USING DISTANCE EDUCATION TO ENHANCE THE REACH OF DISABILITY STUDIES CURRICULUM Megan A. Conway, Ph.D. & Thomas H. Conway, M.B.A. Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa Photo above of two stone seats shaped like upheld hands. Sign with Japanese characters in background.

About the Speakers Megan A. Conway, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Disability Studies, University of Hawaii Editor, Review of Disability Studies Thomas H. Conway, M.B.A. Media Coordinator, Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawaii Doctoral Student, Educational Technology

Overview of Presentation I. Foundation for Distance Education II. Application of Universal Design III. Web Accessibility IV. Emerging Technologies V. Further Resources

Foundation Promise of Distance Education for Disability Studies and Awareness Bridge barriers of distance, cost, environmental access. Bring together teachers and learners from diverse perspectives and cultures.

Foundation of Distance Education Distance Education Defined Definition of distance education Types of distance education A formal learning activity which occurs when students and instructor are separated by geographic distance or by time, often supported by communications technology. Synchronous, Asynchronous, Hybrid

Application of Universal Design Universal Design Defined Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable by everyone, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” Ron Mace [ Universal Design for Learning] UDL provides a blueprint for creating flexible goals, methods, materials, and assessments that accommodate learner differences. CAST

Application Principles of Universal Design for Learning 1. Multiple Means of Representation 2. Multiple Means of Expression 3. Multiple Means of Engagement

Application Examples of UDL Applications in the Online Disability Studies Classroom Maximizing Representation, Expression and Engagement Synchronous Web Conferencing Platforms Asynchronous Learning Management Systems Captioning, audio description, use of multi media, participant involvement Interactive syllabus, collaborative discussion, calendars, media formats, communication, weekly assignments

What is Web Accessibility? Accessibility Benefits older people, English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, temporarily disabled people, and other diverse populations. Benefits people with disabilities — including auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech, and visual impairments.

Web Accessibility W3C World Wide Web Consortium  Founded by Tim Berners-Lee W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web.  Goal of providing web access to everyone through Internationally recognized standards. “The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.”

Web Accessibility Output Device Independence 1. Screen reader useable (voice only transmission) 2. Logical navigation through webpage and website (mouse free) 3. Easy to read with minimal distractions 4. Use of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for separating content and design elements

Accessibility and Distance Education Alternative Formats 1. Screen readable formatted documents (PDF) 2. Logical navigation of materials 3. Tagged or labeled photos and graphics 4. Captioned videos and multi-media presentations

Emerging Technologies Web 2.0 Social Media (Interactive) Thousands of new programs available for collaboration and presentations VoiceThread - Gallaudet University, Accessible Twitter Thousands of new programs available for collaboration and presentations VoiceThread - Gallaudet University, Accessible Twitter Mobile Devices Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE) Second Life, Blue Mars, Gaia, Webkinz Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE) Second Life, Blue Mars, Gaia, Webkinz

Emerging Collaboration Technology “VoiceThread is an application designed for people to have discussions about shared digital media. Each VoiceThread discussion consists of slides - just like a presentation - and each slide contains a piece of digital media.” “What we've found is that accessibility is often "bolted on" as an afterthought, when it should be designed with as much care as the typical-user experience. With this in mind…We decided to create VoiceThread Universal.”VoiceThread Universal VoiceThread – Presentation program with interactive feedback via the web or phone VoiceThread Universal – Accessible version interface specially designed for screen-reading software

Emerging Communication Technology Web accessibility for Twitter Accessible Twitter Accessible Twitter is an alternative to the Twitter.com website. It is designed to be easier to use and is optimized for disabled users. Accessible Twitter Accessible Twitter is an alternative to the Twitter.com website. It is designed to be easier to use and is optimized for disabled users.

Emerging MUVE Technology 1. Webkinz 2. Gaia 3. Second Life 4. Blue Mars 5. Virtual AbilityVirtual Ability

Additional Resources Students with Disabilities as Diverse Learners W3C Web Accessibility Initiative Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) WebAIM Virtual Ability