Access through Adaptive Computer Technology and Website Design

February 27, 2003 Overview and Luncheon Discussion

Our February 27, 2003 presentation at SIUC is an overview of adaptive computer technology and a round-table style luncheon discussion with students.

Presented Technologies

• Text conversion with Omnipage and benefits over taped materials
• The need for legislation similar to 24 other states requiring publishers to provide adapted texts
• Kurzweil 3000 scanning system
• Arkenstone Open Book scanning system
• Jaws screen reader
• Refreshable Braille
• Sip and Puff technologies used to control power chair
• CCTV enlargement system
• Dragon Naturally Speaking dictation system
• Read Please reading system
• Zoom Text screen magnification
• Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard
• Sip-N-Puff Mouse
• Example of web navigation with assistive technology and limitations of inaccessible sites.
• Bobby
• A-Prompt
• Review of tools and resources on the CD provided with session.

Topics of Discussion

• Student's experience on this campus is that the environment and culture is much more accepting and supportive than at other schools. Such as the integrated housing and computer labs.
• Compared to other campuses, SIUC is very willing to respond to student needs.
• Some campuses say they are supportive of students with disabilities but when these students got there, they found out it was not true.
• Students felt that the DSS transition program was the most valuable program they had participated with and would not have been able to survive without it.
• We need to get the word out about our environment and culture and how it is integrated and supportive. Seymour Bryson offered a student an opportunity to make a video.
• Students reported the need to be exposed to adaptive technology much earlier in their academics and that SIUC should spread the word in K-12 about the technologies. Seymour knows a representative from the K-12 group that we could work with in the future.
• Students shared the importance of adaptive technology as it enhances their ability to work independently such as Craig Wilderman's ability to produce outstanding artwork by moving just his fingers and a mouse.
• David Benney presented his Braille Lite and how he is now capable of taking his own notes and writing his own papers independently.
• IBHE is interested in a presentation by DSS and students for their best practices training in August.