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UDN Direct February 2010
Accessibility and the IPad
Early accessibility reviews of Apple’s IPad are mostly positive, with many reviewers reserving judgement until the device can be thoroughly road-tested. Reviewers note that the substantial size of the device, as compared to the IPhone or ITouch, makes the IPad more usable for some people with mobility impairments. In addition, its capacity to plug in an external keyboard into the device is helpful for people who prefer or need tactile feedback while using a keyboard. The IPad has many of the same helpful features as the IPhone and the ITouch, including the VoiceOver Screen Reader and the option to zoom in and switch to a white on black display, which are helpful to people with low or no vision.
Apple has been criticized for not captioning the highly publicized press launch of the product or online video and for not adding the IPad to its accessibility page in time for the launch.
Kindle Update
Three more educational institutions have agreed not to promote the use of Kindle DX in their classrooms. The Department of Justice announced in January that Case Western Reserve University, Pace University and Reed College have reached agreements to settle complaints filed with the department. The three schools participated in a Kindle pilot program. It has been reported that the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and Princeton University also participated in the Kindle pilot program.
According to Jim Bradshaw, US Department of Education Press Office, the Office of Civil Rights received a complaint involving the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business on June 29. “The case is under evaluation to determine if the allegations are appropriate for OCR investigation. The office will issue a letter stating whether it will proceed with an investigation of this case in the near future.”
The Kindle DX is an electronic book reader which can read texts aloud. The menus of the device are not accessible to people who are blind, making it impossible for a blind user to use the device independently.
Under the agreements, the universities generally will not purchase, recommend or promote use of the Kindle DX, or any other dedicated electronic book reader, unless the devices are fully accessible to students who are blind and have low vision. The universities agree that if they use dedicated electronic book readers, they will ensure that students with vision disabilities are able to access and acquire the same materials and information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as sighted students with substantially equivalent ease of use. The agreements that the Justice Department reached with these universities extend beyond the Kindle DX to any dedicated electronic reading device.
A handful of universities participated in a pilot project in cooperation with Amazon.com Inc. to test the viability of the Kindle DX in a classroom setting. The terms of the Justice Department’s agreement with each university become effective at the end of the pilot projects.
Other Kindle News
The decision by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Syracuse University to not use Amazon’s Kindle DX as a means of distributing electronic textbooks (e-books) to their students is being applauded by the National Federal of the Blind. Both universities have experimented with the Kindle DX to learn if e-book technology is useful to their students. But the schools will not adopt the device for general use unless and until it is made accessible to blind students, according to NFB.
“We do not oppose electronic textbooks; in fact, they hold great promise for blind students if they are accessible,” said Dr. Marc Maurer, NFB President. “But as long as the interface of the Kindle DX is inaccessible to the blind—denying blind students access to electronic textbooks or the advanced features available to read and annotate them—it is our position that no university should consider this device to be a viable e-book solution for its students.”
The University of Wisconsin-Madison experimented with e-books for assigned course reading in an upper-level history seminar and encouraged students to give feedback about their experiences using e-books. Ken Frazier, the university’s director of libraries, said of the Kindle: “The big disappointment was learning that the Kindle DX is not accessible to the blind. Advancements in text-to-speech technology have created a market opportunity for an e-book reading device that is fully accessible for everyone. This version of the Kindle e-book reader missed the mark. It is relatively easy to envision an improved e-book reading device that meets the needs of the entire university community. Such a device would include universal design for accessibility, higher-quality graphics, and improved navigation and note-taking. I think that there will be a huge payoff for the company that creates a truly universal e-book reader.”
Pamela McLaughlin, director of communications and external relations at Syracuse University, said: “The university purchased two Kindle DX devices to learn whether they might be an appropriate means of distributing textbooks and course materials. Students are experimenting with these devices so that we can learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of this technology. At this time, however, we have no plans to purchase any more of these units in light of the fact that they are inaccessible to blind students. If Syracuse University decides to use e-book technology on campus, we will require technology that can be used by all of our students, including those who are blind.”
Design Tips
DESIGN CHALLENGE: How do you make a front loading clothes dryer accessible to a person who can not bend easily?
TIP: A front loading dryer can be raised to an accessible height by putting it on a platform or pedestal. Check with the appliance manufacturer to see if there are any specific installation recommendations or restrictions.
January 2010
Flexible House Makes Living Easy for Young Family
More images from 2010 Universal Design Newsletter
Curbless shower. Photo by:Dale Lang, Northwest Architectural Photography
Dining area with open space above. Photo by:Dale Lang, Northwest Architectural Photography
Foyer. Photo by Dale Lane, Northwest Photography.
Stepless front entry. Photo by:Dale Lang, Northwest Architectural Photography
Stacking closet provides spacious storage. Photo by:Dale Lang, Northwest Architectural Photography
October 2009
Florida's Accessibility Dynamo Larry Schneider
Drawings from the October 2009 Universal Design Newsletter
Typical Accessible Toilet Stall for New Construction Only, Complying with the requirements of the Florida Law and the 1991 ADAAG
Parking Double Line, Recommended Accessible Parking Space(s) Design for Double Line Requirements
Parking Single Line, Recommended Accessible Parking Space(s) Complying with Florida and ADA Requirements
October 2008
Easy Links for more information from the October issue
Germany Wants to Become the World Leader in Design for the Elderly (from page 5)
http://www.experientia.com/blog/germany-wants-to-become-world-leader-in-design-for-the-elderly/
Quality Mark: Excellent! Universal Design (from page 5)
http://www.idz.de/en/sites/1369.html
Universal Design 08 Awards (from page 5)
http://www.ifdesign.de/presse_detail_e.html?pmid=321
Housing Study as published in the Journal of the American Planning association (pdf)
July 2008
- Paul's "The Graspable Handrail" & Cooper's Rebuttal
- Cooper's "A New Grip on Reality" & Paul's Rebuttal
More Images from the Carlyle Suites Hotel, Washington, DC
Carlyle Suites Hotel: Accessible suite bathroom features a curbless shower.
Carlyle Suites Hotel: The kitchen features appliances within reach range.
Carlyle Suites Hotel: The art deco inspired ramp in the lobby makes access easy for all.
Carlyle Suites Hotel: The dual height registration desk can accommodate a variety of preferences.
Carlyle Suites Hotel: The accessible suites provide ample room for guests.
A rendering of the Carlyle's proposed exterior ramp that was not approved by DC historic preservation board.
A rendering of the Carlyle's proposed exterior ramp that was not approved by DC historic preservation board.