Assistive Technology for Campus wide Access for Those with Visual Challenges

Presented at 8:00am in Cotton Creek I on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

#17326

Speaker(s)

  • Michael Wood, Strategic Accounts Manager - Education, VFO

Session Details

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

Summary

In this session we will discuss how colleges and universities are moving towards site licenses of software to provide access to students and faculty anywhere on campus and at home. We will share success stories from other schools currently using this model and discuss the process it took to reach that level.

Abstract

Attendees will learn about the latest technologies available for individuals with visual challenges. Students and faculty want instant access to the technology that they need to succeed, so we have made it easier for schools to provide low vision and blindness software across entire school networks and even at home. We will talk about and demonstrate some of the latest features in these software programs. In addition to software we also have hardware available that can support individuals on campus. Many of these devices are becoming portable and provide text-to-speech for instant access to text. In the session we will demonstrate devices that work independently, with your laptop, desktop computer, tablet or monitor. Our goal is to help your school become more accessible.

Keypoints

  1. Attendees will learn about the latest software available for individuals with vision challenges
  2. Attendees will have hands-on time with hardware for individuals with low vision
  3. Attendees will be able to speak with other schools currently using our technology

Disability Areas

Vision

Topic Areas

Accessible Course Design, Administrative/Campus Policy, Assistive Technology, Legal, Teaching about Accessibility in Curriculum, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Michael Wood

Michael Wood has been working in the Assistive Technology field for 13 years. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing before beginning his career in AT. Currently his position has him focusing on supporting students and educators in the Blindness, Low Vision and Reading/Writing areas by providing software and hardware to help individuals succeed with independence.