The use of ICT in general and e-Learning specifically by mobility impaired persons to date is still far from common. Numerous barriers for handicapped persons in the use of ICT are known. Many of these exclusions have to do with limited accessibility and usability of devices, services and technologies.
In 2001 and 2002 iRv, the Dutch Institute for Rehabilitation Research, investigated the barriers the motor impaired persons actually meet in the use of ICT provisions (3). The barriers are manifold and very varying. Just to mention some major problems:
· The lack of universal guidelines for the accessibility and usability for designers of operating systems, application software, websites and so on. Because of this lack impaired users cannot benefit from a Universal Access approach (giving access to every user, whether handicapped, having any other special need or not). Also the configurability of the computer is often not supported. Further, there is a lack of knowledge about universal guidelines;
· Lacking awareness in the world of non- handicapped persons about the needs for universal access;
· In many countries there is not one well recognized and easy- to find service provision for information about ICT and handicap (e.g. on technical aids, their use, legal aspects);
· The social- economic position of handicapped persons often leads to diminished computer- and ICT use and –due to lacking equipment - also often leads to a lack of skills in their use;
· The lack of adequate structures for information and advice on assistive ICT devices;
· The lack of adequate possibilities for coaching and instruction once ICT provision and additional technical aids have been realized.
· Problems with different laws that are not really integrated or attuned to each other or even lacking legislation on the provision of technical aids at a national level;
· The lack of governmental policy or visions on the access to ICT for handicapped persons.