John Paul Cruz

Project Description

Many visually impaired people (VIP) are going online to find information about their health. VIP refer to people who are completely blind or those who have difficulty seeing even with eyeglasses. However, many online platforms like websites, web applications, and social media sites run by health agencies are not easy for VIP to use even with aid of their assistive technologies (AT) - technologies like screen readers, screen magnifier, Braille displays that help VIP interact with online platforms. These AT are designed to help VIP interact with digital content, but their effectiveness is limited when websites and applications are not properly optimised for accessibility.

This study explores how digital technologies can be made more accessible to promote greater social equity for people with disabilities, with a particular focus on VIP. The research aims to: 1) investigate the accessibility of online platforms operated by Australian public health organisations; 2) examine how platform accessibility influences the behaviour of VIP when searching for health information online; 3) inform Australian health agencies about accessibility issues encountered by VIP; 4) encourage steps towards improving the online experience for VIP seeking health information.

The research seeks to enhance digital inclusion and ensure that VIP can access crucial health information with greater ease and independence.

Supervisors

Professor Shanton Chang, School of Computing and Information Systems
Associate Professor Piers Gooding, La Trobe University
Dr Simon Coghlan, School of Computing and Information Systems