Information Technology and Disabilities Vol. IV. 1997
The Multi-disability Workstation for Small Libraries
Dick Banks, Adaptive Technologist
Steve Noble, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
Abstract: This presentation is designed to assist those who need to know how to make their library computing environment as accessible as possible, while at the same time trying to work with a small budget. The presenters will focus on workable solutions to today's library access problems.
TALKING BOOKS: TOWARD A DIGITAL MODEL
John Cookson, Lloyd Rasmussen, George Stockton
National Library Service for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped
Abstract: We propose to develop performance criteria for next-generation digital talking books (DTB) by using the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) standardization process. This process entails soliciting advice from all interested parties including users, consumer organizations, and manufacturers, then seeking consensus on the characteristics of the contemplated product. NISO is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain technical standards for information services, libraries, publishers, and others involved in the business of creation, storage, preservation, sharing, accession, and dissemination of data.
WORLD WIDE ACCESS: FOCUS ON LIBRARIES
Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph D
Dan Comden
University of Washington
Abstract: The dramatic growth of both electronic information sources and adaptive technology make it possible for libraries to serve visitors with disabilities as never before! Libraries can play a key role in increasing the independence, participation, and productivity of people with disabilities. Besides providing access to adaptive technology, they can help assure that their electronic resources are accessible when using that technology. This paper summarizes guidelines that can be employed to make electronic resources in libraries easier to use by patrons with a diverse set of characteristics. World Wide Web access issues are highlighted.
THE VIRTUAL LIBRARY: COLLABORATIVE DATA EXCHANGE
AND ELECTRONIC TEXT DELIVERY
Steve Noble, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
Abstract: Though the proper usage of the term "virtual library" is still being debated, this expression usually refers to libraries that exist primarily in an electronic environment, and ultimately to the future convergence of all computer accessible information via the Internet. During the 1970s we began to see the first explicit references to the "electronic library," though the underlying concept of libraries utilizing digitally stored information had earlier roots. Most historians of modern library systems are quick to point to statements made in 1961 by the mathematician John Kemeny, who predicted that the library of the year 2000 would consist primarily of terminal connections to distant computer sites holding text materials in central locations across the world.
THE LAW AND LIBRARY ACCESS
FOR
PATRONS WITH DISABILITIES
Sarah Hawthorne
U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
Jeffrey Senge
California State University, Fullerton
Norman Coombs
EASI: (Equal Access to Software and Information)
Abstract: The Architectural Barriers Act mandated physical access to buildings. Now disabled patrons are also insisting on access to the information in those buildings. Educational institutions understood that the 1973 Rehabilitation Act required provision of access to educational materials. Traditionally, this meant providing either reader services or audio taped materials. Now this must be expanded to mean access to information technology. The Americans with Disabilities Act, besides reinforcing the schools' obligation to make information technology accessible with alternate computer technology, makes this same obligation apply to public libraries.
BOOK REVIEW
Marcia J. Scherer
_Living in the State of Stuck: How Technology
Impacts the Lives of Persons with Disabilities_
Cambridge, Mass.: Brookline Books, 1996.
Reviewer: Anne Pemberton
Abstract: The title of this book caught my attention. What is a "state of stuck"? My experience as a special education teacher led me to envision lives caught in the web of harsh reality, halted by accident or accident of birth from realization of their full potential; I wondered further what could be said about the glass ceiling that hadn't been said before by others.
REMOTE REALTIME CAPTIONING FOR CLASSROOM
PARTICIPATION BY DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS
Jeffrey B. Bishop, MS
University of Iowa
Carole M. Collier
University of Iowa
Abstract: A remote realtime captioning system has been in use at the University of Iowa since August of 1996 to allow Deaf and hard of hearing students to participate fully and independently in classes. Captioning is provided on a laptop computer system that the students ta ke to class. The audio signal from the classroom microphone is transmitted via modem over a telephone line to the captioning servic e where a captioner transcribes the text of the lecture. This text is transmitted back to the student in the classroom via modem and is displayed on the computer. This article presents a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of remote realtime captioning and other communication options.
