Latest posts by Corbb O'Connor (see all)
- New research: Proposed, global standard for quiet cars won’t benefit average blind person - June 30, 2015
- Learning to Type with a Simple ‘Keystroke’ - October 28, 2014
- Unique Certification Organization Recognized with $20,000 Award - July 29, 2014
- Help Blind People Combat the Tendency to Rock Back and Forth - July 16, 2014
- Routine Class Project Changes First Grader’s Mind - June 12, 2014
The word “accessibility” is one that’s tossed around frequently in higher education, yet few people understand how to implement the concept.
At last week’s Faculty Technology Showcase, Dr. Edward Bell—who directs the Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech—explained the most common methods and technologies employed at the university level by students who are blind or visually impaired. He also covered what non-visual access looks like, how it works, and the challenges associated with adapting educational materials for instructors.
“The biggest obstacle we face are PDFs,” Dr. Bell said. “They can be made accessible, but you can’t assume that it will be usable until you have a blind person test it.”
Too often, the inaccessible PDFs exist as Word documents, and professors just post the PDFs out of habit. Even for those who are well-versed in the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the outreach event helped put people at ease.
“The big takeaway is simple,” Dr. Bell said. “Don’t be scared. Be nice, be respectful, and ask your students what they need. Most of all, know that we at the Institute are here as a resource to help you ensure everyone can use your materials, take your exams, and learn.”
Latest posts by Corbb O'Connor (see all)
- New research: Proposed, global standard for quiet cars won’t benefit average blind person - June 30, 2015
- Learning to Type with a Simple ‘Keystroke’ - October 28, 2014
- Unique Certification Organization Recognized with $20,000 Award - July 29, 2014
- Help Blind People Combat the Tendency to Rock Back and Forth - July 16, 2014
- Routine Class Project Changes First Grader’s Mind - June 12, 2014
