Transcript Improving Online Access For Seniors and Other Patrons

Improving Online Access
For Seniors and Other Patrons
An Information Session for Libraries
Agenda
Online accessibility – how much of a problem is it?
How libraries are addressing accessibility
How Sitecues helps libraries and their patrons
This information session is intended for a general audience
including library directors, IT staff, and accessibility specialists
Presenters
Chris Boynton,
Main State Library
• Maine regional
librarian for the
blind and
physically
handicapped
• Maine State
Library circulation
supervisor
John Carlin,
Ai Squared
David Young,
Ai Squared
• Specialist in
libraries and
library networks
• Marketer for
Sitecues:
www.sitecues.com
• Background in
assistive
technology,
software, and telecommunications
• Interest in proving
the business case
for investment in
accessibility
World leader in vision accessibility
and accommodation ….. since 1987
• World’s best-selling computer screen
magnification and reading software (Zoom Text)
• Sold in 40+ countries, localized in 23 languages
• Most F1000 companies use ZT
How big a problem is online
accessibility?
Website usability issues are common for web users 50+
25% experience regular and consistent challenges
Share of older adults with website challenges
Comments
•Only 9% claim to never experience
challenges with websites
•25% experience regular or consistent
challenges
Never, 9%
Occasionally,
63%
Other, 3%
Most of the
time, 3%
•Website designs and the tools that
older web users employ result in
frequent usability challenges
Regularly,
22%
Question: How regularly do you find it difficult to read or use a website
because of the way it was designed or the way it appears on your
computer screen?
Source: Ai Squared web user research (2015)
There is a significant unmet need to improve website usability
What is the impact of online challenges?
A Case Study on Seniors & Boomers
Seniors and Baby Boomers
in the US
• Are 43% slower at using
websites than users aged
21–55
• Make 2.2x more errors
when completing a task
on the web
“If [organizations] redesigned
their website to give seniors the
same user experience quality as
younger users, they could expect
35% more activity from them”
These impacts exist for many user segments (e.g., low vision)
Market research finds that most adults could
benefit from assistive technology
Adults who could benefit from
Assistive Technology
Very likely
to benefit
25%
38%
Likely to
benefit
Unlikely
to benefit
37%
Source: Microsoft & Forrester, “The Wide Range of Abilities and Its Impact on Computer Technology” (2003)
Built-in accessibility tools are generally known,
but seldom used
Use of Built-in Accessibility Tools
Aware but
do not use,
60%
Use
regularly,
7%
Not Aware,
33%
Comments
• Built-in accessibility tools
include all functionality built
into the operating system or
browser to make content and
applications more accessible
– Zoom / magnifier
– Font size
– Mouse size & color
– Line thickness
– Colors & contrast
• Use of pinch zoom in mobile has
greatly increased awareness of
built-in accessibility tools
Question: Have you ever used the built-in accessibility tools (e.g.,
Browser Zoom, Large Fonts) included in your computer’s operating
system or web browser?
Source: Ai Squared web user research (2015)
Why aren’t these tools addressing website usability needs?
Web users react strongly to poor website usability
Reaction after experiencing a website challenge
Use the website less or not
at all
62%
Go to the website of a
different company
Call the company by phone
Get help from a friend or
family member
53%
Comments
•For a majority, poor website usability
translates to lost page views and/or
loss of patronage
•Only a small faction employ
alternatives – either calling by phone
or getting help to use the site
15%
7%
Question: When you find a website to be difficult to read or use, what
alternative approaches do you use? (click all that apply)
Source: Ai Squared web user research (2015)
Website owners cannot afford poor website usability
How many have print disabilities?
US Populations with Print Disabilities
LOW
VISION
9%
21 M Includes blind and non-correctable low vision
LEARNING
DISABILITES
15%
46 M
Includes dyslexia, ADHD, autism
LOW
LITERACY
21%
65 M
Individuals reading below 5th grade level
NON NATIVE
SPEAKERS
5%
13 M English-as-a-second language (ESL)
SENIORS &
BOOMERS
39% 127M
Includes the 50% of seniors with one or more
diagnosed disability
All percentages based on US population
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, National Institute of Health, National Adult Literacy Survey,
National Health Interview Survey
How libraries are
addressing accessibility
Case Study: Maine State Library
• Scope of accessibility programs and responsibilities
• Key challenges & gaps related to accessibility and online access
• Drivers for investment
Do any of these situations sound familiar?
