The growth of the Internet has led to an increase in the number of public services offered by U.K. government entities on their Web sites. A variety of consumers use e-government sites, and those individuals with disabilities are... more
The growth of the Internet has led to an increase in the number of public services offered by U.K. government entities on their Web sites. A variety of consumers use e-government sites, and those individuals with disabilities are guaranteed the same access government sites under the U.K.'s Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1995. This law provides equality in access, and
This research seeks to review whether web accessibility and disability laws lead to strong compliance among UK e-government web sites. This study samples 130 sites of the UK members of Parliament using an online accessibility testing tool... more
This research seeks to review whether web accessibility and disability laws lead to strong compliance among UK e-government web sites. This study samples 130 sites of the UK members of Parliament using an online accessibility testing tool and determines if the site design complies with disability laws and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Awareness is raised about issues disabled users face when attempting to use UK e-government sites. A discussion of UK and international disability law is reviewed in light of web accessibilty: the UK's Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1995 and the UN Treaty on the Rights of the Disabled. Although these mandates aim to provide equality in access to web sites for people with disabilities, the results of this study show that total openness of these sites is not widespread and the mere existance of laws does not guarantee compliance.
This paper argues that in rural settings of post-war societies libraries can work as vital sources of empowerment of women. The paper begins by stressing the impact of war on ethnic Albanian women in Kosovo. Women have limited access to... more
This paper argues that in rural settings of post-war societies libraries can work as vital sources of empowerment of women. The paper begins by stressing the impact of war on ethnic Albanian women in Kosovo. Women have limited access to health care, education and employment opportunities. Rape victims are stigmatized and ostracized by communities. The paper maintains by an analysis of causes of information deficiency in the post-war Kosovo to stress how and why rural libraries remain the only free sources of education for a community. As sources of information outside the traditional clan and family structures libraries function as the core sources of information literacy in the communities. The paper concludes with development of practical suggestions on how investing in rural library development can lead to women empowerment.
'Transgressing Non-crossable Borders: Disability, Law, Schooling, And Nations?', in S. Danforth and S. Gabel (eds.) Vital Questions in Disability Studies and Education, New York, Peter Lang Publishers, pp. 319-346, 2006 (with B. Baker).
As a result of the 1992 Disability Discrimination Act in Australia and parental support for inclusion, regular teachers now include students with disabilities in their classes. Inclusion has been more successful in primary than in... more
As a result of the 1992 Disability Discrimination Act in Australia and parental support for inclusion, regular teachers now include students with disabilities in their classes. Inclusion has been more successful in primary than in secondary schools. Secondary schools remain a challenge due to their traditional focus on curriculum, examinations, subjects and the large numbers of students allocated to each
Field-based activities are regarded as essential to the development of a range of professional and personal skills within the geosciences. Students enjoy field activities, preferring these to learning with simulations (Spicer and... more
Field-based activities are regarded as essential to the development of a range of professional and personal skills within the geosciences. Students enjoy field activities, preferring these to learning with simulations (Spicer and Stratford 2001), and these improve deeper learning and understanding (Kern and Carpenter, 1984; Elkins and Elkins, 2007). However, some students find it difficult to access these field-based learning opportunities. Field sites may be remote and often require travel across uneven, challenging or ...
This study investigated disabled students' perceptions and experiences of learning in a single university. The paper reports the views of disabled student volunteers with a range of impairments who were... more
This study investigated disabled students' perceptions and experiences of learning in a single university. The paper reports the views of disabled student volunteers with a range of impairments who were selected to discuss experiences of teaching and assessment that they commonly encountered. Four group interviews were organized in 2002, before the Disability Discriminants Act (DDA) part IV came on stream, in which disabled students were invited to reflect together on their experiences as learners at the case study university. In ...