Writing for
Special Audiences
The web can be a tool for inclusion. Those sectors or groups usually excluded by the traditional print medium can now be included in web communication.
Dawson, et. al (no date) explained it in detail below:
Reading difficulties such as dyslexia and limited mental agility can all limit the understanding of information. Users may have problems with memory recall or text recognition; they may also have problems entering information correctly, such as querying a search facility. It is good practice to include a useful example alongside a search box, to guide users who may not be familiar with the content of your site.
Inclusive or universal text for all audiences will not guarantee accessibility for disabled people. The medium of the web allows multiple layers of optional information, and this can be a powerful tool for engaging a number of audiences.
For most visually impaired people, enhanced descriptions are vital for gaining access to online collections. In addition to a simple description, these enhanced descriptions should draw out the meaning impact or significance of the object.
For people with learning difficulties, images such as photos,
drawings or symbols can be used to support the text. With the advent of broadband film will become an increasingly
common feature on the web. In the future, inclusive provision is
likely to include:
Sign language for deaf people;
• sub-titles for hard hearing people and many other viewers who will find it useful;
• audio description for visually impaired people. Visually impaired people will also benefit from dialogue and commentary which “stands on its own” and can be understood irrespective of the visuals.