Presented at 10:00am in Virtual D on Thursday, November 19, 2020.
#32554Speaker(s)
- Tanja Stevns, Special Ed. teacher, Sensus ApS
Session Details
- Length of Session: 45 minutes
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: All Levels
- Type of session: Pre-conference
Summary
This presentation highlights how the use of automated conversion tools have contributed to students being able to take care of their own needs for accessible media and alternate formats when switching to online education. It also emphasizes the importance of universal design as a part of the strategy to support inclusion of users with disabilities.
Abstract
Being a student with a print impairment, getting access to alternate media and accessible course materials can be a hazzle under normal conditions but with all courses moving online due to the COVID19 pandemic, the situation is even more challenging because of the lack of personal contact and consequently the direct support of disability services staff and others. For universities and colleges, having to move all teaching online, the accessibility level of the course modules and educational material became very visible. By offering automated tools i.e.SensusAccess that are easy to access remotely and by having a clear strategy to empower users to be self-sufficient, students and universities have a much better chance of success. The presentation illustrates by examples how the focus of implementing solutions that follow universal design to support persons with disabilities are more inclusive by default.
Keypoints
- Students being self- sufficient is key to success
- Implementing solutions that follow universal design principles is inclusive and removes stigma of disability
- Easy to use accessibility and alternate formats conversion tools works in online settings
Disability Areas
Cognitive/Learning, Psychological, Vision
Topic Areas
Accessible Educational Materials, Alternate Format, Assistive Technology, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Tanja Stevns
Tanja Stevns (born 1967) works with education and technology to support inclusion of people with disabilities. With more than 20 years experience working at the Danish National Center for Blind and Partially Sighted Children and Youth, Tanja is a special education teacher and speech therapist, specializing in visual impairment and general learning disorders