Empowering Older Adults

Research-Based Training for Web Information and Access

Christine Anning

Senior Librarian, Minnesota Department of Revenue

Joyce Yukawa

Assistant Professor, MLIS Program, St. Catherine University

Slide presentation: www.jyukawa.com/mla-2011 and Handout

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Overview

• Who are older adults?
• Research on the computer and internet use of older adults
• Empowering older adults through teaching & service learning
• Empowering older adults through web accessibility
• Accessibility resources and services

Who are older adults?

• The US population is rapidly aging.
• The oldest old (85+) are the fastest growing segment.
• Older adults face barriers to online information seeking.
  • Physical: vision, hearing, motor skills
  • Cognitive: reduced short-term memory and concentration
  • Social: isolation, society's lack of awareness of their needs
  • Technological: hardware and software not accessible

Computer and internet use

Research on information seeking behavior, computer use, and internet use of the oldest adults found (Anning, 2011):

• Desire to use online information services
• Inhibitions and underutilization of the internet due to lack of knowledge and frustration with basic computer operations
• Training and assistance would help the oldest old use computers to stay socially and intellectually engaged.

Empower through teaching

• Understand the factors that affect older adults learning and using computers.
• Do careful planning and assessment.
• Create a senior-friendly computer classroom through focused, encouraging, hands-on instruction.
  • MLIS capstone course for service learning with older adults by student teams
  • Ongoing relationships with volunteer organizations
  • Resources and teaching modules on Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Email Basics
• Use great websites available for basic training and accessibility.
• How are you or your libraries providing computer or internet training to older adults?

Empower through web accessibility

• Follow universal design principles.
• Listen.
  • Neal Ewers, Accessibility Intro to the Screen Reader
  • Speech Recognition For Mac Tutorial 1
• Design usable and accessible websites by following the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Section 508, and Minnesota Accessible Technology Bill.
• Provide assistive technology.
• Advocate for universal design and accessibility.
• How are you or your libraries providing accessible web services? What challenges do you face?

Low-cost accessibility solutions

• Accessibility features of your computer operating system: Microsoft Accessibility, Apple Accessibility, and Linux Accessibility.
• Accessibility features of your browser: Firefox, Internet Explorer 8, Chrome, and Safari.
• Free, low-cost, and open source software (e.g., Portable App Directory and WinBraille).
• Device exchanges of used technology (e.g., Minnesota STAR Technology Exchange).

Accessibility Resources

• EquipALife
• Minnesota Office of Enterprise Technology. Accessibility Standards
• Minnesota STAR Program
• Minnesota State Council On Disability
• PACER Center
• More resources on Joyce's website (www.jyukawa.com):
  • Handout for this presentation
  • Universal Design Resources
  • Resources for Accessible Library Services to Older Adults

Conclusion and Questions

• Questions?
• We encourage your use of and feedback on the teaching modules we've developed.
• We welcome ideas for collaborative projects with you that can help empower older adults through MLIS student internships and the service learning capstone course.
• Contact:
  • Chris: chris[dot]anning[at]state[dot]mn[dot]us
  • Joyce: jyukawa[at]stkate[dot]edu