Easy Reading – Keeping the User at the Digital Original: Assessment and Potential Use of Easy Reading for Digital Accessibility | SpringerLink
Skip to main content
Springer Nature Link
Log in

Easy Reading – Keeping the User at the Digital Original: Assessment and Potential Use of Easy Reading for Digital Accessibility

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction (HCII 2023)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNCS,volume 14021))

Included in the following conference series:

  • 1320 Accesses

Abstract

Digital access is essential to participation and everyday life in our digitized society and education [1]. Various laws and guidelines (e.g., UN-CRPD, WCAG) underline the importance of accessibility of new information and communication technologies and the Internet for independent living and full participation of people with disabilities. However, people with disabilities are often excluded from digital participation due to a lack of accessible websites, assistive technologies, and media literacy [2, 3]. Thus, strategies are needed to overcome these digital barriers [4].

In the “EVE4all – Easy understanding for all” project, Easy Reading, a digital software framework that helps users overcome digital barriers, is validated. Easy Reading enables users to individualize websites according to their special needs [5, 6]. Easy Reading was tested for a period of two and a half years (April 2020 to September 2022) by students at TU Dortmund University, aiming to identify the added value of the functions in Easy Reading and to collect more application possibilities and ideas for further adjustments of the software. The students assessed Easy Reading as a helpful tool with many potentials for usage in various contexts. Furthermore, additional target groups are identified, such as early readers.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
¥17,985 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
JPY 3498
Price includes VAT (Japan)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
JPY 11439
Price includes VAT (Japan)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
JPY 14299
Price includes VAT (Japan)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Kutscher, N.: Digitalität, Digitalisierung und Bildung. In: Bauer, U., Bittlingmayer, U.H., Scherr, A. (eds.) Handbuch Bildungs- und Erziehungssoziologie. Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, pp 1–17 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-30903-9_59

  2. Dobransky, K., Hargittai, E.: Unrealized potential: exploring the digital disability divide. Poetics 58, 18–28 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poetic.2016.08.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Seeman, L., Lewis, C.: Cognitive and learning disabilities. In: Yesilada, Y., Harper, S. (eds.) Web Accessibility. HIS, pp. 49–58. Springer, London (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-7440-0_4

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  4. Leopold, M., Ertas-Spantgar, F., Müller, S.V.: Digitale assistive Technologien als Chancengeber für eine gleichberechtigte Teilhabe in der Gemeinschaft. In: Luthe, E.-W., Müller, S.V., Schiering, I. (eds.) Assistive Technologien im Sozial- und Gesundheitssektor. Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, pp. 225–243 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-34027-8_12

  5. Dirks, S.: Persona design in participatory agile software development. In: Stephanidis, C., Antona, M., Gao, Q., Zhou, J. (eds.) HCII 2020. LNCS, vol. 12426, pp. 52–64. Springer, Cham (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-60149-2_5

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  6. Heumader, P., Miesenberger, K., Murillo-Morales, T.: Adaptive user interfaces for people with cognitive disabilities within the easy reading framework. In: Miesenberger, K., Manduchi, R., Covarrubias Rodriguez, M., Peňáz, P. (eds.) ICCHP 2020. LNCS, vol. 12377, pp. 53–60. Springer, Cham (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58805-2_7

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  7. Schorb, B.: Medienkompetenz und Inklusion. In: Bosse, I., Schluchter, J.-R., Zorn, I. (eds.) Handbuch Inklusion und Medienbildung, pp 65–76. Beltz Juventa, Weinheim Basel (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Hastall, M.R., Heitplatz, V.N.: Soziotechnische Systemgestaltung für Therapie und Pflege. In: Posenau, A., Deiters, W., Sommer, S., et al. (eds.) Nutzerorientierte Gesundheitstechnologien: Im Kontext von Therapie und Pflege, 1st edn., pp. 101–112. Hogrefe, Bern (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Heitplatz, V., Wilkens, L., Bühler, C.: Gestaltungskonzepte und Beispiele zu digitalen Bildungsangeboten für heterogene Zielgruppen. In: Luthe, E.-W., Müller, S.V., Schiering, I. (eds.) Assistive Technologien im Sozial- und Gesundheitssektor, pp. 311–335. Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-34027-8_16

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  10. European Union: Proposal for a COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION on Key Competences for LifeLong Learning (2019). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52018SC0014&from=EN. Accessed 21 Feb 2023

  11. Chadwick, D., Wesson, C., Fullwood, C.: Internet access by people with intellectual disabilities: inequalities and opportunities. Fut. Internet 5, 376–397 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Chadwick, D., Fullwood, C.: An online life like any other: identity, self-determination, and social networking among adults with intellectual disabilities. Cyberpsychol. Behav. Soc. Netw. 21, 56–64 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2016.0689

