Wondwossen Mulualem Beyene

Bio: Wondwossen Mulualem Beyene is an academic researcher from Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Web accessibility & Universal design. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 12 publications receiving 74 citations. Previous affiliations of Wondwossen Mulualem Beyene include Metropolitan University.

Digital Inclusion in Library Context: A Perspective from Users with Print Disability

Abstract: Digital inclusion is a strategy pursued to foster social inclusion of those who have been sidelined from the mainstream of information society due to lack of access to digital technologies and the ...

Web accessibility and technology protection measures: Harmonizing the rights of persons with cognitive disabilities and copyright protections on the web

Abstract: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) obligates State Parties to ensure full and equal access to the web for persons with disabilities However, copyright law and policy sometimes poses challenges to realizing full and equal access to the web for persons with varying physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities Recent developments in international law and policy that promote the use of technological protection measures (TPM) as a means for protecting copyrighted digital content on the web create barriers to accessibility for certain individuals with disabilities This article uses theories of multilevel governance and social regulation to explore the relationship among laws and policies that aim to ensure web accessibility, and laws and policies to preserve and promote the use of TPM It employs a case study of US law and policy to examine how different levels of governance have ensured and supported the rights of persons with cognitive disabilities and web content publishers This article argues that the Marrakesh Treaty acts as a bridge between the copyright and human rights regimes, can promote the meaningful participation of persons with an array of cognitive and other disabilities in the design and implementation of national and international copyright laws and policies, and thus fosters harmonization of TPM with the principles of web accessibility

Metadata and universal access in digital library environments

Abstract: Purpose Accessibility metadata has been a recurring theme in recent efforts aimed at promoting accessibility of information and communication technology solutions to all, regardless of their disabilities, cultural differences, language, etc. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of accessibility metadata in improving knowledge discovery and access in digital library environments, discuss developments in creating accessibility terms for resource description, and attempt to relate those developments to the overall purpose of universal design to finally recommend points for improvement. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory study based on review of selected literature and documentations made available by metadata projects. Search for related literature was made using Google Scholar, EBSCO, and Web of Science Databases using terms and combination of terms such as “universal design and metadata,” “accessibility metadata,” “inclusive design,” and “metadata and digital libraries.” Some documentation on metadata projects were obtained through e-mail correspondences. Findings The overall discussion shows that accessibility metadata can be instrumental in exposing accessible resources to search engines and in augmenting library resource discovery tools for the benefit of users with disabilities. Accessibility metadata would help users to quickly discover materials that fit their needs. However, the notion of indexing resources by their accessibility attributes remains an area that needs further exploration. Originality/value The paper gives emphasis to the importance of metadata research in universal design endeavors. It also provides recommendations for practical applications that would improve accessibility in digital library environments.

Accessible search and the role of metadata

Abstract: Purpose Some of the usability and accessibility problems of search interfaces emanate from poorly organized search results, where different types of metadata are employed. Metadata is important to make well-informed selection of resources. However, putting too much of it on search interfaces could be counterproductive. Therefore, studies suggest that metadata-related decisions need to be informed by user requirements. The purpose of this paper is to explore library metadata from usability and accessibility perspectives. It identifies search-related problems users with print disability face and explores how metadata-related decisions could be tailored to improve their experience in resource discovery and access. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was posted online for two months. It targeted people with print disability who are using the audiobook app Lydhor. It was finally possible to gather responses from 113 respondents. Two open-ended questions dealing with search and metadata issues were selected for qualitative analysis. Findings Most respondents mentioned the Lydhor’s intolerance to spelling errors as a problem. Some suggested the use of faceted metadata, such as genres, for exploratory search to offset frustration caused by spelling errors. Most respondents indicated the importance of summaries to be shown among search results, implying their significance for lookup searches. There have been few demands related to accessibility metadata. Originality/value This study could be a valuable input for inclusive/universal design of library search interfaces.

Resource Discovery and Universal Access: Understanding Enablers and Barriers from the User Perspective.

