Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
The Connected Classroom
April 7-9, 2002
Accessibility in a Computer-Enhanced and Online Course Delivery Environment
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By: Tara Perry, V. Dawn Shelar, Sherry Thorup, Philip Jon Voorhees |
Abstract
A panel, consisting of an IT Specialist supporting faculty in Web development, two faculty with disabilities and the MTSU coordinator of Adaptive Technology, will discuss disabilities and the Internet-specifically the needs of the blind and the deaf student/faculty using this medium. A review of available software and hardware will be presented followed by a question and answer session.
Description
The recent onslaught of computer enhanced and online course delivery in higher education has opened doors to many non-traditional students, including students with disabilities. As faculty learns new technology for development of computer based courses, some special needs of the disabled student are often overlooked.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is the civil rights guarantee for persons with disabilities in the United States. Colleges and universities receiving federal financial assistance must not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, or treatment of students. Colleges and universities must make appropriate changes to ensure that the academic program is accessible to the greatest extent possible by all students with disabilities.
It is imperative that faculty developing computer enhanced or online courses be made aware of these special needs. There are simple strategies that can be easily employed to enhance online accessibility. Hardware and software technology is available, as well as Internet tools like Bobby, a free service provided by CAST to help Web page authors identify and repair significant barriers to access by individuals with disabilities. Simple awareness is often the only obstacle to the development of an easily accessible Web Site.
Our panel, consisting of an IT Specialist supporting faculty in Web development, two faculty with disabilities and the MTSU coordinator of Adaptive Technology, will discuss disabilities and the Internet-specifically the needs of the blind and the deaf student/faculty using this medium. A review of available software and hardware will be presented followed by a question and answer session.