Abstract
Retrieving online health information can be challenging for many individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Librarians and other informed mediators have an important role to guide consumers and caregivers to web sites posting authoritative, unbiased, and current health information specific to an individual's needs using the mnemonic “A-B-C” (Authority, Bias, and Currency). Users can also identify quality indicators from accrediting or certifying organizations. Reliable information benefits individuals with disabilities and caregivers, facilitating active participation and informed decision making about health. This article provides a brief process for librarians and health educators to use when assisting individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.
Acknowledgments
This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under contract No. N01-LM-63502 with the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Center for Educational Accountability. These contents do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the funders.