Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
The Challenge Continues
March 30-April 1, 2003
Making Web Pages Accessible for Everyone
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By: Curtis Edmonds |
Abstract
This presentation will educate education stakeholders about the potential barriers that face students with disabilities in accessing information technology in the classroom. Attendees will learn about these barriers, legal requirements for accessibility, and how to access resources to ensure that technology is accessible for all students.
Description
This lecture will cover issues related to accessible education-based electronic and information technology (EduIT). Attendees will be able to ask questions and participate in evaluating Internet sites for access; they will receive a handout copy of the presentation, together with information about the Southeast DBTAC and a list of resources on Internet accessibility for people with disabilities. This lecture covers the following topics:
- History - parallels between the rise of the disability rights movement and the electronic and information technology revolution
- Legal Environment - what school districts are required to do to comply with federal law regarding individuals with disabilities and information technology
- Information Technology - what products and services are covered by federal law
- Reasons for Accessible IT - why parents should advocate that school districts work to make their IT products and services accessible for people with disabilities
- Assistive Technology - the technology products used by people with disabilities to access information technology
- Common Barriers - how poorly designed information technology fails to take assistive technology into account
- Internet Barriers - how redesigning Internet sites helps make information technology more available and useful for everyone
- Online Tools - Online resources such as "Bobby" that parents can use to identify potential access errors
- Resources - Organizations and centers that parents and teachers can contact for more information
- Advocacy - Ways that parents can work with their school districts to ensure electronic access for students with disabilities