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Carretero Gomez, S., Vuorikari, R., Punie, Y.: DigComp 2.1: The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens with eight proficiency levels and examples of use (2017). https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC106281

  14. Mayerle, M.: “Woher hat er die Idee?”: Selbstbestimmte Teilhabe von Menschen mit Lernschwierigkeiten durch Mediennutzung: Abschlussbericht der Begleitforschung im PIKSL-Labor. ZPE-Schriftenreihe/Zentrum für Planung und Evaluation Sozialer Dienste der Universität Siegen, Nr. 40. universi - Universitätsverlag Siegen; Zentrum für Planung und Evaluation Sozialer Dienste, Siegen (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Rawat, P., Morris, J.C.: The Effects of Technology and Institutions on E-participation: Across-National Analysis. Rutledge Research in Public Administration and Public Policy, vol. 30. Routledge, New York, NY (2021)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Rudolph, S.: Digitale Medien, Partizipation und Ungleichheit: Eine Studie zum sozialen Gebrauch des Internets. Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-26943-2

  17. Witting, T.: Digitale Ungleichheiten. In: Huster, E.-U., Boeckh, J., Mogge-Grotjahn, H. (eds.) Handbuch Armut und soziale Ausgrenzung. Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, pp. 457–478 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-19077-4_20

  18. Verständig, D., Klein, A., Iske, S.: Zero-Level Digital Divide: Neues Netz und neue Ungleichheiten. Siegen: Sozial 21, 50–55 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  19. Jenaro, C., Flores, N., Cruz, M., et al.: Internet and cell phone usage patterns among young adults with intellectual disabilities. J. Appl. Res. Intellect. Disabil. 31, 259–272 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12388

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Initiative D21: D21 Digital Index 2021/2022 – Jährliches Lagebild zur Digitalen Gesellschaft (2022)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Scholz, F., Yalcin, B., Priestley, M.: Internet access for disabled people: understanding socio-relational factors in Europe. Cyberpsychol. J. Psychosoc. Res. Cybersp. 11 (2017). https://doi.org/10.5817/CP2017-1-4

  22. Chadwick, D., Chapman, M., Caton, S.: Digital inclusion for people with an intellectual disability. In: Attrill-Smith, A., Fullwood, C., Keep, M., et al. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology, pp. 261–284. Oxford University Press (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Johnson, R., Hegarty, J.R.: Websites as educational motivators for adults with learning disability. Br. J. Edu. Technol. 34, 479–486 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Lee, Y., Wehmeyer, M.L., Palmer, S., et al.: The effect of student-directed transition planning with a computer-based reading support program on the self-determination of students with disabilities. J. Spec. Educ. Technol. 19, 7–22 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Holmes, K.M., O’Loughlin, N.: The experiences of people with learning disabilities on social networking sites. Br. J. Learn. Disabil. 42, 1–7 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Keskinen, T., Heimonen, T., Turunen, M., et al.: SymbolChat: a flexible picture-based communication platform for users with intellectual disabilities. Interact. Comput. 24, 374–386 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Kydland, F., Molka-Danielsen, J., Balandin, S.: Examining the use of social media tool “Flickr” for impact on loneliness for people with intellectual disability. In: Fallmyr, T., Bygstad, B., Fog, J., et al. (eds.) Proceedings of the 2012 Norsk konferanse for organisasjoners bruk av informasjonsteknologi. Akademika forlag, NOKOBIT 2012, Trondheim, Norway, pp. 253–264 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  28. Löfgren-Mårtenson, L.: Love in cyberspace: Swedish young people with intellectual disabilities and the internet. Scand. J. Disabil. Res. 10, 125–138 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1080/15017410701758005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. McClimens, A., Gordon, F.: Presentation of self in everyday life: how people labelled with intellectual disability manage identity as they engage the blogosphere. Sociol. Res. Online 13, 40–52 (2008). https://doi.org/10.5153/sro.1774

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Bengesser, C.: Digitale Teilhabe – Im Blickpunkt (2015). https://imblickpunkt.grimme-institut.de/digitale-teilhabe/. Accessed 15 Feb 2023

  31. Solga, H., Dombrowski, R.: Soziale Ungleichheiten in schulischer und außerschulischer Bildung: Stand der Forschung und Forschungsbedarf. Bildung und Qualifizierung, Arbeitspapier 171 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  32. Heitplatz, V.N., Bühler, C., Hastall, M.R.: Usage of digital media by people with intellectual disabilities: contrasting individuals’ and formal caregivers’ perspectives. J. Intellect. Disabil. (JOID) 26, 420–441 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1177/1744629520971375

