Access through Adaptive Computer Technology and Website Design

March 4, 2003 Adaptive Computer Technologies and On-line Access

Our March 4th, 2003 presentation at SIUC is an overview of adaptive computer technology utilized by students and accessibility issues on the Internet. At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will have the tools and resources necessary to design accessible web sites.

Your presenter for this presentation is:

Michael Whitney

Michael Whitney heads adaptive technology and accessible web creation for Disability Support Services at SIUC and is also the coordinator of the Adaptive Computer Technology & Website Design HECA grant project. In addition to his MA in Rehabilitation, Whitney has completed training on designing universally acceptable web resources and an assistive technology applications certificate program offered by the State University of California Northridge. He will discuss and demonstrate some of the common adaptive technologies utilized by students with disabilities.

Topics of Discussion and Presented Technologies

Technologies used by students in order to access academic information

• Dragon Naturally Speaking dictation system
• Read Please reading system
• Arkenstone Open Book scanning system
• Jaws screen reader
• Refreshable Braille
• Microsoft Screen Magnification
• Sip-N-Puff Mouse
• Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard

Inaccessible navigation and Legislation requiring accessibility

• Example of web navigation with assistive technology and limitations of inaccessible sites.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Illinois Web Accessibility Standards
• Administrative Order
• Section 508 : Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards

Examples of inaccessible design and Tools used to make them accessible

• A-Prompt used to make an HTML document on the CD accessible
• Bobby used to check the accessibility of a page
• Review of tools and resources on the CD provided with session.