policy, governance and data collection frameworks and practices across the Commonwealth,
    [Show full text]
  • The Right to Housing of Persons with Disabilities
    VDD Studio submission Response to UNHR Questionnaire: The right to housing of persons with disabilities Mary Ann Jackson, FRAIA Architect, Planner and Access Consultant and Saumya Kaushik B.Arch, March Visionary Design Development Pty Ltd Suite 8 Level 1 204 Dryburgh Street North Melbourne VIC 3051 Australia Introduction Recent research by the Summer Foundation and Monash University into ‘ Young people living in nursing homes ’ found that, in Australia, approximately 3,300 people (with disability) under 60 years of age are living in aged care nursing homes due to the lack of practical or feasible alternative arrangements (Winkler et al, 2015). As the name suggests Aged Care is traditionally designed to provide accommodation, personal and nursing care for elderly people at the end stage of life. Aged care environments are generally not equipped to take care of young people with severe physical, mental or intellectual disabilities particularly given that, in Australia, the average age of residents is 84.5 years (AIHW, 2014). Also noted in the Summer Foundation- Monash University research, due to prolonged stays commonly resulting in declining visits from friends, young people living in nursing homes are an often marginalized and isolated group within society (Winkler et al, 2015). This further restricts participation in various activities undertaken by other younger people such as, leisure and recreation, visiting family and friends, or active involvement in their community. SHUT OUT: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia, a National Disability Strategy Consultation Report prepared by the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council, states that the famous ‘fair go’ ideal does not extend to people with disability (National People with Disabilities and Carer Council, 2012).
    [Show full text]
  • Download WWDA Annual Report 2018/19 [PDF]
    ANNUAL REPORT 2018-2019 WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES AUSTRALIA (WWDA) PUBLISHING INFORMATION Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) (2019), ‘Annual Report for the Period July 2018 – June 2019’, WWDA: Hobart. October 2019. Prepared by Carolyn Frohmader. Acknowledgments Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is partly funded by the Australian Government, Department of Social Services. WWDA acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which this publication was produced. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s deep spiritual connection to this land. We extend our respects to community members and Elders past, present and becoming. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) and not necessarily those of the funding body. All possible care has been taken in the preparation of the information contained in this document. WWDA disclaims any liability for the accuracy and sufficiency of the information and under no circumstances shall be liable in negligence or otherwise in or arising out of the preparation or supply of any of the information aforesaid. This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without written permission from Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA). © 2019 Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA). ABOUT WOMEN WITH DISABILTIES AUSTRALIA (WWDA) Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is the national Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) for women and girls with all types of disability in Australia. DPOs are recognised around the world, and in international human rights law, as self-determining organisations led by, controlled by, and constituted of, people with disability.
    [Show full text]
  • Accessible Island: Tasmania's Disability Framework for Action
    Accessible Island: Tasmania’s Disability Framework for Action 2018-2021 First Report on Agency Implementation Premier’s Disability Advisory Council December 2018 1 Contents Purpose of this Report ............................................................................................................... 3 Premier’s Disability Advisory Council ........................................................................................ 3 PDAC’s activity in 2017-2018 ..................................................................................................... 4 Accessible Island: Tasmania’s Disability Framework for Action 2018-2021 .............................. 5 Overview .................................................................................................................................... 5 Progress Indicators..................................................................................................................... 7 Key Messages for Agencies ........................................................................................................ 8 Achievements to build on .......................................................................................................... 8 Where further work is needed ................................................................................................ 11 Agency Implementation of Accessible island .......................................................................... 14 .................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Royal Perth Hospital (External PDF 254KB)
    Royal Perth Hospital Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Improving Access for people with Disabilities 2006/2010 This plan is available in alternative formats such as large print, electronic format (disc or emailed), audio or Braille, on request CCCooonnnttteeennntttsss::: PPPaaagggeee Introduction 3 Aims and Objectives 3 Royal Perth Hospital 4 Overview 4 Vision 5 Mission 5 Disability: An Overview 6 Definition of a Disability 6 Legislative Requirements 7 Legislative Base 7 Additional Significant Legislation 8 Related Resource Documents 8 Standards 9 Responsibility 9 Implementation Strategies 9 Community Consultation Process 10 Review and Evaluation Mechanisms 13 Reporting on the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 13 Appendix 14 Appendix 1 - Disability Access Advisory Group Terms of Reference 14 Appendix 2 – Disabilities in Western Australia 17 Appendix 3 Royal Perth Hospital Disability Plan 2006 .20 Page 2 Introduction Royal Perth Hospital recognises that people with disabilities are valued members of the community who make contributions to social, economic and cultural life. Royal Perth Hospital is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities, including staff, their families and carers, are not discriminated against in any way and that they have access to the range of facilities and services available. Aims and Objectives of the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Aim The aim of the Royal Perth Hospital Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) is to ensure that people with disabilities, their carers, families and representatives can access the services provided by Royal Perth Hospital. Objective The objectives of Royal Perth Hospital DAIP are consistent with the six (6) desired outcomes identified in the WA Disability Services Act 1993 (as amended 2004).
    [Show full text]