Access through Adaptive Computer Technology and Website Design

June 28 & 29, 2004 - Great Lakes Academic Lab Management Conference at Eastern Illinois University

The June 28 & 29, 2004 - EIU Lab Manager Conference is a collaborative effort between Patricia A. Cosgrove, Michael Whitney and Jim Sissom covering where we have been, where we are, and where we are headed in the provision of assistive and instructional technologies. Our approach to assistive technology for students with disabilities embodies the philosophy of inclusion. On our campus, the big push for assistive technology-enhanced computing services started in 1989. In the 15 years since, significant strides forward have occurred from modifications to the facility; appropriate hardware and software add-ons to computers at a single location; all the way to assisting in the development of undergraduate curriculum in assistive technology and becoming statewide leaders in the provision of assistive technologies post secondary settings. Our discussion will include hints on finding collaborative partners (on campus or otherwise), cost-sharing examples, management philosophy, staff training, related hardware and software, assessment, and working with faculty.

Patricia A. Cosgrove

Patricia A. Cosgrove is an Assistant Director of Information Technology at Southern Illinois University. Her educational background is a Bachelor of Sociology and a Master of Public Administration from SIU. She has been involved with adaptive computing since 1988 when she wrote the first proposal for SIU entitled “Report on Computer Access for Students with Disabilities”. Ms. Cosgrove manages four Computer Learning Centers and the campus Computer Support Center. In addition to these responsibilities, she serves as an integral member of the SIU ADA Task Force (since 1991), Co-Director and Fiscal Officer of the IBHE/HECA grant: Adapted Technology and Web site Design, Fiscal Officer of the IBHE/HECA grant: SIUC Transition and Inclusion Camp for Students with Disabilities. She also holds the offices of Vice-Chair of the SIU Administrative/Professional Staff Council and Vice-Chair of the SIU MPA Advisory Board. Recently, she served as Chair of the RFP committee for computer purchases representing SIUC, SIUE, SIU School of Medicine, John A. Logan Community College and other IPEC consortium members of Illinois. She is also a key member of the SIUC Classroom Initiative Project focusing on the standardization, procurement and installation of SMART technology in classrooms and conference rooms. She is also a member of the College of Business Computer Utilization Committee. She has been instrumental in developing and maintaining extensive multi-faceted partnership arrangements with the College of Mass Communications & Media Arts, the College of Business, the College of Applied Sciences & Arts and Disability Support Services. She consults with departments and colleges on computer labs, adaptive technology, computer hardware specifications, and SMART classrooms.

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.

James Sissom

James Sissom is an Assistant Professor in the department of Information Management Systems at SIU Carbondale. Jim serves as co-principle investigator for a long term IBHE HECA grant entitled, Adapted Technology and Accessible Web site Design where he is developing an undergraduate course in AT and Web accessibility as well as assisting in the development of a Web-based application for conducting student assessments in the field. Jim worked as a computer lab manager for three years before starting as an assistant professor.

Technologies Covered

• Dragon Naturally Speaking dictation system
• Read Please reading system
• Arkenstone Open Book scanning system
• Jaws screen reader
• Co:Writer 4000 word prediction
• Microsoft Screen Magnification
• Sip-N-Puff Mouse
• Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard
• Cyberlink Brainfingers Brain Actuated Technology