Enabling accessibility and enhancing Web experience: Ordering search results according to user needs

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an exploratory study, which aimed to devise a means of improving web accessibility for users with impairments. It looks at how web pages can be rated for accessibility using specific algorithms. These algorithms analyse and select web pages according to user preferences. The study gathered user defined ratings of web page elements, for different categories of special needs' users that affect accessibility. The algorithms were then created using the results of these ratings. The paper also demonstrates the work in progress in relation to the extension of the Computer Aided Internet Navigation (CAIN) system, which aims to improve accessibility to web based information by re-ordering search results according to user needs. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.