TALKING PAGES: VERMONT'S STRUGGLE TO PROVIDE
UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO INFORMATION
Fred Jones
Vermont Department of Education
Abstract: Too many times I've heard print challenged individuals explain how they've joined conversations about an article in the day's local newspaper without the advantage of being able to have read it for themselves. Because of technology, this is a frustration of the pa st. The purpose of this article is to share Vermont's experiences with the development of a valuable service to print challenged individ uals with the hope that others will benefit from our findings.
Abstract: Children who do not get a solid foundation in science and mathematics during Kindergarten through 12th grade will not be properly prepared to study science, math, engineering or technology (SMET) successfully in college. Too often students with disabilities fall into this group of being unprepared to study science, math, engineering and technology in post-secondary school. EASI, an affiliate of the American Association for Higher Education has begun work on a two-year National Science Foundation project to create and disseminate materials to help K-12 students with disabilities become prepared to do post-secondary and professional work in technical fields.
OFTWARE REVIEW
ZOOMTEXT XTRA: INTEGRATING SCREEN MAGNIFICATION
AND SYNTHESIZED SPEECH
Dick Banks
EASI Electronic Resource Manager
Abstract: For many visually impaired and learning disabilities individuals, screen magnification has unlocked the door to computer access. The same holds true for synthesized speech. Until recently, in order to use both technologies simultaneously, it was necessary to use three different hardware or software utilities. The user would need to have screen magnification, a speech synthesizer and a screen reader. Information technology, and adaptive technology in particular, is changing in two important ways: costs are dropping as products become increasingly sophisticated. ZoomText Xtra exemplifies both trends.
Abstract: This packet is elegantly presented in a loose-leaf binder, and includes scripts and supporting materials for either a short (20-minute) or a longer, more detailed presentation. These materials include a glossary of terms, templates for transparencies, handouts to duplicate, and one or more videotapes.
K-12 NEWS: THE MAKING OF THE "WHATEVER" PAGE
Anne L. Pemberton
Wilsons, VA
Curator, Academy One on Virginia's PEN
Welcome to a special edition of EASI's "Information Technologies and Disabilities" Journal. This quarter's edition will focus on science, math and technology issues for K-12 students with disabilities . EASI's general focus for the past several years has been on both post-secondary education and the workforce. Within the scope of creating materials to help prepare individuals with disabilities to compete in higher education and the workplace, EASI's work has touched on K-12 issues in the past. However, this is the first edition of the journal that will exclusively focus on K-12 challenge s and strategies.
This edition of the journal is partially supported by EASI's National Science Foundation grant to compile and disseminate information about K-12 science, math, engineering and technology access.
The material in this edition of the journal has been contributed by individuals who have been working in the K-12 science and math arena. We think their insights will prove valuable to you.
We hope you enjoy this issue of the ITD Journal, and we encourage your comments and reactions.
Sincerely,
Carmela Cunningham
ITD Journal Special K-12 Issue Editor
Abstract: This article is an overview of the complicated issues that face K-12 students with disabilities as they study in the fields of science, math and technology. In particular, it focuses on the importance of building solid foundations in the math and science basics.
Abstract: This article examines the value of peer relationships for students with disabilities. In particular, it looks at computer-mediated communication between students with disabilities and how such communication can ease social isolation that often is a by-product of having a disability.
Abstract: This article describes one of several National Science Foundation projects that focus on helping young students with disabilities prepare for study and work in the technical fields. Project Gold is an innovative program at the University of Minnesota that focuses on preparing and encouraging girls with disabilities so that they can study and work in the science, math, engineering and technology fields.
Abstract: This article is an excellent overview of the problems facing teachers who are tasked with teaching science to all students in their charge. It focuses on ICOR, a project that teamed science and special education educators to examine the benefit of designing science curriculum that addressed the needs of students with disabilities, rather than trying to add on to existing science programs.
Abstract: This article is an overview of some science, engineering and math resources available on the World Wide Web. The author includes comments on what Web sites are readily accessible and which ones need a little more work. The article ends with an important plea for advocacy.
Abstract: This article focuses on a tactile system for making graphics accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals.