1 Catherine S. Fichten, Ph.D. Accessibility and Students with Disabilities A CSLP Theme Presentation at the CSLP Executive Meeting, Concordia University, January 2007, Montreal.

2 Research  Adaptech Research Network  Jennison Asuncion  Maria Barile  Interdisciplinary research team with partners  Based at Dawson College in Montreal  College and university students with disabilities  Facilitators of success  eLearning access needs  Free and inexpensive computer technologies  Research conducted bilingually  Funding: SSHRC, FQRSC, CCL, PAREA, Heritage Canada

3 Technology Can Provide Equal Access  Provides independence of action  Without the restriction of having to go to a specific physical location  No need for third party intervention  Gives information in a form which can be  Reviewed a number of times  Assimilated at student's own pace

4 Equality Only Exists If  Students have access to technology  At school and at home  Students are computer literate on adaptive technology  Timely access to training on hardware & software  Students are able to keep technology up to date and functional

5 Equality Only Exists If  Campus officials  Purchase accessible products at an institutional level  Support construction of accessible web pages  Faculty construct accessible course materials  WebCT, online & distance ed course materials…  Colleges and universities ensure that adaptive technology is  Available on campus  Up to date

6Conclusions  Computers for students with disabilities  Tools for success  New eLearning initiatives need to be accessible  Universal, inclusive design and adaptations for students with disabilities also help nondisabled students

7 More Information Adaptech Research Network