What are the major challenges and issues today in accessible technology for higher education? Approaches towards solutions… Kirk D. Behnke, M.Ed., ATP

Accessible Technology in Education A brief historical perspective 1980’s ▫ personal computer ▫ limited internet ▫ hand-made assistive technology (AT) ▫ no ADA; Section 504 and IDEA Late 1980’s/early 1990’s ▫ personal computer widespread ▫ internet coming of age ▫ physical access issues become more prevalent ▫ ADA implementation; Universal Design 2

Accessible Technology in Education A brief historical perspective (cont.) Mid 1990’s ▫ MS Windows NT – portability ▫ cell phones; Web 1.0 – early browsers & information ▫ learning and assistive software development ▫ ADA controversy; Universal Design expanded Today ▫ variety of OS, browsers, flexibility, and portable devices ▫ smart phones; tablet computers; WiFi; the cloud ▫ AT and accessible instructional materials ▫ full access; personal preferences; learning options 3

AA Revision of ATI Coded Memo Vision: The CSU system will excel and provide leadership in using technology that is fully accessible through universal design to its students, faculty, staff and the general public Mission: Provide the resources, tools, training and expertise for the CSU system to ensure that instructional materials and the technology that are used will be accessible to all 4

Considering Campus Needs Data to consider ATI Annual Reports and Success Indicators Campus Collaboration Projects The Advisory Commission on Accessible Instructional Materials in Post-Secondary Education for Students with Disabilities (the Commission) is established under Section 772 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act – AHEAD conference in July Driving activities ▫ Executive Sponsors Steering Committee ▫ Student, staff and faculty input ▫ Centers of Excellence 5

Challenges and Issues Webpage accessibility compliance Online learning materials accessibility Timely accessible instructional materials Library materials Accessibility of software/tools used in classes Emerging technologies Building efficiency/leveraging resources Budget for accessibility 6

Webpage accessibility compliance Variety of compliance issues and implementation  Educate and guide campuses on the WCAG 2.0 compliance guidelines  Highlight campus best practice programs in development, design, testing and maintaining compliance  Spotlight Cal Poly Pomona project utilizing senior capstone project 7

Online learning materials accessibility Materials and venues have varying levels of accessibility  Become a conduit for resources and information for faculty (full, part-time, adjunct and assistants) on providing accessibility  Highlight simple accommodations and processes made in the course by faculty, staff and students  Provide materials/training/technical assistance for implementation of Universal Design for All framework 8

Timely accessible instructional materials Providing timely, quality accessible materials  Monitor Digital Marketplace with ATI initiatives through the pilot program – track accessibility  Identify and partner with prospective national book repositories such as RFB&D, Bookshare, and AccessText Network  Research digital content management for accessibility in a variety of ways to reach accessibility for all students  Identify and address issues surrounding Textbook rentals in regards to accessibility 9

Library materials Coordination and responsibility of faculty – library resources to provide accessible materials  Problem solve with campuses to identify and present best practices for material accessibility procedures for libraries  Collaborate and identify requested materials in various formats for student’s needs  Focus on the development of STEM materials 10

Accessibility of software/tools used in classes Learning Management Systems Virtual geography – e.g. Google earth Web-based conference/meeting software Multi-media  Provide resources/options for Universal Design  Implement best practices – faculty training  Provide webinars to demonstrate accessibility and learning tools  Research projects with commercial entities on accessibility 11

Emerging technologies Software available on the “cloud” – where non- flexible access issues could impede download Software may not be compatible with current assistive technology use Campus-based computer labs becoming less available  New tablets with student demands/preferences could help with providing flexible options for all  Use of mobile devices and apps; use of these apps for non-mobile use as well 12

Building efficiency/leveraging resources Production of Chinese Braille, Stanford University, Sean Keegan -- $400/page ▫ The need to leverage these high-cost materials development  Setting up structure of MS Word documents/templates – styles for mark up, describe images/captions, good use of columns, all which help with a server based file conversion process 13

Budget for accessibility There are costs for building in accessibility – time, development, personnel and administration  Balance the cost of doing things accessibly or universally-design first  Efficiencies in achieving accessibility from the beginning by working with vendors to ensure accessibility before purchase  Working with companies on a larger scale to build in value over costs (HiSoftware – Compliance Sherriff) 14

In summary Many technology advances A variety of challenges AND opportunities Building in Universal Design is a turning point in thinking and application Training, support & resources What is working well Implement a continuous improvement process Open up lines of communication and networking 15