Abstract: Resource discovery tools are the keys to explore, find, and retrieve resources from multitudes of collections hosted by library and information systems. Modern resource discovery tools provide facet-rich interfaces that provide multiple alternatives to expose resources for their potential users and help them navigate to the resources they need. This paper examines one of those tools from the perspective of universal access, utilizing the experience of users with print disability. It aimed at exploring the way print disabled users use library search tools, the barriers they might face in the process, and what needs to be considered in order to implement discovery tools that incorporate the needs of users with print disability. Interviews that involved user testing were made with selected group of users. The data obtained in the process was analyzed and compared against the existing body of knowledge to forward design recommendations for future endeavors.

Universal access in the information society

Abstract: ▶ Addresses the accessibility, usability, and, ultimately, acceptability of Information Society Technologies by anyone, anywhere, at anytime, and through any media and device. ▶ Focuses on theoretical, methodological, and empirical research, of both technological and non-technological nature. ▶ Features papers that report on theories, methods, tools, empirical results, reviews, case studies, and best-practice examples.

Strengthening international regulation through transnational new governance : overcoming the orchestration deficitthrough Orchestration

Abstract: Ein internationales regulatorisches System neuer Art entsteht derzeit spontan aus dem Versagen der internationalen „Old Governance“ – also der bestehenden internationalen Vertrage und Organisationen – dabei, den internationalen Handel angemessen zu regulieren. Nichtregierungsorganisationen, Unternehmen und andere Akteure – allein und in ganz neuen Kombinationen – schaffen sich neue internationale Einrichtungen, um transnationale Normen auf internationale Geschaftstatigkeit anzuwenden. Es geht dabei vornehmlich um private Einrichtungen, die vor allem uber freiwillige Standardbefolgung wirken. In diesem Beitrag werden die unterschiedlichen Regulierungseinrichtungen als Teil eines „Governance Dreiecks“ beschreiben und das geschieht vor allem in Blick darauf, welche Rollen die unterschiedlichen Akteure in ihrer Tatigkeit spielen. Um dieses komplexe System zu untersuchen passen wir das innenpolitische Regulierungsmodell der „New Governance“ an den internationalen Rahmen an. Die „Transnational New Governance“ enthalt viele Vorteile der „New Governance“ und sie ist fur Sfb 597 „Staatlichkeit im Wandel“ - „Transformations of the State“ (WP 127) die internationale Regulierung besonders angemessen, weil sie geringere Anforderungen an die Staatenwelt und an die intergouvernementalen Organisationen, die IGOs, stellen. Allerdings ist es fur eine wirksame „Transnational New Governance“ weiterhin erforderlich, dass die Staaten und die IGOs das internationale regulatorische System „orchestrieren“. Das heutige internationale regulatorische System leidet allerdings unter einem Orchestrierungsdefizit. Wurden die Staaten und die IGOs die „anweisende“ und „ermoglichende“ Orchestrierungsfunktion des „Transnational New Governance System“ ausbauen, dann starkten sie die privaten regulatorischen Standards von hoher Qualitat, verbesserten das internationale regulatorische System und konnten ihre eigenen regulatorischen Ziele besser verwirklichen.

Web accessibility: Filtering redundant and irrelevant information improves website usability for blind users

Abstract: Accessibility norms for the Web are based on the principle that everybody should have access to the same information. Applying these norms enables the oralization of all visual information by screen readers used by people with blindness. However, compliance with accessibility norms does not guarantee that users with blindness can reach their goals with a reasonable amount of time and effort. To improve website usability, it is necessary to take into account the specific needs of users. A previous study revealed that a major need for users with blindness is to quickly reach the information relevant to the task, by filtering redundant and irrelevant information. We conducted three experiments in which seventy-six participants with blindness performed tasks on websites which filtered or not irrelevant and redundant information. Cognitive load was assessed using the dual-task paradigm and the NASA-RTLX questionnaire. The results showed a substantial benefit for information filtering regarding participants' cognitive load, performance, and satisfaction. Thus, this study provides cogent arguments for improving usability of websites by information filtering for users with blindness.

Best practices and future visions for search user interfaces

Abstract: The authors describe a set of best practices that were developed to assist in the design of search user interfaces. Search user interfaces represent a challenging design domain because novices who have no desire to learn the mechanics of search engine architecture or algorithms often use them. These can lead to frustration and task failure when it is not addressed by the user interface. The best practices are organized into five domains: the corpus, search algorithms, user and task context, the search interface, and mobility. In each section the authors present an introduction to the design challenges related to the domain and a set of best practices for creating a user interface that facilitates effective use by a broad population of users and tasks.