Document Type

Dissertation

Rights

This item is available under a Creative Commons License for non-commercial use only

Disciplines

Computer Sciences, Information Science

Publication Details

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of t he requirements of Technological University Dublin for the degree of M.Sc. in Computing (Assistive Technology) July 2012.

Abstract

Providing people with an intellectual disability (ID), opportunities for social integration have been shown to have a reliable positive influence on their well-being (Wehmeyer et al., 2006; Bunning, 2009). A large percentage of individuals with ID are unable to read and write. For this reason in order for the person to make an informed choice the person needs to have good information presented in a way that they can understand. They may need to see tangible visual aids (video, role play, film, photographs). It may need to be demonstrated to them a number of times. This assists a person in making choices and decisions so that they can actively participate not just in their own lives but in the community. Otherwise the person cannot make the decision, and other people are making it for them. Therefore this research will investigate the viability of developing an internal webbased learning and communication tool for people with an ID. The tool will focus on providing accessible information through image to image navigation and by providing choice of modality when receiving information. (Who, 2011) state that two of the biggest barriers to living an ordinary life are the lack of accessible information and being able to advocate. A person cannot be an active citizen if they cannot access the information or understand the way it is presented. It effects every part of your life. The experiment also evaluated if video conferencing communication tools are accessible for the participants who reside in different locations to communicate with each other. The key issues that must be explored around the development of such a system will be factors such as; Accessible Information, Web Accessibility and Universal Design. The pilot system will involve individuals with mild to moderate ID who attend one of seven training centres in disparate locations. This research will also explore these issues in the context of social models, such as Wolfensberger's theory of Social Role Valorization.


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