The Role of School Libraries in Serving Learners with Disabilities Dr. Mega Subramaniam, Rebecca Oxley & @ckodama152 University of Maryland, College of Information Studies
Defining Disability
Access for ALL < Physical Access Intellectual Access > < Assistive & Instructional Technologies
Disability Laws & Guidelines
Universal Design (UD) & Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
The School Library Media Center: A Welcoming Place Disability as spectrum Focus on the learner- NOT the disability Empowering learners within the library
Ivymount School INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY Mimeo iPad Visual communication tools with velcro Computer lab
Ivymount School ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Kurzweil Read & Write Gold IntelliTools Large Screen Monitors Trackball Mice & a variety of headphones
Maryland School for the Blind INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY Tactile Learning Tools Talking maps and signs Braille collection High contrast tactile keyboards
Maryland School for the Blind ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Screen readers (JAWS & Kurzweil 3000) Closed-captioned TV Boardmaker software Optical scanners
Kennedy Krieger INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY SMARTboard iPad labs Flip cameras Tactile realia
Kennedy Krieger ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Reading Pens Alpha Smarts Talking browser Dual-coded online library catalog
Maryland School for the Deaf INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY SMARTboard Pairing digital animated text with visuals of ASL Tactile realia
Maryland School for the Deaf ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Cochlear implants provided by MSD TTY telephones at MSD Computer lab
Levels of Assistive Technology Low LevelMid LevelHigh Level Laminated pages Velcro instructional tools Highlighting tape Multi-encoded signage Activity schedules Headphones Calculators Overhead projectors Recording devices Screen readers Communication software Interactive whiteboards Large-screen monitors Trackball mice Optical scanners (Ennis-Cole & Smith, 2011)
School Libraries & SPED: Let’s explore the potential of new technology! TechnologyWhat It DoesTeaching & Learning iPadInteractive educational & assistive apps; e-Reader Alternate means of curricular engagement; built-in accessibility Dragon Naturally Speaking Dictation software: speech to text Alternate means of expression; Teachers can record materials, simplify content PlayawaysDurable all-in-one complete audiobook unit Audio content more inclusive for cognitive disabilities (ASD & LD)
School Libraries & SPED: Let’s explore the potential of new technology! TechnologyWhat It DoesTeaching & Learning Dictionary Tool-Tip Free Firefox Browser add-n that defines words by double-click or hot keys Assist students in basic definitions and in advanced needs while practicing research BoardmakerSymbol software that allows users to create multimodal communication boards digitally [& printable] Alternate means of expression & engagement; Teachers can make visual schedules useful for ASD & ADD; Transform print materials into interactive digital
School Libraries & SPED: Supporting Services ServicesWhat It SupportsWhat They Provide National Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (NLS) Vision disabilitiesFree subscription lending of Braille & audio, assistive listening devices; Creating new materials BookSharePrint disabilitiesFree for students; Adapted materials (DAISY e-read & audio, refreshable Braille); Downloadable Galludet University Library Aural disabilitiesCoordinates services (ASL translation) & resources (video) for the deaf
Collaboration: Challenges? The School Library: isolated or integrated? Perception of school librarian: educator with expertise in UDL? a technology specialist? integral for SPED professional development? Collaboration: deepening student learning? Scheduling: fixed or flexible?
School Librarian as Tech Ally Consult librarian in purchase of technologies for school Leverage school librarian information literacy skills in teaching through assistive technologies Include librarian in technology integration across curriculum
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