Access through Adaptive Computer Technology and Website Design

March 17, 2003 Adaptive Computer Technologies and On-line Access for Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Professor Upton

Our March 17th, 2003 presentation for Dr. Upton is being given to one of his Rehabilitation classes as an informative overview of adaptive computer technology and correct web design procedures and implications. We will also be giving two of our students the opportunity to discuss with the class some accessibility issues that they have faced and overcome while here at Southern Illinois University.

Your presenter for this event 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.