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Pelka, B.: Digitale Teilhabe: Aufgaben der Verbände und Einrichtungen der Wohlfahrtspflege. In: Kreidenweis, H. (ed.) Digitaler Wandel in der Sozialwirtschaft: Grundlagen - Strategien - Praxis, 1. Auflage. Nomos, Baden-Baden, pp. 57–80 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Altmeppen, K.-D.: Teilhabe: Grundbegriffe der Kommunikations-und Medienethik (Teil 16). ComSoz 52, 187–192 (2019). https://doi.org/10.5771/0010-3497-2016-2-191

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. van Dijk, J.A.: Digital divide: impact of access. In: Rössler, P., Hoffner, C.A., Zoonen, L. (eds.) The International Encyclopedia of Media Effects, pp. 1–11. Wiley (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  36. Vicente, M., Lopez-Menendez, A.: A multidimensional analysis of the disability digital divide: some evidence for internet use. Inf. Soc. 26, 48–64 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1080/01615440903423245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Heitplatz, V.N.: Digitale Teilhabemöglichkeiten von Menschen mit intellektuellen Beeinträchtigungen im Wohnkontext. TU Dortmund (2021)

    Google Scholar 

  38. Haage, A.: Informationsrepertoires von Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen: Barrieren und Förderfaktoren für die gleichberechtigte Teilhabe an öffentlicher Kommunikation, 1. Auflage. Lebensweltbezogene Medienforschung, vol. 9. Nomos, Baden-Baden (2021)

    Google Scholar 

  39. Pelka, B.: Digitalisierung als soziale Innovation verstehen und umsetzen. In: Ückert, S., Sürgit, H., Diesel, G. (eds.) Digitalisierung als Erfolgsfaktor für das Sozial- und Wohlfahrtswesen. Nomos, pp. 263–278 (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  40. Reidl, S., Streicher, J., Hock, M., et al.: Digitale Ungleichheit: Wie sie entsteht, was sie bewirkt … und was dagegen hilft (2020). https://www.femtech.at/sites/default/files/Reidl%2C%20Streicher%2C%20Hock%2C%20Hausner%2C%20Waibel%2C%20G%C3%BCrtl%20%282020%29%20Studie_Digitale_Ungleichheit_barrierefrei_final.pdf. Accessed 21 Feb 2023

  41. Lussier-Desrochers, D., Normand, C.L., Romero-Torres, A., et al.: Bridging the digital divide for people with intellectual disability. Cyberpsychol. J. Psychosoc. Res. Cybersp. 11 (2017). https://doi.org/10.5817/CP2017-1-1

  42. Ramsten, C., Martin, L., Dag, M., et al.: Information and communication technology use in daily life among young adults with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability. J. Intellect. Disabil. 24, 289–308 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Abel, J., Hirsch-Kreinsen, H., Steglich, S., et al.: Akzeptanz von Industrie 4.0

    Google Scholar 

  44. Rath, M.O., Tannrath, M.: Teaching in digital societies as a topic of an ethically informed media pedagogy (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  45. Ramsten, C., Hammar, L.M., Martin, L., et al.: ICT and intellectual disability: a survey of organizational support at the municipal level in Sweden. J. Appl. Res. Intellect. Disabil. 30, 705–713 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12265

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Parsons, S., Daniels, H., Porter, J., et al.: Resources, staff beliefs and organizational culture: factors in the use of information and communication technology for adults with intellectual disabilities. J. Appl. Res. Int. Dis. 21, 19–33 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3148.2007.00361.x

  47. Seale, J., Chadwick, D.: How does risk mediate the ability of adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live a normal life by using the Internet? Cyberpsychol. J. Psychosoc. Res. Cybersp. 11 (2017). https://doi.org/10.5817/CP2017-1-2

  48. Caton, S., Chapman, M.: The use of social media and people with intellectual disability: a systematic review and thematic analysis. J. Intellect. Dev. Disabil. 41, 125–139 (2016). https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2016.1153052

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Jockisch, M.: Das Technologieakzeptanzmodell. In: Bandow, G., Holzmüller, H.H. (eds.) “Das ist gar kein Modell!”: Unterschiedliche Modelle und Modellierungen in Betriebswirtschaftslehre und Ingenieurwissenschaften, pp. 233–254. Gabler, Wiesbaden (2010)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  50. Krüger, S., Berberian, A.P.: Augmentative and alternative communication system (AAC) for social inclusion of people with complex communication needs in the industry. Assist. Technol. 27, 101–111 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2014.984261

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Raghavendra, P., Newman, L., Grace, E., et al.: ‘I could never do that before’: effectiveness of a tailored Internet support intervention to increase the social participation of youth with disabilities. Child Care Health Dev. 39, 552–561 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12048

