Unlocking Potential Usability Implications JISC TechDis Service Emma Arnold Project Officer, TechDis

Unlocking Potential The JISC TechDis Advisory Service TechDis is the leading educational advisory service providing advice and guidance on technology and disability to promote an accessible and inclusive experience for students and staff. TechDis is a funded advisory service (Joint Information Systems Committee). TechDis is a co-located Service within the HE Academy building in York.

Unlocking Potential TechDis Remit TechDis covers Higher, Further and Specialist Education, across the UK. Our remit is neither focused mainly around technology nor around disability but around good practice in teaching and learning that inherently broadens and enhances the student experience for all students.

Unlocking Potential TechDis and Subject Centres DELAcc Funding from JISC to look at 12 Distributed E- Learning (DEL) projects and ask ‘what would have been done differently or how would the outcomes have been different if disabled students had been considered?’ HEAT Sector or subject centre staff bid for technology to enable the development or uncovering of a piece of good or innovative practice in teaching. 20 funded currently, Round 2 next April.

Unlocking Potential The Holistic Approach to E-Learning Need to provide accessible learning experiences, not necessarily accessible e- learning experiences. Accessibility is primarily about people and not about technology, so staff should take into account an individual's specific needs, institutional and subject factors when providing accessible resources. Need for a quality assurance framework for the development of accessible e-learning resources.

Unlocking Potential User Testing Ensure any site is tested with sample target audience throughout development. Include disabled learners within stakeholder group, including those using alternative equipment to access the information e.g. Screenreader. Ensure common tasks can be completed with ease.

Unlocking Potential Accessibility Statement Ensure when accessibility is considered the outcomes are noted within a statement. If something is inaccessible state it is. Provide alternative advice e.g. contact information. Developing and Publicising a Workable Accessibility Strategy -

Unlocking Potential Using what you know best… Appropriate use of Microsoft Word Document Map Use of Structured and Unstructured Documents Structured document Unstructured document

Unlocking Potential Staff Development & Support TechDis Online services - Staff Packs - Accessibility Essentials User Preferences Toolbar – HE Conference Report Community site -