UNIVERSAL DESIGN OF DISTANCE
LEARNING
Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D.
University of Washington
Abstract: Increasing access to more students is a common reason given for providing instruction in a distance learning format. However, these access arguments usually focus on people separated by distance and time and rarely include consideration of students with disabilities. In fact, the design of many distance learning courses erect barriers to the full participation of students and instructors with some types of disabilities. Assuring that individuals with disabilities can participate in distance learning courses can be argued on ethical grounds. Many people simply consider it to be the right thing to do. Others are more responsive to legal mandates.
A SURVEY OF ONLINE
INSTRUCTIONAL ISSUES AND STRATEGIES FOR POSTSECONDARY STUDENTS WITH LEARNING
DISABILITIES
Robin A. Cook, Ph.D., C.R.C.
Marsha A. Gladhart, Ph.D.
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS
Abstract: This paper addresses a gap in the education literature concerning issues and considerations relevant to engaging in online instruction with adult learners who have learning disabilities. Contained within are a brief background survey of the context in which online instruction has become popular; a comparison of online versus traditional pedagogy techniques, and a discussion of some of the popular technology used in postsecondary institutions to deliver online learning. Finally, the authors describe how aspects of online learning impact students with learning disabilities, and offer suggestions for instructional strategies and appropriate accommodations and modifications.
THE DESIGN OF ACCESSIBLE
DISTANCE EDUCATION ENVIRONMENTS THAT USE COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
Katarina T. Schenker
Doctoral Student in Education, Malmö University
Lawrence A. Scadden, Ph.D.
Research Mentor, Malmö University
Abstract: The use of information technology in education is proliferating throughout the world, both in traditional classroom environments and in distance education using the World Wide Web. It is assumed that new technology enhances opportunities for disabled students in higher education. Adequate research data are, however, needed to assess the effectiveness of technology for enhancing learning and to demonstrate how people who have been marginalized by social, economic, and physical situations best use the technology.
DISTANCE LEARNING AND DISABILITY:
A VIEW FROM THE INSTRUCTOR'S SIDE OF THE VIRTUAL LECTERN
G. Denise Lance, Ph.D.
Abstract:
As students enter my online classroom on inclusion, I ask them to introduce themselves, sharing their current positions, teaching experience, whether they have taken other online courses, and any experiences they may have had with individuals with disabilities. The biggest challenge for me is whether or not to tell my students at the onset that I have cerebral palsy. ISSUES IN PREPARING VISUALLY
DISABLED INSTRUCTORS TO TEACH ONLINE: A CASE STUDY
Thomas J. Tobin, Ph.D.
Westmoreland County Community College
Abstract: Much has been written about how to deliver online course materials to visually-impaired students. This essay explores the methods by which an online support staff may assist a visually-impaired faculty member to teach online, with special emphasis on identifying which strategies for assisting visually-impaired students are transferable to the process of assisting visually-impaired faculty, as well as identifying areas of concern specific to helping a visually-impaired faculty member to prepare and to teach an online course. This essay follows a narrative of the difficulties encountered when the author was assigned to help a visually-disabled faculty member to develop and to teach an online course.
SECTION 508 GOES TO
THE LIBRARY:
COMPLYING WITH FEDERAL LEGAL STANDARDS TO PRODUCE
ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN LIBRARIES
Paul T. Jaeger, J.D., M.Ed.
Information Use Management and Policy Institute
School of Information Studies
Florida State University
Abstract: Whether or not Section 508 regulations apply to your library, there are immensely important ethical reasons for libraries to comply with Section 508 standards. The legal standards that are established by Section 508 provide straightforward guidelines that libraries can follow to ensure that electronic and information technologies are accessible to patrons with disabilities.
WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY
AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR:
DISABILITY STAKEHOLDERS CANNOT TOLERATE 2% ACCESS!
Ronald E. Milliman, Ph.D.
Department of Economics and Marketing
Western Kentucky University
Abstract: Among website designers, the issue of website accessibility has become a very controversial topic. Because of poor design, it is estimated that up to 40% of the potential market is not able to fully access most websites, taking into consideration various disabilities and wireless devices that have limited web browsing capabilities. While the needs of wireless devices are being addressed quite rapidly, in sharp contrast, designers are accused of continuing to ignore the needs of various disabilities.
A REVIEW OF:
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR LEARNING AND WORK ENVIRONMENTS - SECOND EDITION
by Joseph J. Lazzaro
American Library Association
Chicago and London
2001
Reviewed by Jean Balutanski, M.A., CRC
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Abstract: As the instructor of a graduate level course on assistive technology, I am always searching for new professional and student resources that are current, comprehensive, and readable. Published materials on the topic in book format are scarce, and new entries into the pool are viewed with hopeful anticipation. I am pleased to report that the second edition of Adaptive Technologies for Learning and Work Environments by Joseph J. Lazzaro will not disappoint readers seeking a comprehensive, reliable source of information about the current status of adaptive technology and its applications in academic and employment settings.
A REVIEW OF:
BEYOND ALT TEXT: MAKING THE WEB EASY TO USE FOR USERS WITH DISABILITIES
by Pernice Coyne and Jakob Nielsen
Fremont, California: Nielsen-Norman Group, 2001. PDF document.
Reviewed by John M. Slatin, Director
Institute for Technology and Learning
University of Texas at Austin
Abstract: Beyond ALT Text is a 140-page report that details the results of Web usability testing that involved subjects with disabilities. Conducted by the leading Web usability firm in the U.S., the tests involved a total of 104 subjects and 19 Web sites. The subjects included people who are totally blind, people with low vision, and people with impaired mobility. There was also a control group of 20 individuals without disabilities.
A REVIEW OF:
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ACCOMMODATING PEOPLE WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS IN THE WORKPLACE
by Karen Gourgey, Mark Leeds, Tom McNulty, and Dawn M. Suvino
New York: Computer Center for Visually Impaired People
Baruch College, CUNY, 2002
Reviewed by Steve Noble
Kentucky Assistive Technology Service Network
Abstract: Countless studies have highlighted the comparatively low rate of employment among people with disabilities over the past several decades, despite advances in assistive technology and the passage of landmark civil rights laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. The full explanation of this phenomenon may be elusive, but one fundamental aspect of solving this problem can be found in changing the attitudes of employers. In A Practical Guide to Accommodating People with Visual Impairments in the Workplace, the authors not only help to bridge the employer "attitude gap" but also go much further by explaining in easily digestible terms the means by which employers can integrate employees with visual disabilities into the workforce.
Abstract: EASI has unveiled a periodic e-zine based on the archives of back issues of Information Technology and Disabilities. Titled Replay, this theme-based topical reprint will include provide a brief abstract of the articles with links to the full content.