Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to introduce and further specify the concept of evaluation of e-Accessibility with the focus on the needs of the visually impaired university students, because this target is at very high risk of social exclusion. We describe advantages and disadvantages of manual, automatic and combined form of accessibility evaluation of electronic information and services in the environment of universities. The origin for the evaluation concept is based on selected legislative regulations in force in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, international guidelines and methods (WCAG 2.0 and other) as well as ISO/IEC 40500:2012 regulation. Based on the research executed with 21 individuals from our target group with heavy visual impairment throughout the years 2011 to present, it was possible to improve evaluation concepts with experiences from observation of the “real accessibility” and to develop unique way of quantification of individual findings into final e-Accessibility score. Through manual evaluation of specific features we calculate the proximity of observed accessibility state compared to the ideal state of each of the evaluated accessibility point. Proximity scores are further weighted according to their impact on the real, “practical” accessibility for the visually impaired student. This score can be used to objectively compare level of e-Accessibility between institutions as well as for comparison of the real accessibility development during the years of evaluation. Maintaining and objective and measurable score and yearly testing is important also because of the rapid development of e-services and universities – it helps to inform staff about current e-inclusion of their impaired students and well as to point out new risk areas which need to be addressed.

Keywords:

Evaluation of e-Accessibility, University, Visual Impairment.