Preparing Now for Accommodations and Assistive Technology in College
Steven Bianco, Florida SouthWestern State College, Coordinator of Accessibility & LMS Administration, Office of Information Technology
Disclosure
The software and websites linked within does not indicate an endorsement and is provided for informational purposes. Do not install any software without first running a virus scanner, software may require an administrator to install or implement, read the terms for any copyright information and licensing requirements.
All information is provided on an as-is basis for the purposes of education and research direction. As with any informational source your discretion is advised.
Presenter Information
Steven Bianco
- Canvas course content accessibility
- Document accessibility
- Vendor Voluntary Product Accessibility (VPAT™) review
- Website accessibility
Overview
- Assistive Technologies
- Graphic Organizers
- Note Taking
- Speech to Text
- Text to Speech (TTS)
- Universal Design for Learning
- Multiple Means of Engagement
- Multiple Means of Representation
- Multiple Means of Action and Expression
- Quick Takeaways
- Questions?
Assistive Technologies
Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. (Young & MacCormack, 2014).
Graphic Organizers
"A graphic organizer is a visual display or chart that shows the relationship between ideas, facts, and information" (Alber, 2016).
The use of graphic organizers relates to the Universal Design for Learning framework for checkpoints 3.2, 3.3, and 6.3. There are many free tools to create graphic organizers, notably within Microsoft Office (version 2007 and up) there is SmartArt.
SmartArt transforms bulleted list contents into visually appealing process maps and other visual representations of relationships.
The major consideration when selecting a software (program-based or web-based) is the ability to create and disseminate accessible formats. Basic considerations are text-to-speech optimization, keyboard accessibility, and the ability to transition to a different format.
Note Taking
- Free or Low Cost
- High Cost
Speech to Text
- Free or Low Cost
- High Cost
Text to Speech (TTS)
- Free or Low Cost
- Balabolka
- Built-in Screen Readers
- Microsoft Edge Browser
- Microsoft Immersive Reader
- Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA)
- High Cost
Universal Design for Learning
CAST. (2018). Universal design for learning guidelines, version 2.2. Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST).
Multiple Means of Engagement
- Provide options for Recruiting Interest:
- Provide options for Sustaining Effort and Persistence:
- Provide options for Self Regulation:
Multiple Means of Representation
- Provide options for Perception:
- Provide options for Language and Symbols:
- Provide options for Comprehension:
Multiple Means of Action and Expression
- Provide options for Physical Action:
- Provide options for Expression and Communication:
- Provide options for Executive Functions:
Quick Takeaways
Easy Things to Implement
- Help users understand what things are and how to use them.
- Help users find what they need.
- Use clear content (text, images and media).
- Help users avoid mistakes.
- Help users focus.
- Ensure processes do not rely on memory.
- Provide help and support.
- Support adaption and personalization.
Questions?
Please use the next five (5) to ten (10) minutes to ask questions and discuss with the presenter.
References
Alber, R. (2016, October 13). Using graphic organizers correctly. Edutopia.
CAST. (2018). Universal design for learning guidelines, version 2.2. Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST).
Seeman-Horwitz, L., Montgomery, R., Lee, S., Ran, R. (eds.). (2021, April 29). Making content usable for people with cognitive and learning disabilities. W3C.
Young, G., MacCormack, J. (2014, June 10). Assistive technology for students with learning disabilities. Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario.
Thank You!
Please contact Steven Bianco by email at sbianco@fsw.edu or connect with him on LinkedIn.