What does access mean to people with different disabilities?
Access to services and facilities such as seniors computer clubs can mean different things to different people. For some it might indicate the ability to pay for a service, or that a service is available locally, or that the service is delivered in a culturally appropriate manner.
For people with disabilities, including many older people with limitations, access to services and facilities can mean any of the above also mean other things as well, depending on the type of limitation the person has and the activities that the person is seeking to undertake.
You can go straight to any of the sections listed below:
In this resource kit, access is relevant to:
- Premises
- Hardware, and software
- Communicating with others
- Material in alternative formats - both on and off the computer screen
- Flexibility.
Wheelchair users
A wheelchair user generally thinks of access in terms of physical access:
- the absence of steps
- gentle slopes
- wide, self opening doors
- parking with room to unload a wheelchair
- toilets that are large enough to accommodate them
- the availability of equipment to use a computer keyboard or mouse
Check out the mobility page for tips on communicating with people with a physical disability. Information on adaptive technology for people with poor hand function can be found on the hardware and software pages.
Poor sight
A person with poor sight or a vision impairment generally thinks of access in terms of:
- lighting
- signs that are large enough to read
- warnings of hazards, such as steps
- information provided in audio or large print, including on a computer screen.
Check out the vision page for tips on communicating with people with vision loss, or go to the software or hardware sections to find adaptive technology for people with low vision.
People who are blind
A person who is blind may think of access in terms of:
- infromation being available in a variety of formats (Braille, on disk, on tape, etc)
- software screen readers, as well as
- pathways that are free of hazards, like low tree branches.
Check out the vision page for tips on communicating with people who are blind, or go to the software or hardware sections to find relevant adaptive technology.
People who are hearing impaired
A person who is deaf or has a severe hearing impairment may think of access
in terms of:
- communication - particularly having information in visual forms, including email or fax,
- use of sign interpreters
- captioning on TV, videos, or movies
- access by telephone typewriters (TTYs).
Check out the hearing page for tips on communicating with people who are deaf or have a severe hearing impairment, or the hardware or software pages for equipment and software.
People with speech impairment
A person who has a speech impediment may think of access in terms of
people's attitudes and behaviour towards them - being accepted and patience
is very important.
Check out the speech page for tips on communicating with people with a speech impediment.