(External News) Eden Project uses symbols to make its website more accessible
21 August 2009
The Eden Project website has introduced a new image system to make words easier to understand for users with learning difficulties.
The Point plug-in on the Eden Project website has thousands of symbols representing different words. When the software is turned on, symbols appear next to any word the mouse point hovers over.
The idea is that people with learning difficulties, low levels of literacy or poor English can use the images to decipher what the word means within the context of the sentence.
The system was developed by Widgit, a software company that has created a recognisable set of more than 7,000 symbols and introduced them around the world over the past 20 years.
Justine Quinn, the Eden Project's interpretation manager, said: "I think the people who will benefit the most will be those who are used to using Widgits already, such as people with learning difficulties or dyslexia. They are also useful for foreign visitors who do not speak or read English, who will be able to get the gist of what we are saying by looking at the symbols.
"The Point system is not a resource that the majority of people who visit the website will use, but for those who do use Widgits, hopefully it will make the site more enjoyable."
The Widgit symbols are already widely used on signs around the Eden Project to illustrate the meaning of difficult words within the two biomes.
A coffee exhibit tells the story of how coffee is produced using only symbols engraved into the edge of a wooden coffee boat. Multi-sensory Discover Eden packs have been designed with the Sensory Trust, a national charity making outdoor environments accessible to all people, as guides to certain areas.
The introduction of the symbols on its website is the Eden Project's latest step towards becoming accessible for everyone.
Jo Elworthy, director of interpretation at the Eden Project, said: "Positive feedback shows how excited Eden visitors feel when they find the same symbols here as the ones they use in their centre or school. Several people have actually visited after hearing that Widgit symbols are being used.
"The Point plug-in goes one step further in helping ensure inclusion and enhances the understanding of information on our website for people who may find some words difficult without symbol support."
Lynsey Robinson, inclusive designer at the Sensory Trust, says: "We have worked alongside Eden since the early days to provide more accessible and rewarding experiences for all visitors to the Eden Project itself.
"The Eden Project website reflects the high standards of accessibility that exist on the Eden Project site as a whole."
The Eden Project, which is home to the two biggest greenhouses in the world - the Rainforest Biome and Mediterranean Biome, is owned by the Eden trust, an educational charity. Since July 2001, 11 million people have visited the Eden Project and it has generated £900 million for the local economy.
To use the Point system, visit www.edenproject.com, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Enable Point symbols.
Source: Natalie Bowen, Community Newswire
Image taken from www.edenproject.com/visiting-eden/index.php
