Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Tablets and Computers clipart.

Information and Communication Technology or “ICT,” includes products that store, process, transmit, convert, duplicate, or receive electronic information. Examples are: software applications and operating systems; web-based information and applications such as distance learning; telephones and other telecommunications products; video equipment and multimedia products that may be distributed on videotapes, CDs, DVDs, email, or the World Wide Web; office products such as photocopiers and fax machines; calculators; and computer hardware. Electronic textbooks, instructional software, email, chat, and distance learning programs are also examples of ICT.

How is "ICT" different from "AT"?

Assistive technology, as it relates to information and communication technology, includes special tools or software to help people use computers, software, the Internet, telephones, or other technology used in education. Examples are: special keyboards; software to magnify a computer screen or audibly read the text on a computer screen; text telephones (TTYs) to help people who are deaf communicate using the telephone.

Information and communication technology may be inaccessible to people if it provides only one way to access the information. For example, those with visual impairments cannot read documents presented only in a visual format; people who are deaf cannot understand content that is only presented orally; people who have limited use of their hands or arms may not use a computer mouse; and people who use wheelchairs may not be able to operate a fax machine if the controls are impossible to reach.

Many of these barriers can be reduced or eliminated when the principles of "universal design" are used to design and develop the information technology. The decision to plan ahead for accessibility can reduce the need for special accommodations.

Assistive Technology Project's (ATP) Accessibility User Guides

  • Download Idaho ATP's Accessiblity User Guides: PDF Best practices for creating accessible content in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word; Adobe Acrobat and InDesign; as well as Social Media. The User Guide also contains common keyboard shortcuts for moving around in Outlook and Windows.

Creating Accessible Documents

Accessible Forms

Accessible PDFs

Accessible Tables

  • Accessify offers a quick table builder that can create accessible tables using a wizard as a guide.

Using Plain Language

Creating Accessible Webpages

How to Check Accessibility

Accessibility

Checklists

Colorblindness

Screen Readers

Standards and Guidelines

Information and Communication Technology in Education

Standards for Information and Communication Technology

Accessibility Services to Create Documents and Websites

The following websites offer pay-for-services that include the development, remediation and monitoring of PDFs, documents and websites.