School, Centre or Element Name 1 AVCC GUIDELINES ON INFORMATION ACCESS FOR STUDENTS WITH PRINT DISABILITIES

School, Centre or Element Name 2 What is a print disability? People with a print disability are those who cannot obtain access to information in a print format because they: are blind or vision impaired have physical disabilities which limit their ability to hold or manipulate information in a printed form have perceptual or other disabilities which limit their ability to follow a line of print or which affect their concentration cannot comprehend information in a print format due to insufficient literacy or language skills

School, Centre or Element Name 3 Why is information access so important? Access to information for people with a print disability, be it in traditional formats such as large print, braille and audio, or in newer and emerging electronic technologies such as the world wide web, structured e-text, e-commerce and interactive voice response, ensures that all people have access to the thoughts and ideas which make a society. (Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities)

School, Centre or Element Name 4 Legislative Framework Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (1992) DDA Standards for Education (2005) Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act Other related legislation

School, Centre or Element Name 5 Legislative Basics The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) makes it unlawful to discriminate against people on the ground of disability in certain areas, including: –access to premises, –education, –employment, and –the provision of goods and services.

School, Centre or Element Name 6 Legislative Basics cont... The Act uses a broad definition of disability, and defines two types of discrimination, direct and indirect. –An example of direct discrimination would be requiring a person in a wheelchair to use stairs to access a building, or requiring a person with a print disability to use a print book in order to study.

School, Centre or Element Name 7 Legislative Basics cont... Indirect discrimination is treatment that is, on the surface, not discriminatory, but which nevertheless has a disproportionate negative impact on people with a particular disability. –For example, requiring a driver's license as the only proof of identity discriminates against people who are blind and hence cannot drive (obviously, some requirements will be inherent to a particular task, and will thus not be discriminatory, for example, a bus driver requires a driver's license). Both direct and indirect discrimination can apply in the provision of information to people with a print disability.

School, Centre or Element Name 8 AVCC Guidelines Aim to assist institutions to meet the needs of students with print disabilities Not a prescriptive list Advice on good practice

School, Centre or Element Name 9 Scope of Guidelines Guidelines cover –Provision of student assistance –Teaching materials –Internet access –Encouraging inclusivity –Equipment and technology –Practical classes and practicum placements –Policy implementation

School, Centre or Element Name 10 Structure of Guidelines General Principles Statements of good practice Examples of good practice

School, Centre or Element Name 11 General Principles Aim to provide students with print disabilities with the opportunity to realise their individual capabilities and to gain access to and participate in University life; Ensure that all interactions with students with print disabilities are characterised by respect of their right to dignity, privacy, confidentiality and substantive equality; Seek to provide support services to students with print disabilities in the interests of equality of educational opportunity. Services may include alternative ways of accessing information and expressing knowledge and general support services; Give attention to the resources needed to provide the appropriate environment and support services to students with print disabilities.

School, Centre or Element Name 12 Resources Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disability: Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission – Copyright Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission – Web Accessibility Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission – Forum on Information Access Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training Creating Accessible Teaching and Support (CATS)