An elderly patron leaves the library because they
forgot their reading glasses
You have assistive technology, but not when &
where there is a need
Some of your assistive technology is too complex
for your users (and your staff)
What are your own experiences accommodating patrons
with special needs?
Libraries and their constituencies benefit
from improved online accessibility
• Increased use of the library website
– More site visits, more page views, more visitor engagement, more self-service
• Improved usability for library catalogs
– More online searches, more in-library searches, more self-service
• Inclusion and support for key populations
– Print disabled segments, including low vision, low literacy, learning disabilities
– A way to help seniors, who are often overlooked in accessibility planning
• Adherence to legal and funding requirements
– Federal and State mandates to serve individuals with print disabilities
– Reduction of legal risk from ADA complaints
• Improved return on all investment in digital/online resources
• A strong signal to external stakeholders and to patrons of the library’s
commitment to access and inclusion for all
What is most important to your library?
How Sitecues supports
libraries and their patrons
By adding a single tool, websites, online catalogs, and
shared computers can be made more accessible for all
Easy for libraries to install, and easy for anyone to use
What is Sitecues?
Sitecues is Software-as-a-Service
technology for website owners
• Build zoom, speech, color themes and
other reading enhancements into any
website
Sitecues makes websites
more accessible and usable
• For anyone with print disabilities
• Or with situational needs
• Website visitors can customize their user
experience based on personal needs
without impacting others
• Seamlessly integrates into any existing
LOW
VISION
SENIORS AND
BOOMERS
website with minimal effort and without a
redesign
SITUATIONAL
NEEDS
LOW
LITERACY
LEARNING
DISABILITIES
Over 100M in US*
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, National Institute of
Health, National Adult Literacy Survey, National Health Interview Survey
Also available as a:
Shared computer solution- Sitecues Everywhere
Full turnkey compliance solution– Compliance Plus
Powerful functionality, yet easy-to-use
Zoom
Speech
Additional features:
• See it bigger
• Adjust magnification using
the main panel
• Read it aloud
• With speech on select an
area and press <enter>
•
•
•
•
•
Mouse
Colors
• Change the pointer
• Activate through the settings
menu
• Select a color theme
• Activate through the settings
menu
Highlights
Lens
• Create a highlight box
• No activation required once
zoom or speech are on
• Create reading box
• Activate by pressing
<spacebar>
Mouse and keyboard control
Section 508 compliant
User tips and instructions
Multi-browser support
User feedback and ratings
Pricing
• Software-as-a Service with yearly service fee
• 3-year commitment with fixed pricing over the term
Standard
Pricing
• Licensing allows deployment across the full library web
domain, online catalog, and all shared computers
• Service fee includes all maintenance and updates
• One-time setup fee of $500
• Pricing is based on each library’s population (service area),
number of shared computers, and scope of deployment
Pricing
Options
• Deployment options
– Website
– Online catalog
– Shared computers
• Bundle and individual service pricing is available
Sitecues works across a variety of library
environments
Case Study: Maine State Library
• Why Sitecues?
• Experience with Sitecues
• Lessons learned
Why Libraries Use Sitecues
• Supports older patrons with low vision and other age-related
conditions
• Cost-effective and scalable deployment across all library computers
• Easy to use, with no need to train library staff or patrons
• Promotes digital inclusion of print disabled populations (e.g., low
literacy, non-native English)
• Improves usability of online catalog, website, and all online services
• Reduces legal risk and helps to address ADA and related state and
federal obligations
Next Steps
•
•
•
•
Ask questions
Review our support materials
Evaluate your library’s needs
Contact us to schedule a demo, and to discuss
deployment options and pricing
• Try our solution on a computer or on a test website
• Let us help you
– Support funding approval
– Work with your library catalog provider
– Engage directly with your web developer
Support Materials
• Article: Improving web accessibility for library patrons
(Strategic Library, May 2016)
• Brochure: Sitecues for Libraries
• Brochure: Sitecues Library Customers
• Case Study: New Jersey State Library
• Video: "Dispelling the top 5 myths of library web accessibility"
(ALA Midwinter, January 2016)
Contact Information
John Carlin – Market Manager
(440) 582-8839
[email protected]
www.sitecues.com