Albert Sheng
Research Mentor(s): Kathleen Klinich
Mentor Department: Transportation Research Institute
Authors:
Session: Session 4 (1:00pm – 1:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 28
Abstract
This project aimed to make UMTRI’s Wheelchair Transportation Safety website, TravelSafer.org, more accessible and user-friendly for people with disabilities, as well as adding new resources. Motivated by an interest in accessible web design and the opportunity to incorporate video creation, the project aimed to make the website more inclusive through updates to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Accessibility features included alternative text for images and adding narration and captions for video content were implemented to provide an equitable experience for all users. Multiple tools, such as alt text viewers and colorblind simulators, were used to identify and address accessibility barriers. These tools allowed for testing and optimizing the website’s design to meet accessibility requirements. New project pages were created to highlight recent student projects that addressed research to improve transportation safety for wheelchair users in ground vehicles and on aircraft. The website features the RideSafe brochure that summarizes best practices for traveling while seated in a wheelchair for consumers and prescribers. Currently available digitally and in print, a one-minute video version summarizing the information was created to provide an alternative format for dissemination. This project resulted in a modernized, more accessible website that ensures critical safety information is easily available to all. This project highlights the significant impact of web accessibility in improving user experiences and removing barriers to information. By creating inclusive environments, designers can ensure that key safety content is accessible to everyone.
