#42837
Speaker(s)
- Jordana Qi, Access Coordinator, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Kelly Kamish, Associate Director, Rochester Institute of Technology
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Intermediate
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Presentation will focus on STEM content remediation using tools such as Tiger Designer, BrailleBlaster, MathType, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe. We will discuss worfklows for accurate and timely remediation, including feedback from students, faculty, and creators of assistive technology used for remediation. A discussion of areas of growth will also be included, as well as tactile technologies such as the Orbit Graphiti Plus, refreshable braille displays, and tactile image creation in-house.
Abstract
While assistive technology is applicable in a number of settings, what happens when the complexity of course content outpaces what assistive technology can do? As course content becomes more complex, especially in engineering and mathematics, assistive technology often reaches its limits. Students still need full access to course materials in a timely manner. Our session explores how we convert faculty-provided documents into usable tactile formats when original files are incompatible with tactile graphics tools. We experimented with low tech options like the Scrib3D pen and Sensational Blackboard, and created detailed image descriptions. For more complex diagrams, we used Adobe tools, Tiger Software Suite, and the ViewPlus SpotDot embosser. BrailleBlaster supported accurate transcription of mathematical content into Nemeth braille. Throughout this process, we collaborated with the student, academic departments, student employees, and assistive technology manufacturers to identify timely, effective solutions. We will also share our outreach to external companies and the alternatives we evaluated before ultimately developing in house tactile production workflows.
Keypoints
- Understand where assistive tech excels and where STEM needs creative, human?centered solutions.
- Learn how student and faculty feedback improves accessible, accurate, and timely STEM materials.
- Gain practical strategies for building collaborative, sustainable, and efficient accessibility work.
Disability Areas
Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Vision
Topic Areas
Accessible Course Design, Alternate Format, Assistive Technology, Faculty Development & Support, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Jordana Qi
Jordana Qi earned her MA in Leadership in Disability Services from the University of Delaware, a BA in Psychology and Music from Washington College, and has served as an Access Coordinator in Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT’s) Disability Services Office since 2021. She specializes in assistive technology and alternate formats, including tactile and braille materials for blind and low-vision students. She has also trained in audio description for live theatre, co-describing two theatrical productions produced by RIT Performing Arts and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Her additional interests include adaptive athletics, especially blind sports such as goalball.
Kelly Kamish
Kelly Kamish (she/they) holds a BA in Deaf Studies and Sociology from Madonna University, an MA in Higher Education/Student Affairs from Eastern Michigan University, and an Ed.D in Educational Leadership from the University of Rochester. She currently serves as the Associate Director of the Disability Services Office at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Their work centers on advancing equitable access, fostering collaborative campus partnerships, and supporting disabled students through inclusive design and innovative accommodation practices.