Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to present knowledge about digital barriers of the web portals of universities and colleges in the Slovak Republic. We have found that visual impairment is a determinant highly significant, directly influencing the degree of full participation of a student in the university electronic processes. Longitudinal research has confirmed that even despite the adoption of legislative measures, the degree of digital barriers in the electronic environment of universities and colleges has not decreased. In 2014, we identified violation of requirements for website accessibility in more than 75% of universities and colleges. In the period of 2007 to 2014, the accessibility rating value of universities and colleges recorded a decreasing trend. Selected findings in the field of digital barriers are demonstrated on the examples from particular universities. Examples in the paper are referred to in the context of both national and multinational rules and standards which should serve as a support of inclusion of persons with health impairment within the digital processes.

Keywords:

Visual impairment, digital barriers, web portal, university and college.