Taking the “Alt” out of Alternate Media: Converting instructional materials into accessible formats for all students

Media

Presented at 9:15am in Cotton Creek I on Friday, November 17, 2017.

Speaker(s)

• Scott Kupferman, Professor, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
• Leyna Bencomo, Assistive Technology Specialist, University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Session Details

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

Summary

Based upon a quasi-experimental study, attendees will learn how faculty have quickly, easily, and inexpensively converted their instructional materials into audio files, tactile diagrams, info graphics, and other accessible formats for all students, including students with disabilities, with a focus on universal design for learning.

Abstract

Alternate (aka: "Alt") media is the process of converting readings, handouts, powerpoints, and other instructional materials into accessible formats (i.e. audio, tactile, graphics) for students with disabilities. However, alternate media has benefits for students without disabilities as well. In this interactive session, attendees will learn how university faculty have quickly, easily, and inexpensively converted their instructional materials into audio files, tactile diagrams, info graphics, and other accessible formats. The presenters will also share practical results from a quasi-experimental study that investigated the use of alternate media across undergraduate and graduate-level courses. This presentation will be framed within the context of universal design for learning.

Keypoints

1. Understand traditional alternate media strategies for students with disabilities.
2. Apply innovative alternate media strategies to engage and teach all students.
3. Create alternate media in a quick and student-friendly manner.

Disability Areas

Cognitive/Learning, Other, Vision

Topic Areas

Alternate Format, Other, Teaching about Accessibility in Curriculum, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Scott Kupferman

Scott Kupferman, Ph.D., CRC is a Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning and Co-Coordinator of the Special Education Program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. He is also the Director of the National Collaborative for Disability and Technology (NCDT), which is a network of 200+ assistive technology researchers and developers. Scott's research interests revolve around (a) assistive technology, (b) accessibility and universal design, and (c) transition from secondary education to postsecondary education, employment, and independent living. He has served as principal investigator, co-principal investigator, or grant writer for approximately 4.2 million dollars in grant funding. Scott's service roles include being an ongoing reviewer/advisor for the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Department of Labor. His scholarly efforts have led to several honors and awards, including selection as a National Council on Disability delegate and recipient of the U.S. Department of Education's Commissioner's Award for Excellence.

Leyna Bencomo

Leyna Bencomo is the Assistive Technology Specialist at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Leyna has revived from dormancy and has chaired the Assistive Technologists In Higher Education Society In Colorado And Wyoming. Her current position at UCCS allows her to work directly with students and faculty to coordinate and help produce alternative media for classroom use.