BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS: K-12 AND BEYOND

Resource #
PACKAGE • BDBP859W

Price $59.95

Program Contents:  10 page pocketed brochure including a CD-ROM, 11 page Parent's Guide to Accessible Technology in Schools, 11 page Educator's Guide to Accessible Technology in Schools, 15 page Accessible Technology-Based Instruction: A Guide for Administrators, One (1) 8.5"x11" Barrier-Free Computing Poster, and One (1) 18"x22" Barrier-Free Computing Poster.

Captioning: N/A

Copyright Date: 2004

Hannah, who is blind, has a computer equipped with text-to-speech technology at school. She goes to the computer lab to do a Web assignment with her class. Her text-to-speech system reads aloud all of the text presented at the Web site. The Web site's designer, however, neglected to include text descriptions of the content presented within graphic images; therefore, this content is not accessible to her. Even with her impressive computer system, Hannah is stuck. Hannah sits on the sidelines, surrounded by the enthusiastic chatter of her classmates working together.

Too often, Hannah and other students with disabilities cannot access Web content or operate educational software because of its inaccessible design. They do not have full access to the standard curriculum and are in danger of failing to meet state learning standards and the goals of No Child Left Behind. Excluded from computer-based activities, these students do not receive the benefits technology delivers to their peers who do not have disabilities.

How can educators assure that all students have access to technology-based learning opportunities at school? How can parents assure that their son or daughter has access to technology-based learning oppurtunities at school?

This program presents key terms and puts them all together in a way that makes a simple compelling case for the purchase, development, and use of accessible technology that helps parents and educators advocate for technology that is accessible to all students.

The administrator's guide is designed to assist school administrators in considering the needs of students with disabilities or other special learning needs as they make decisions about technology purchases or use by helping them understand:

• Technology access barriers and solutions
• How staff, including technology specialists and general and special educators, can make technology decisions that will allow students with disabilities to fully participate in lessons in which technology has been integrated.

CD-ROM features:

• A video showing accessibility in action
• Information to help pinpoint barriers in school settings and suggestions on how to remove them and improve accessibility for everyone
• Student Success Stories
• Links to regional ADA & IT Technical Assistance Centers, helpful "accessibility" Web sites, and an IT Accessibility Checklist to help discover E & IT barriers in institutions