Cognitive Web Accessibility: Readability 2003

Nine Ways to Reduce Cognitive Load in Multimedia Learning
"First, we propose a theory of multimedia learning based on the assumptions that humans possess separate systems for processing pictorial and verbal material (dual-channel assumption), each channel is limited in the amount of material that can be processed at one time (limited-capacity assumption), and meaningful learning involves cognitive processing including building connections between pictorial and verbal representations (active-processing assumption). Second, based on the cognitive theory of multimedia learning, we examine the concept of cognitive overload in which the learner’s intended cognitive processing exceeds the learner’s available cognitive capacity. Third, we examine five overload scenarios. For each overload scenario, we offer one or two theory-based suggestions for reducing cognitive load, and we summarize our research results aimed at testing the effectiveness of each suggestion. Overall, our analysis shows that cognitive load is a central consideration in the design of multimedia instruction."
Text summarization contributions to universal access
Individuals who access electronic text with Braille and synthetic speech, or who have reading disabilities are often limited in their ability to quickly skim large documents. This paper introduces the use of computer generated text summaries as an alternative method of skimming. Readers with disabilities will more rapidly determine central themes of the material, assess the relevance of a document, identify important segments to be read in detail, or decide to move on to another text. An implementation is presented in which two commercial text summarizers are added to a prototype communication system developed for deaf-blind users, however the concept is more broadly applicable to persons who are blind, deaf, and dyslexic.
Web Accessibility - Dyslexia - Reading Disabilities
Describes common problems. Provides instructions on implementing client-side solutions. Published by e-bility Inclusive IT
Research Exchange: Making Materials Useful for People with Cognitive Disabilities
"... tips and examples of modifications for print and electronic dissemination; and selected resources from NIDRR grantees and others ...".
People Using Graphic Symbol Based Augmentative and Alternative Communication and the Internet: Guidelines and Tools for Supporting Symbol Conversation in Web Browsing and Email
"The paper describes the development of guidelines for language-independent concept coding to provide a resource for symbol conversion between symbol sets and languages. The use of WordNet in its Kaon format is discussed ...".