|
creating
change |
understanding
disability |
understanding
deaf culture |
addressing
accessibility |
understanding
violence |
responding
to violence |
safety alert
If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call 911 or your local hotline or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233 voice), 1-800-787-3224 (tty). There is always a computer trail, but you can click ESCAPE to leave the site quickly.
You are here: home>addressing accessibility>designing environments for all>
Information Environments
Overview
The term “information environment” often is used to refer to an activity that is related to the World Wide Web but it can encompass much more. It includes:
- web pages
- brochures
- publications
- flyers and welcome packages
- agendas and newsletters
- presentations
- films and performances
- publicity
- telephone presence
- in-person presence
- accessible office equipment
Designing Information Environments for Everyone
Solving problems of the Information Environment can sometimes mean first solving problems in the Communication and Physical Environments. It also means paying attention to the various ways you communicate information (in writing, through presentations, etc.) and making sure that they meet the needs of the widest possible audience including people with cognitive limitations, people with limited English proficiency, and people who are under a lot of stress and may not be able to take in complicated information. Rules for creating the written word, using color and using drawings and pictures should be considered for all of sources of information.
Solving problems with the Information Environments also includes the creation of printed materials in alternative formats: Braille, tape, electronic, large print, video, podcasts and vodcasts. It also includes access to sign language interpreters (also under communication) as well as incorporation of “design elements” in information technology systems that are accessible to adaptive equipment. For the growing proportion of people with reading-related functional limitations, inattention to the design of information can be very disabling.
Resources to Support Improving Your Information Environments
Conveying Information Through Writing tells you everything you need to know about designing written information for web pages, brochures, publications, flyers and welcome packages, agendas and newsletters, presentations, films and performances, and publicity. In addition to making written information clear and understandable, survivors need to be able to access information. Even the best-designed information may not be accessible until additional considerations are taken into account for the particular forum in which the information is presented. Giving Presentations & Conducting Workshops and Accessing Computers & the Internet provide additional guidance. Finally, Other Issues covers additional safety considerations.
