Stephanidis C. (ed.) The Universal Access Handbook

CRC Press, 2009. — 1064 p.Since the 2001 publication of the volume User Interfaces for All: Concepts, Methods, and Tools, which was the first and so far unique attempt to edit a book dedicated to a comprehensive and multidisciplinary view of design for all in human-computer interaction (HCI), the field of universal access has made significant progress toward consolidating theoretical approaches, methods, and technologies, as well as exploring new application domains. Universal access refers to the conscious and systematic effort to proactively apply principles, methods, and tools of universal design, in order to develop information society technologies that are accessible and usable by all citizens, including the very young and the elderly, as well as people with different types of disabilities, thus avoiding the need for a posteriori adaptations or specialized design. The requirement for universal access stems from the growing impact of the fusion of the emerging technologies, and from the different dimensions of diversity, which are intrinsic to the emergence of the information society. These dimensions become evident when, for example, considering the broad range of user characteristics, the changing nature of human activities, the variety of contexts of use, the increasing availability and diversification of information and knowledge sources and services, and the proliferation of technological platforms.
The handbook is targeted to a broad readership, including HCI researchers, user-interface designers, computer scientists, software engineers, ergonomists and usability engineers, human factors researchers and practitioners, organizational psychologists, system/ product designers, sociologists, policy and decision makers, scientists in government, industry, and education, and assistive technology and rehabilitation experts, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students reading in the various relevant scientific fields.Introduction to Universal Access
Universal Access and Design for All in the Evolving Information Society
Perspectives on Accessibility: From Assistive Technologies to Universal Access and Design for All
Accessible and Usable Design of Information and Communication Technologies
Diversity in the User Population
Dimensions of User Diversity
Motor Impairments and Universal Access
Sensory Impairments
Cognitive Disabilities
Age-Related Differences in the Interface Design Process
International and Intercultural User Interfaces
Technologies for Diverse Contexts of Use
Accessing the Web
Handheld Devices and Mobile Phones
Virtual Reality
Biometrics and Universal Access
Interface Agents: Potential Benefits and Challenges for Universal Access
Development Lifecycle of User Interfaces
User Requirements Elicitation for Universal Access
Unified Design for User Interface Adaptation
Designing Universally Accessible Games
Soft ware Requirements for Inclusive User Interfaces
Tools for Inclusive Design
The Evaluation of Accessibility, Usability, and User Experience
User Interface Development: Architectures, Components, and Tools
A Unified Software Architecture for User Interface Adaptation
A Decision-Making Specification Language for User Interface Adaptation
Methods and Tools for the Development of Unified Web-Based User Interfaces
User Modeling: A Universal Access Perspective
Model-Based Tools: A User-Centered Design for All Approach
Markup Languages in Human-Computer Interaction
Abstract Interaction Objects in User Interface Programming Languages
Part VI Interaction Techniques and Devices
Screen Readers
Virtual Mouse and Keyboards for Text Entry
Speech Input to Support Universal Access
Natural Language and Dialogue Interfaces
Auditory Interfaces and Sonification
Haptic Interaction
Vision-Based Hand Gesture Recognition for Human-Computer Interaction
Automatic Hierarchical Scanning for Windows Applications
Eye Tracking
Brain-Body Interfaces
Sign Language in the Interface: Access for Deaf Signers
Visible Language for Global Mobile Communication: A Case Study of a Design Project in Progress
Contributions of Ambient Multimodality to Universal Access
Application Domains
Vocal Interfaces in Supporting and Enhancing Accessibility in Digital Libraries
Theories and Methods for Studying Online Communities for People with Disabilities and Older People
Computer-Supported Cooperative Work
Developing Inclusive e-Training
Training through Entertainment for Learning Difficulties
Universal Access to Multimedia Documents
Interpersonal Communication
Universal Access in Public Terminals: Information Kiosks and ATMs
Intelligent Mobility and Transportation for All
Electronic Educational Books for Blind Students
Mathematics and Accessibility: A Survey
Cybertherapy, Cyberpsychology, and the Use of Virtual Reality in Mental Health
Nontechnological Issues
Policy and Legislation as a Framework of Accessibility
Standards and Guidelines
eAccessibility Standardization
Management of Design for All
Security and Privacy for Universal Access
Best Practice in Design for All
Looking to the Future
Implicit Interaction
Ambient Intelligence
Emerging Challenges