RE: How can we better accommodate learning disabilities?

>I have been cringing at this discussion equating LD with low intelligence.
>In fact, as Len points out, LD is defined as disparities between overall
>intelligence and performance in specific areas.
>
>The solution? The key is redundancy. Just as a site should not be all
>graphics, it shouldn't be all text either. By presenting information in
>multiple formats (text, images, sound, etc) ensures access to the widest
>group of people. It is not about "dumbing down" the material.

Can we translate this into tools?  For example, there are "screen readers"
for people who are not blind but have difficulty reading because of a
learning disability.  These typically highlight text as they read.  For
example

monologue http://www.firstbyte.davd.com/html/monolog.htm
WYNN http://www.austin.ibm.com/sns/wynnibmnews.html
Zoom Text Xtra http://www.aisquared.com/  (actually designed for low vision
but also useful for dyslexia)

Are there problems using these with web pages?  Problems that a tool would
help?

There were suggestions about other accommodations a few emails back at 
http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/w3c-wai-er-ig/1999Mar/0006.html

Len



-------
Leonard R. Kasday, Ph.D.
Universal Design Engineer, Institute on Disabilities/UAP, and
Adjunct Professor, Electrical Engineering
Temple University

Ritter Hall Annex, Room 423, Philadelphia, PA 19122
kasday@acm.org        
(215} 204-2247 (voice)
(800) 750-7428 (TTY)

Received on Tuesday, 2 March 1999 10:25:31 UTC