Abstract of O. Almog lecture

INTERNET ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

O. Almog, E. Bar Hayim

Center for Educational Technology, Israel

Most internet websites are not accessible for many users with various

disabilities; Blind people, people with impaired vision, people who are

unable to use a standard mouse or keyboard, people with learning

disabilities and more. The "Resisim" website is an accessible RSS

reader in Hebrew, developed by CET with the support of the National

Insurance Institute. It enables people with all kinds of disabilities

(sensor, motor or learning disabilities) to read updated information

from the internet in the most adapted and accessible way for them.

"Resisim" provides unique access via a range of access tools such as

a screen reader, Braille screen, touch screens, switches, various

scanning methods, adapted mice and more. In addition the site

enables adaption of the display to the specific needs of each and

every individual. It enables the reading of informative summaries from

existing websites, in any language and access to the original website.

This exposes the users to a wide spectrum of information that

previously was inaccessible to them. "Resisim" provides 1600 Hebrew

content channels with updated information (RSS updates), in various

subjects, divided into multiple categories. Users are also able to add

their own channels and organize their individual information. There's a

significant gap in usage of computers and internet, between people

with special needs and the general population. "Resisim" will not close

the digital gap but it significantly contributes in reducing it, especially

for people with disabilities using computers, who experience

difficulties in daily internet use.