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All Numbers and Notes: Creating Accessible Math and Music Materials for Students Who Are Blind

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Presented at 11:15am in Westminster III on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.

#17834

Speaker(s)

  • Michele Bromley, Manager, Digital Accessibility and Content, Portland State University

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format: Lecture
  • Expertise Level: All Levels
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

This presentation will break down the logistics for developing an alternative formats program around STEM and music materials. Attendees will learn how to 1) generate a basic alternative formats process, 2) administer alternative formats needs assessments, and 3) develop comprehensive procedures for addressing inaccessible math and music.

Abstract

Providing fully accessible course materials to students who are blind requires significant preparation and adequate tools. If not done proactively, by the time a blind student registers for services, it is likely too late to develop a program for conversion of inaccessible course materials.

This process becomes even more complex when considering STEM or music materials. DS professionals must remediate equations, complex graphics, musical scores, etc. There are vendors that can provide these services, but turnaround time for third party conversion is often too slow for converting textbooks, much less supplemental course materials that are created and distributed throughout the term.

This presentation will break down the logistics for developing an alternative formats program around STEM and music materials. While targeted and specific, this information is valuable for all DS professionals who are working with alternative formats and seeking equity as a means of achieving compliance.

Keypoints

  1. Learn the importance of generating and establishing basic alternative formats procedures as a foundation.
  2. Consider the components necessary for administering effective alternative formats needs assessments.
  3. Receive a breakdown of staffing, equipment, and procedural logistics for remediating math and music materials.

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Topic Areas

Alternate Format, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Michele Bromley

Michele Bromley, MA, CPWA, ADS, is a digital accessibility and inclusivity specialist, currently supporting the Office of Information Technology at Portland State University as the manager of the Digital Accessibility and Content team. Michele has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English from Oregon State University, which laid the foundation for her focus on accessible, inclusive, and usable content management. Over the years, Michele has held various roles, including Business and Professional Writing Instructor, Alternative Formats Coordinator, Adaptive Technology Specialist, and IT Accessibility Coordinator. Her primary areas of expertise are project and change management, enterprise service management, and accessible digital procurement, design, validation, remediation, and incident response. She has presented on these and similar topics for the national Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), EDUCAUSE, Gender Advocacy and Inclusion Network (GAIN) in Higher Education, the Orbis Cascade Alliance, the NorthWest Academic Computing Consortium (NWACC), and the Partnership for Academic Library Collaboration and Innovation (PALCI).

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