Accessibility of digital information: Standards, frameworks, and tools related to information literacy and information technology

Abstract

One important aspect of information literacy is accessibility of information and adjustment of information to users with different abilities. Accessibility to both digital information and information technology (IT) in general is well supported in related international standards and recommendations. Common software products for creating digital documents have built-in features for checking accessibility, and there are many free resources to test accessibility in web pages. The goal of this study was to investigate, using in-depth content analysis, how accessibility is addressed in information literacy documentation and information technology standards, recommendations, models and frameworks, and how it is supported by tools when creating digital information content. The outcomes of the study are represented as a set of skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to facilitate inclusion of people with disabilities through accessible (digital) information.