Case Study #3: Computer Labs

Background

My name is Lisa. I am a full-time graduate student majoring in Women's Studies. I have a seizure disorder.

Access Issue

I began experiencing an increase in the frequency of my seizures as a result of the glare from the computer screens used in the computer lab. Therefore, I could not use the campus computers for assignments or research.

1. Discuss potential solutions to the access issue described. There can be more than one good solution.
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each proposed solution.
3. Clarify the appropriate roles of the student, computer lab staff, and disabled student services staff in reaching a decision and providing accommodations if needed.
4. After you have completed your discussion, read the access solution that actually occurred in this case. It is printed on the back of this handout. Compare your proposed solutions with this solution. Discuss the conclusions listed, and add at least one more.

Source: The Student Services Conference Room, DO-IT, University of Washington. Permission is granted to reproduce this handout for educational noncommercial purposes.

Solution

Following is the solution that was actually employed in this case:

I met with the manager of the computer lab and told him of my need for an antiglare screen on the computer I use. Two computer nonglare inserts were purchased and placed on computers in the lab that I use for my studies. The disabled student services office also purchased an additional insert that could be loaned to other campus facilities that I might need to use.

Conclusions

This case study illustrates the following:

1. Low-tech devices can solve some computer access problems.
2. Sometimes the student with a disability can work directly with computer support staff to obtain accessible products; sometimes disabled student services staff need to get involved.