Evaluation of an application for making palmtop computers accessible to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
BACKGROUND
Palmtop computers provide a promising mobile platform to address barriers to computer-based supports for people with intellectual disabilities. This study evaluated a specially designed interface to make navigation and features of palmtop computers more accessible to users with intellectual disabilities.


METHODS
The specialised cognitively accessible interface was compared with a standard Windows CE interface. Participants completed a structured set of navigation/computer use tasks using both the experimental and control conditions. Measurements included the amount of assistance needed and errors made in completing the navigation/computer use tasks.


RESULTS
Participants (N = 32) made significantly fewer errors (p<.001) and required significantly fewer prompts (p<.001) while using the specialised software interface compared to the mainstream Windows interface.


CONCLUSIONS
The research demonstrates the feasibility of using special software design methods, such as linear program flows, error minimisation and the incorporation of repetition and consistency, to improve access to palmtop computers for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Issues related to designing cognitively accessible interfaces are discussed.
Stock
Steven E
SE
AbleLink Technologies Inc., Colorado Springs, CO 80903, USA. steve@ablelinktech.com
Davies
Daniel K
DK
Davies
Katelyn R
KR
Wehmeyer
Michael L
ML
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003200:Computer User Training; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D004495:Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012985:Software Design; D014584:User-Computer Interface