Cognitive Web Accessibility: Research 2006

Cognitive and Learning Disability Matrix (for WCAG 2.0) - Joe Clark: Media access
"This table lists cognitive and learning disabilities and suggests the success criteria from WCAG 2 that improve the accessibility of content for users with each disability. In many cases, the success criterion does not assist the user directly, but enables assistive technology that can assist the user."
Using ICT with people with special education needs: what the literature tells us
"To provide a review of the past studies on use of information and communications technology (ICT) for people with special education needs (SEN) to inform a major research project on using ICT to facilitate self-advocacy and learning for SEN learners."
Contextual web accessibility - maximizing the benefit of accessibility guidelines
"We argue that while work to optimize the accessibility of the World Wide Web through the publication and dissemination of a range of guidelines is of great importance, there is also the need for a more holistic approach to maximizing the role of the Web in enabling disabled people to access information, services and experiences. The persistently disappointingly low levels of usability of Web content for disabled people indicates that focusing on the adoption of accessibility guidelines by content authors, tool developers and policy makers is not sufficient for a truly inclusive Web."
Web Design for Dyslexics: Accessibility of Arabic Content
"This paper reports results of a workshop on the design of electronic content for users with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), particularly Arabic dyslexics. First we shed some light on the nature of the Arabic language and discuss features that account for the unique needs of Arabic users with reading disorders. Then we present recommendations for accessible web design for Arabic content in light of existing guidelines on web design for dyslexic users."
Dynamically Generated Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) for Barrier-Free Web-Applications
"The use of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) provides new possibilities as well as new challenges for the accessibility of Web sites. Consequently, this paper introduces a solution to make all graphics accessible to each user-group, and visualizes them in the resultant prototype Access2Graphics."
The Effects of Lower-literacy on Mental Models to Support Website Navigation
Celeste Lyn Paul
Developing methods to evaluate web usability with people with learning difficulties
"Use of the Internet and other forms of information and communications technology (ICT) by people with learning difficulties has not been extensively researched. This article by Peter Williams of the Rix Centre at the University of East London reports some of the findings from ‘Project @pple’, a major ESRC-funded programme exploring the ways in which people with learning difficulties access and use information and communication technologies. Using observations, interviews and formal usability tests, project researchers built up a multi-layered view of computer use, Internet access and interaction with software among people with learning difficulties. A number of key themes emerged, including the nature of the tasks encountered, engagement, relevance to needs and the role of supporters. Peter Williams summarises these issues and indicates avenues for the future development of targeted products and for further research."
Cognitive Disabilities and the Web: Where Accessibility and Usability Meet? Additional Info
Lists "Common types of cognitive disabilities" and related functional deficits.
Cognitive Disabilities and the Web: Where Accessibility and Usability Meet?
"Usability, Accessibility and User Centered Design". National Center on Disability and Access to Education