This study was carried out by Michlol- the Evaluation and Measurement Unit of the Shalem Fund
This study examined whether images can serve as an effective alternative or complement to symbols for making online information accessible to adults with intellectual or cognitive disabilities. A computerized task compared recognition rates and response times for eight concepts presented as both symbols and images among 114 participants. Overall, both types of representations showed high recognition rates, with no significant differences in response time for most concepts. For “cinema,” the image was recognized at a higher rate and more quickly than the symbol. The findings suggest that appropriately selected images can support cognitive accessibility in digital environments and may serve as a practical alternative or complement to symbols.
Keywords: Cognitive disability | Cognitive accessibility | Information accessibility | Symbols | Images | Online environments | Intellectual developmental disability
The initiative is a joint project of the Shalem Foundation and the Israeli Institute for Cognitive Accessibility, Ami Association. The study was conducted by “Michlol” – the Assessment and Research Unit of the Shalem Foundation, in collaboration with the Israeli Institute for Cognitive Accessibility and the Disabilities Administration at the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs.
Related Items :
Characterization and examination of cognitive accessibility needs of people with intellectual developmental disabilities in the public sphere>>, (2023), Michlol – Research Unit of the Shalem Foundation