Users who have difficulty understanding

This category covers a wide range of conditions from dyslexia through to dementia. Since the variety of conditions is so wide, the range of appropriate and reasonable adjustments is also very wide. Some user needs will be perfectly satisfied by very modest adjustments, whilst others may pose real challenges.

Among the most important points to consider when creating or adapting resources for these users are:

• There is no single solution for accessibility;
• The optimum ‘reasonable adjustment’ for learning to take place may depend on the nature of the learner, the nature of the impairment, the nature of the resource, the learning objectives and the context of use;
• The most time-consuming and expensive adjustments are not always the most effective;
• Staff supporting users need a range of alternative adjustments available to them that they can make in discussion with the user.

Users who experience difficulty in understanding things range from people with hearing impairments to people who are dyslexic. Difficulties may vary across different levels, for example, from a graduate illustrator who finds it difficult to understand tax returns to a learner with Down’s Syndrome struggling to cope with independent living.

JISC TechDis resources include:

• Tools to allow the creation of engaging and alternative resources and activities, such as video and audio clips;
• Specific guidance on making reasonable adjustments for users whose difficulties are compounded by other disabilities (for example - deafness, dyslexia and visual impairment).