This presentation will include video footage of Ben a university student studying computer science , as well as a practical demonstration of the tools and strategies he uses to access his degree, his hobbies and his social life.
Abstract
Ben is a 22-year old Computer Science undergraduate, cramming for his final exams in his last year at university. In his spare time Ben buys and sells computer parts on eBay. Ben used to have partial vision including color perception, but is now totally blind. He remembers what colors look like and has good spatial awareness. Ben’s Computer Science course includes modules on: ecommerce, IT Architectures, communications and networks.
The session will explore how Ben uses SuperNova for every aspect of his university education, from using SuperNova’s application settings to automatically hear different levels of punctuation whilst shopping online compared to writing code; to accessing PDF and PowerPoints supplied by his lecturers.
A video case study of Ben will be used to introduce Ben and his needs and a practical demonstration will tease out how he approaches his studies as a blind SuperNova user and the day to day strategies he adopts.
Kepoints
Practical strategies for a blind SuperNova user at University
How to chose and apply application settings for different applications
How SuperNova adapts as a student's sight changes over time
Speaker Bio(s)
Hazel Shaw
Jeff Bazer is the US Sales Manager for Dolphin Computer Access, but his roots are deep in access technology. Eleven years working in the AT industry, coupled with a personal interest in screen reading as a user himself, ensures Jeff’s expertise and knowledge. Jeff works with colleges across the US sharing his expertise in the creation and delivery of alternative formats. As a Braille reader, Jeff fully empathizes with the essential role accessible information takes. Jeff has recently presented at ATIA, CSUN and can frequently be heard on ACB and TekTalk Radio.