Breaking Down Barriers: An Educator's Guide to Accessible Technology in Schools (Page 1 of 2)
The following publication content was developed through a joint project between AccessIT and the ADA and IT Technical Assistance Centers. The publication is additionally available for printing as an attractive twelve-page flyer, and can be freely distributed for educational, non-commercial purposes. (Requires the free Acrobat Reader).
Hannah, who is blind, has a computer equipped with text-to-speech technology at school. She goes to the computer lab to do a Web assignment with her class. Her text-to-speech system reads aloud all of the text presented at the Web site. The Web site's designer, however, neglected to include text descriptions of the content presented within graphic images; therefore, this content is not accessible to her. Even with her impressive computer system, Hannah is stuck. Hannah sits on the sidelines, surrounded by the enthusiastic chatter of her classmates working together.
Too often, Hannah and other students with disabilities cannot access Web content or operate educational software because of its inaccessible design. They do not have full access to the standard curriculum and are in danger of failing to meet state learning standards and the goals of No Child Left Behind. Excluded from computer-based activities, these students do not receive the benefits technology delivers to their peers who do not have disabilities. How can you assure that your son or daughter has access to technology-based learning opportunities at school?
This publication presents strategies that can help you advocate for technology that is accessible to all students, including your child. It presents key terms and then puts them all together in a way that makes a simple, compelling case for the purchase, development, and use of accessible technology. If you would like to join the effort to promote the use of accessible technology in our schools, keep reading.
Continue to Page 2 of Breaking Down Barriers: An Educator's Guide to Accessible Technology in Schools
