Conference Homepage: http://howe.stevens-tech.edu/amcis2004/index.html
Co-sponsored by Ability Magazine
Best papers from this minitrack will be invited to submit to a special issue of the Universal Access in the Information Society Journal (UAIS).
Mini-track co-chairs:
Eleanor T. Loiacono-Mello, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Scott McCoy, College of William and Mary
Nicholas C. Romano, Jr., Oklahoma State University
Accessibility is the ability of persons, regardless of ability, to easily access information, regardless of form, structure, or presentation. Fifty-four million Americans—nearly one in five—live with some form of disability (cognitive, visual, or audio) that makes accessing information difficult. Though great strides have been made during the past decade to accommodate those with special needs (including the development of numerous assistive technologies), there is still much to be done. For example, as the Internet and World Wide Web become an integral component of daily life, Web accessibility becomes more vital.
Accessibility goes beyond making information available for people with disabilities. Increasing accessibility may in turn increase use of systems by users without disabilities as well. Those with less powerful computers or slow Internet connections may find it preferable to purchase from accessible-friendly websites that require less bandwidth. For example, some might find it beneficial to surf the Web with the graphics function turned off, thus decreasing download time. Given this broad definition of accessibility, a number of research perspectives are expected from such areas as Information Systems, Information Science, Library Science, Education, Computer Science, and Engineering.
The purpose of this mini-track is to provide a forum for research addressing IT Systems Accessibility. Research including, but not limited to, the following topics would be fitting:
All of the above areas contribute to an understanding IT Systems Accessibility. Thus, papers addressing any of the areas would be welcome. Various forms of research including conceptual, lab experiments, surveys, and case studies, among others, would be appropriate.
Best papers from this minitrack will be invited to submit to a special issue of the Universal Access in the Information Society Journal (UAIS).
All inquiries should be made to Eleanor T. Loiacono-Mello at eloiacon@wpi.edu.Americas Conference on Information Systems covers the latest and important issues in Information Systems and to serve the research and teaching interests of the IS community. For more details about AMCIS 2004, see http://howe.stevens-tech.edu/amcis2004/index.html.