RIT Receives Computing Research Grant from National Science Foundation

$100,000 awarded for Accessible Computing Education for visually impaired students

In continuation of its outreach to underrepresented groups within computing, Rochester Institute of Technology’s B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences has established a summer program to introduce computing professions to visually impaired students.

Funded through a $100,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, the ImagineIT summer program strives to increase participation in computing among students with visual impairments through better class material preparation, support and teacher development. The goal is to increase academic performance among these students, leading to greater potential of career success.

“This multifaceted approach to student and educator preparation will enable the visually impaired a rare opportunity to explore the diversity of computing and professional options,” says Stephanie Ludi, professor of software engineering and ImagineIT coordinator. “Increasing the diversity of computing professionals can provide the perspectives needed to produce innovations that can improve the quality of life for all.”

While the majority of students involved will come from the Rochester area, partnerships through the National Federation of the Blind and partner school districts in San Diego allow for the program to impact students on a national level.

For more information, contact Stephanie Ludi at (585) 475-7407 or visit the ImagineIT program website at www.se.rit.edu/~imagine-it.


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