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Simon, B.: Wissensmedien im Bildungssektor: Eine Akzeptanzuntersuchung an Hochschulen. Dissertation, Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  53. Petrie, H., Carmien, S., Lewis, A.: Assistive technology abandonment: research realities and potentials. In: Miesenberger, K., Kouroupetroglou, G. (eds.) ICCHP 2018. LNCS, vol. 10897, pp. 532–540. Springer, Cham (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94274-2_77

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  54. Davis, F.D.: A technology acceptance model for empirically testing new end-user information systems: theory and results (1986)

    Google Scholar 

  55. Davis, F.D.: Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Q. 13, 319 (1989). https://doi.org/10.2307/249008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Davis, F.D., Bagozzi, R.P., Warshaw, P.R.: User acceptance of computer technology: a comparison of two theoretical models. Manage. Sci. 35, 982–1003 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.35.8.982

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Venkatesh, V., Davis, F.D.: A theoretical extension of the technology acceptance model: four longitudinal field studies. Manage. Sci. 46, 186–204 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.46.2.186.11926

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Venkatesh, V., Morris, M.G., Davis, G.B., et al.: User acceptance of information technology: toward a unified view. MIS Q. 27, 425 (2003). https://doi.org/10.2307/30036540

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Venkatesh, V., Bala, H.: Technology acceptance model 3 and a research agenda on interventions. Decis. Sci. 39, 273–315 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5915.2008.00192.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Venkatesh, V., Thong, J.Y.L., Xu, X.: Consumer acceptance and use of information technology: extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. MIS Q. 36, 157 (2012). https://doi.org/10.2307/41410412

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Dirks, S., Bühler, C.: Akzeptanz von assistiven Softwaresystemen für Menschen mit kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen. Gesellschaft für Informatik, Bonn (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  62. Quante, A.: Förderbedarfe und digitale Möglichkeiten. In: Haider, M., Schmeinck, D. (eds.) Digitalisierung in der Grundschule: Grundlagen, Gelingensbedingungen und didaktische Konzeptionen am Beispiel des Fach Sachunterrichts, pp. 98–108. Verlag Julius Klinkhardt, Bad Heilbrunn (2022)

    Google Scholar 

  63. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: UN-CRPD (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  64. W3C: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. (2018). https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/. Accessed 21 Feb 2023

  65. The WebAIM Million: The 2022 report on the accessibility of the top 1,000,000 home pages (2022)

    Google Scholar 

  66. Homepage Eye-Able. https://eye-able.com/en/. Accessed 24 Feb 2023

  67. Meyer, A.: Standardsoftware. In: Meyer A (ed) Softwareentwicklung. De Gruyter, pp. 121–132 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  68. Kuckartz, U., Rädiker, S.: Qualitative Inhaltsanalyse: Methoden, Praxis, Computerunterstützung, 5. Auflage. Grundlagentexte Methoden. Beltz Juventa, Weinheim, Basel (2022)

    Google Scholar 

  69. Creswell, J.W.: Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches, 3rd edn. SAGE, London (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  70. Kuckartz, U., Rädiker, S.: Fokussierte Interviewanalyse mit MAXQDA. Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-31468-2

  71. Heitplatz, V., Nellen, C., Sube, L., et al.: Implementing new technological devices in social services: introducing the miTAS project. In: Miesenberger, K., Petz, A. (eds.) Future Perspectives of AT, eAccessibility and eInclusion, vol. 1, pp. 109–118 (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  72. Wember, F.B., Melle, I.: Adaptive Lernsituationen im inklusiven Unterricht: Planung und Analyse von Unterricht auf Basis des Universal Design for Learning. In: Hußmann, S., Welzel, B. (eds.) DoProfiL – Das Dortmunder Profil für inklusionsorientierte Lehrerinnen- und Lehrerbildung. Waxmann, Münster, New York, NY, pp. 57–72 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  73. Fisseler, B.: Inklusive Digitalisierung, Universal Design for Learning und assistive Technologie. Sonderpädagogische Förderung heute 1, 9–20 (2020)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Unit Rehabilitation Technology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany

    Miriam Wüst, Nele Maskut, Lukas Baumann, Vanessa Nina Heitplatz, Leevke Wilkens, Susanne Dirks & Christian Bühler

Authors
  1. Miriam Wüst
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nele Maskut
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Lukas Baumann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Vanessa Nina Heitplatz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Leevke Wilkens
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Susanne Dirks
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Christian Bühler
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Miriam Wüst .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    Margherita Antona

  2. Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    Constantine Stephanidis

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Wüst, M. et al. (2023). Easy Reading – Keeping the User at the Digital Original: Assessment and Potential Use of Easy Reading for Digital Accessibility. In: Antona, M., Stephanidis, C. (eds) Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction. HCII 2023. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 14021. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35897-5_34

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35897-5_34

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-35896-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-35897-5

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics