The Accessible Resources Pilot Project Independent use of technology and accessible e-texts. E.A. Draffan University of Southampton Funding DCSF 2009/2010

Project Objectives  To make a real difference to the learning and lives of students with print impairment by providing direct access to curriculum materials

Some Issues of the Day  Lack of access to learning materials same time as other students  Lack of support for e-text in schools, colleges and universities  Technology helpful but not always available.  Lack of independence for print impaired students 1 in 8

Accessible Digital Information PriorityComments 1Paper – typed notes2 Scribble around them 2Paper – PowerPoint slides5Scribble around them 3Electronic notes (MS word) Word docs because I can change them 4Electronic notes (pdf file) 4PDF are difficult to change – can’t alter the style 5Electronic PowerPoint slides 3Clear points – not too cluttered 6Electronic PowerPoint slides with embedded video 2I like videos 7Electronic PowerPoint slides with narration, embedded questions and explanations 1Impatica is brilliant. 8Podcasts – audio only1 Keep them short and clear with text 9Podcasts – audio and video1Videos are best 10On line ‘static’ sites e.g. image banks, journal articles 4These are OK 11On line ‘collaborative’ sites e.g. Wikipedia 3I love Wikipedia

Access to Curriculum Materials – e- texts? e-Book platform accessibility: JISC TechDis bridge model.

Lack of Accessible textbooks Making the Difference… Overcoming some of the barriers to learning Independence through “Personal choice when interacting with supportive resources” Access to appropriate technology Pupil centric Access to individualised support Staff time and training

Supporting Team Experts in software for accessibility, support and training, Specialist Producers, Study Skills and Support Tutors Liaison with external organisations and Local Authorities

Publisher PDF files MS Word (intermediate format) Students via VLE Convert to preferred format Large print, Talking Book, MP3 or Braille Pupil reads curriculum materials in preferred format Curriculum materials Students Project Framework Specialist Producers convert complex files only OCR files (if publisher files not available)

Decisions Not mutually exclusive!

Tools used by students  Microsoft Word documents  Access software  Alternative format software  Playback hardware / software

Tools Create&Convert – JISC RSC Scotland SE TAMC from Techadapt – download/index.html Save as Daisy and Pipeline – Office 2010 – Daisy Consortium iPhone and iPad options – apps for playing Daisy files e.g. InDaisy (£11.49) and Vod Lite (free and £15.49)

Teacher and Teaching Assistants’ Comments

Thank you E.A. Draffan ECS, University of Southampton. Slides available at: More information available at