Access through Adaptive Computer Technology and Website Design

March 28, 2006 - SIUC SPED 430 Guest Lecture on Technological Transition Issues and Trends

When: March 28 - 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Where: Wham 307
Parking: Pullium lot
Local contact: Michael Whitney - DSSsiu@siu.edu
Local contact: Paul Bates - DSSsiu@siu.edu

Your presenter for this event is:

Kathleen Plesko

Kathleen Plesko directs SIUC's Office of Disability Support Services and is an expert in disability accommodations in higher education settings. She will discuss and delineate the provisions of mandated accommodations in real and electronic classrooms. As an important counter-balance, Plesko will discuss fundamental course requirements and how they can limit the need to provide accommodations, particularly in the area of testing.

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. Whitney also serves on Illinois Board of Higher Education Disability Advisory Committee. He will discuss and demonstrate some of the common adaptive technologies utilized by students with disabilities.

Agenda

The lecture agenda begins a discussions transition issues facing secondary students. Topics such as: Changes in IDEA and documentation evaluation standards and how it affects transitioning students, SIUC DSS Transiton Camp practices and findings, transition to work initiatives, and adaptive technologies used as a transition piece. The following technologies will be reviewed:

• BrailleNote GPS mobility location system
• Dragon Naturally Speaking dictation system
• Kurzweil 3000 scanning system
• JAWS screen reader
• ZoomText Magnifier
• Co Writer writing program
• Microsoft on screen keyboard
• Switch Technologies
• Cyberlink Brainfingers Brain Actuated Technology