Enhancing Independent Internet Access for Individuals with Mental Retardation through Use of a Specialized Web Browser: A Pilot Study

Access to burgeoning information and recreation sources available on the Internet and World Wide Web for individuals with mental retardation has been hindered by numerous factors, including limited opportunities for individuals with mental retardation to use computers, lack of appropriate and cognitively accessible Internet-access software, and barriers to computer use associated with the complexity of operating systems and amount of reading needed. As is the case with most mainstream software applications, leading web browsers are not accessible for use by persons with mental retardation due to literacy and writing requirements and the browsers' general complexity of operation. In this pilot study a prototype web browser, called Web Trek, that utilizes multimedia to provide access for individuals with cognitive disabilities was developed and pilot-tested. The software prototype was piloted to assess its utility for increasing independent Internet access as compared to Microsoft's Internet Explorer 4.0. Results demonstrated that the Web Trek browser provided greater independence in accessing the Internet as compared to Internet Explorer. Participants were able to operate Web Trek significantly more independently and experienced fewer errors in the tasks of searching for web sites, saving favorite sites to a favorites list, and returning to favorite site. Pilot study results demonstrated that self-directed access to the Internet and World Wide Web is achievable for individuals with mental retardation when a specialized web browser is used for access. Implications of this research suggest that the Web Trek system has great potential for improving educational and recreational opportunities within this population. A common goal of most advocates and family members of and service providers for people with mental retardation is to provide services and supports that maximize community integration and inclusion. While such services and supports should include