Kirk D. Behnke, M.Ed., ATP

1. What are the major challenges and issues today in accessible technology for higher education?Approaches towards solutions… Kirk D. Behnke, M.Ed., ATP

2. Accessible Technology in Education A brief historical perspective • 1980’s • personal computer • limited internet • hand-made assistive technology (AT) • no ADA; Section 504 and IDEA • Late 1980’s/early 1990’s • personal computer widespread • internet coming of age • physical access issues become more prevalent • ADA implementation; Universal Design

3. Accessible Technology in Education A brief historical perspective (cont.) • Mid 1990’s • MS Windows NT – portability • cell phones; Web 1.0 – early browsers & information • learning and assistive software development • ADA controversy; Universal Design expanded • Today • variety of OS, browsers, flexibility, and portable devices • smart phones; tablet computers; WiFi; the cloud • AT and accessible instructional materials • full access; personal preferences; learning options

4. AA-2010-13 Revision of ATI Coded Memo • Vision: The CSU system will excel and provide leadership in using technology that is fully accessible through universal design to its students, faculty, staff and the general public • Mission: Provide the resources, tools, training and expertise for the CSU system to ensure that instructional materials and the technology that are used will be accessible to all

5. Considering Campus Needs • Data to consider • ATI Annual Reports and Success Indicators • Campus Collaboration Projects • The Advisory Commission on Accessible Instructional Materials in Post-Secondary Education for Students with Disabilities (the Commission) is established under Section 772 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act – AHEAD conference in July • Driving activities • Executive Sponsors Steering Committee • Student, staff and faculty input • Centers of Excellence

6. Challenges and Issues • Webpage accessibility compliance • Online learning materials accessibility • Timely accessible instructional materials • Library materials • Accessibility of software/tools used in classes • Emerging technologies • Building efficiency/leveraging resources • Budget for accessibility

7. Webpage accessibility compliance • Variety of compliance issues and implementation • Educate and guide campuses on the WCAG 2.0 compliance guidelines • Highlight campus best practice programs in development, design, testing and maintaining compliance • Spotlight Cal Poly Pomona project utilizing senior capstone project

8. Online learning materials accessibility • Materials and venues have varying levels of accessibility • Become a conduit for resources and information for faculty (full, part-time, adjunct and assistants) on providing accessibility • Highlight simple accommodations and processes made in the course by faculty, staff and students • Provide materials/training/technical assistance for implementation of Universal Design for All framework

9. Timely accessible instructional materials • Providing timely, quality accessible materials • Monitor Digital Marketplace with ATI initiatives through the pilot program – track accessibility • Identify and partner with prospective national book repositories such as RFB&D, Bookshare, and AccessText Network • Research digital content management for accessibility in a variety of ways to reach accessibility for all students • Identify and address issues surrounding Textbook rentals in regards to accessibility

10. Library materials • Coordination and responsibility of faculty – library resources to provide accessible materials • Problem solve with campuses to identify and present best practices for material accessibility procedures for libraries • Collaborate and identify requested materials in various formats for student’s needs • Focus on the development of STEM materials

11. Accessibility of software/tools used in classes • Learning Management Systems • Virtual geography – e.g. Google earth • Web-based conference/meeting software • Multi-media • Provide resources/options for Universal Design • Implement best practices – faculty training • Provide webinars to demonstrate accessibility and learning tools • Research projects with commercial entities on accessibility

12. Emerging technologies • Software available on the “cloud” – where non-flexible access issues could impede download • Software may not be compatible with current assistive technology use • Campus-based computer labs becoming less available • New tablets with student demands/preferences could help with providing flexible options for all • Use of mobile devices and apps; use of these apps for non-mobile use as well

13. Building efficiency/leveraging resources • Production of Chinese Braille, Stanford University, Sean Keegan -- $400/page • The need to leverage these high-cost materials development • Setting up structure of MS Word documents/templates – styles for mark up, describe images/captions, good use of columns, all which help with a server based file conversion process

14. Budget for accessibility • There are costs for building in accessibility – time, development, personnel and administration • Balance the cost of doing things accessibly or universally-design first • Efficiencies in achieving accessibility from the beginning by working with vendors to ensure accessibility before purchase • Working with companies on a larger scale to build in value over costs (HiSoftware – Compliance Sherriff)

15. In summary • Many technology advances • A variety of challenges AND opportunities • Building in Universal Design is a turning point in thinkingand application • Training, support & resources • What is working well • Implement a continuous improvement process • Open up lines of communication and networking