1. Towards a New Industry Standard for Inclusive Multimedia Resources Dr Tony Rest Chemistry Video Consortium Southampton University a.j.rest@soton.ac.uk

2. Units of courses in natural, physical, engineering and life sciences Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials Coursework Practicals - MANDATORY

3. Problems for students with disabilities and disadvantages Access to rooms Access to laboratories Safety in the laboratory Carrying out experimental work

4. Some IT solutions Distance learning Design of multimedia courseware including video, animations and simulations, e.g. “Fundamental Laboratory Chemistry” DEMO and “Physical Chemistry Experiments” – hearing, visually and physically impaired students Inclusion of multiple language options – bringing resources from overseas

5. What about “Signing”? “Signing” seems to be effective when the technical level is relatively low, e.g. “Scientists in Sign” DEMO Problems arise because of several different “Signing” languages in the UK alone Problems arise with highly technical “Signing” and the size of the “Signing” image CONCLUSION: Needs of hearing-impaired students are probably best served by well-designed sub-titles

7. Overall Conclusions IT technology now exists which can open up scientific/technical subjects with mandatory practical/skills requirements to students with disabilities and disadvantages Consideration should be given to the needs of disabled and disadvantaged students at the planning stage of designing new multimedia resources leads to improved products

8. Challenges to designers  To create multimedia resources which include options for disabled and disadvantaged students at the outset rather than having to adapt packages later?  To press for and to adopt a new Industry Standard for INCLUSIVE multimedia courseware

9. Acknowledgements Don Brattan, Oliver Jevons (Chemistry Video Consortium CDROMS) and Marion Harvey (“Signing”) Daniel Cabrol-Bass and Jean-Pierre Rabine (Nice; Multiple Language Options) HEFCE FDTL Program via “Project Improve” (Hull) ICI Plc