Bridging the Gap: Empowering Students with Disabilities Through the Use of Commercially Available and Customized Technologies

Where: College of the Holy Cross
Hogan Campus Center Third Floor
College Street Gate 7
Worcester, Massachusetts 
Directions and Map

Registration Fee:
NERCOMP Member: $145
Non-Member: $290
 

Event Overview

Educational institutions are mandated by law to provide reasonable accommodations for all students with disabilities. For over 25 years, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has established guidelines and regulations which institutions must follow, or risk being fined. How can this be accomplished in a setting where the majority of educational materials are delivered in digital format? How can we preemptively create educational materials that address all or most learning disabilities? Are there technologies that can function as accessibility assistants or conduits for those students? What are the best practices when it comes to developing accessible resources?

Participants will develop a better understanding and awareness of how technology can impact the lives of individuals with disabilities, specifically when it pertains to accessing educational materials.

Intended Audience: faculty members and academic support staff looking to better understand students with disabilities and how technology can be utilized to design fully accessible educational materials.

Topics will include:
• Universal Design: Why it matters.
    o A survey of the most prevalent disabilities in higher education.
• Disability services in Higher Education
    o Notetakers (automated)
    o Securing textbooks in alternate formats
    o Request for accommodation
• Creating accessible media (text, audio, video)
• Ebooks as a multimodal tool for students with disabilities.
• How do you like them apples! Exploring Apple products native accessibility features.
• The future: Creating and developing custom made accessibility systems.

Registration Cancellation Policy:
By clicking on the "Order Now" button, you are indicating a commitment to attend and will be held responsible for the registration fee. Your fee can be refunded if you notify us of a cancellation at least 8 days prior to the event via email to nercomp@nercomp.org.

Event Disclaimer:
NERCOMP reserves the right to use any photographs or other mechanical recordings taken at NERCOMP events in promotional materials. No mechanical recordings of any kind may be used at NERCOMP events without the prior written consent of NERCOMP organizers and presenters. The views and opinions expressed at NERCOMP events do not necessarily reflect those of NERCOMP, nor does NERCOMP make any representation regarding the information presented at NERCOMP events.