*The below information and chart are currently under review and we will be back with updated information in the future.
Technology is rapidly changing the nature of research. Fortunately, we have federal legislation and goodwill to help make sure that all computer technology is available to all. Of course, I am referring to Section 508 standards. Section 508 is the civil rights directive to diminishing any level of digital divide to access to electronic, computer, Internet technology for people with disabilities. Therefore, Section 508 is obviously the federal initiative of which I speak.
Universal Design is the goodwill that exists to ensure that all of society keeps pace with Section 508 standards and to educate everyone about how technological changes and accommodations for some benefits all. IBM has surprised many with their hiring of a Chief Accessibility Officer, innovative products and services that embrace the principles of universal design. The next time you purchase information technology please assess that product for elements of Section 508 and Universal Design.
Below is a table of the some databases available in libraries worldwide. I have reviewed them all for elements of Section 508 and Universal Design. The caveat is this is all subjective material. However, I am not trying to convince anyone. I am only encouraging an approach to consumerism of information technology that I am certain is not readily practiced. The links in the table are to vendor accessibility statements. This is important information to understanding how the vendor integrates accessibility features into their product. And, PLEASE demand that elements of universal design are included in modern technologies!! Our society's sense of discovery should not hinge on exclusivity!
Information in the below chart as of as of 03.10.2016.
|
Title/Vendor |
Audible Speech/ |
SimpleSite Layout |
Screen-Reader Friendly |
Simple Basic |
Simple Advanced Search Function |
|
Academic Search Complete |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
CQ Researcher [Also] |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Films on Demand |
Transcript Auto Rolling |
Yes |
Not Obvious for Transcripts |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
|
Not Applicable |
Yes |
Yes (Adds PDF Tags) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Salem Press |
No |
Yes |
Not Obvious |
No (Overwhelming Graphics) |
No |
|
Title/ Vendor |
Search Mode Is Clearly Indicated |
Simple Navigation of Search Results |
Full-text Content Available in Non-PDF formats |
Images Have Alt Tags or Description |
Audio With Text/ Scripts |
Video with |
|
Academic Search Complete |
No |
Yes |
PDF Dominant |
No/Yes |
Yes |
Yes (Associated Press Videos) |
|
CQ Researcher [Also] |
Yes |
No |
PDF Dominant (Compatible with Most Screen Readers) |
No/Yes |
No |
No |
|
Films on Demand |
No |
Yes |
Yes (Transcripts) |
Yes/Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Only in Advanced Search Mode |
Yes |
Text/PDF (Note: PDF or DOC files on demand, at no charge) |
Yes/Yes |
Yes |
Not Applicable (Videos Are Publisher Produced) |
|
|
Only in Advanced Search Mode |
Yes |
(1) Image-based PDF files are accessible and can be read with screen readers
(2) JSTOR's Process to Accept Terms and Conditions, proceed to PDF Are Problematic |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not |
|
|
Salem Press |
No |
Yes |
Text Dominated |
No/Yes |
No |
No |
|
Title/Vendor |
Section 508 Standards |
Principles of Universal Design |
|
Academic Search Complete |
Yes |
|
|
CQ Researcher |
Yes |
|
|
Yes |
|
|
|
Yes |
|
|
|
JSTOR |
Yes |
|
|
Salem Press |
Yes |
Not Obvious |