Evaluation of DE Coursework Accessibility for Students with Disabilities

Presented at 4:00pm in WB III on Thursday, November 17, 2016.

#4619

Speaker(s)

  • Roger Smith, Dr., University of WI-Milwaukee
  • Jackie Love, UWM MSOT Student/ R2D2 Graduate Assistant, University of WI-Milwaukee

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format:
  • Expertise Level: Intermediate
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

This session will review the advantages and disadvantages of Distance Education (DE) for students with disabilities (SWD) and how the DETA center facilitates universal design in DE. This session will also review the accessibility evaluation tools that have been created and how they can be used to critically appraise coursework for accessibility facilitate the implementation of universal design.

Abstract

As education embraces online instructional aids, classes, and degrees, it’s important to make sure that new instructional methods still facilitate learning for all people, including students with disabilities (SWD). The Distance Education and Technological Advancement (DETA) Research Center is a federally funded grant hosted at UWM which examines the integration of technology and education. As a research partner, the R2D2 Center is responsible for ensuring that all products developed through this grant considers SWD. This session will review the advantages and disadvantages of DE for SWD and how the DETA center facilitates UD in DE. This session will also review the accessibility evaluation tools that have been created and how they can be used to critically appraise coursework for accessibility facilitate the implementation of universal design.

Keypoints

  1. Describe how instructional & institutional practices impede DE for SWD
  2. Demonstrate how to effectively utilize our evaluation tools to improve accessibility of DE for SWD
  3. Critically appraise coursework to make sure accessibility has been considered for all students

Disability Areas

Cognitive/Learning, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Mobility, Vision

Topic Areas

Accessible Course Design, Administrative/Campus Policy, Web/Media/App Access

Speaker Bio(s)

Roger Smith

Roger O. Smith’s research focuses on measurement related to disability and the application of assistive technology and universal design. Dr. Smith also investigates the effectiveness of assistive technology and universal design interventions on the lives of people with disabilities.Smith has served as primary author and director for more than 30 grant and contract awards of over $8 million of extramural-sponsored research and training programs. These projects have supported many dozens of students in assistive technology training and in research support positions. Dr.Smith is the director of the R2D2 Center which provides an interdisciplinary home for basic research, applied research and development, as well as innovative instruction related to technology and disability.

Jackie Love