Bug #2, publish "... universal-design-applied-gerontology" post

_posts/2015-11-01-accessibility-opensign-universal-design-applied-gerontology.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title:  Accessibility thoughts, OpenSign, universal design & applied gerontology
+date:   2015-11-02 14:39:00 +0000
+x-created:   2015-11-01 16:42:00 +0000
+categories:
+tags:   design  user-centred  user-experience  applied-gerontology  web-accessibility  usability
+x-gdoc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13MMOYaYZFzYK4POe_R2fxwrq98b0uwj_k_Hh1tDxaJ8/#
+---
+
+
+I've had feedback that viewers may not understand our [entry for the Jisc Accessible by Design challenge][jisc-omp],
+if they don't have a background in Web accessibility (or, words to that effect).
+
+So, I thought I'd try to provide that introduction, and I'd relate it to where it
+all started for me (I think) --
+_[applied gerontology][nayak]_ and _[universal design][]_ at the University of Birmingham, circa 1997.
+
+Exhibit A is this aerosol can -- for _Right Guard anti-perspirant_. Nothing special?
+Well, if I turn it around, you may see an unusual, long aerosol button.
+This should make the can easier to use for those with arthritis and other mobility impairments.
+
+Exhibit B is this -- a _large print book_.
+Together with embossed braille books, Daisy e-books and other formats, this can form part of a _universal design_ strategy to make books available to all.
+
+Exhibit C is [Open Media Player][jisc-omp].
+We'd like to add _timed_ or _synchronised transcripts_.
+These would serve the needs of the hard of hearing, and any learners or others
+who wish to quickly search and review a long video or audio track.
+Synchronised transcripts would be another improvement on our journey towards universal design.
+We already strive for keyboard and screen reader accessibility, and other forms of accessible design.
+And, we seek to make an optimally accessible and usable online media player, that is open source.
+
+Exhibit D is _[OpenSign][jisc-sign]_.
+This is a proposal by three [H810 postgrads][H810] to create e-learning resources to teach sign language (BSL and others).
+_OpenSign_ is a pragmatic and powerful step to open up communication between those with and without hearing impairments, reducing isolation, and increasing opportunities for all!
+(_A much-needed idea, but not strictly universal design_.)
+
+There are [many other great ideas in the Jisc competition][ideas].
+Please take a look and help some of them get funding.
+
+To summarise, universal design is about not designing for yourself
+(in my case, white, male, young/middle-aged)!
+Instead think about how you can open up your products and services to as many people as possible.
+Useful steps: talk to "customers" from a wide range of demographics, and try a thought experiment -- _what might I need from everyday objects in 10, 20, 30 years time?_
+
+
+[Vote in the Jisc accessible by design competition][vote]
+
+
+[blog-1]: http://nick.freear.org.uk/2015/10/02/open-media-player-jisc-challenge.html
+[jisc-omp]: https://elevator.jisc.ac.uk/e/accessiblebydesign/idea/open-media-player
+    "Still time! Voting closes ~23:30 UTC, 2 November 2015"
+[jisc-sign]: https://elevator.jisc.ac.uk/e/accessiblebydesign/idea/opensign
+    "Still time! Voting closes ~23:30 UTC, 2 November 2015"
+[ideas]: https://elevator.jisc.ac.uk/e/accessiblebydesign/ideas
+    "Still time! Voting closes ~23:30 UTC, 2 November 2015"
+[vote]: https://elevator.jisc.ac.uk/e/accessiblebydesign/ideas#!__BIG_ME__
+    "Still time! Voting closes ~23:30 UTC, 2 November 2015"
+[H810]: http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/h810
+    "Accessible online learning: supporting disabled students, H810 postgraduate course, from The Open University"
+[nayak]: https://web.archive.org/web/20070611215853/http://www.gerontology.bham.ac.uk/staff.htm
+    "My final year Mechanical Engineering degree project was with Dr. Laxman Nayak, Director, Centre for Applied Gerontology, University of Birmingham (1996-97)"
+[universal design]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_design