AccessComputing

What challenges do people with disabilities face in accessing standard consumer products?

The Trace Center has prepared a document, A Brief Introduction to Disabilities, that discusses major disability groups and some specific barriers to accessibility they encounter. This online publication describes specific access issues related to visual impairments, hearing impairments, physical impairments, cognitive/language impairments, seizure disorders, and multiple impairments.

Elena and Computer Graphics: A Case Study on Accommodating Health Impairments

Background

My name is Elena. I am working toward my associate's degree in computer graphics at the community college. I have Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the tissues, which can be painful. Recently I developed repetitive strain injuries (RSI) as a result of my muscle pain and weakness and extensive computer use. I take medications that partially control the Lupus symptoms. I do not have a visible disability, so sometimes people think I am faking or unnecessarily avoiding work.

How can universal design be applied in postsecondary education?

Universal design is an approach that strives to make products and environments welcoming, accessible, and usable for everyone. Universal design principles were developed at the Center for Universal Design. They can be tailored to specific applications such as curriculum, instruction, career service offices, multimedia, tutoring and learning centers, museums, computer labs, and web pages.

How can students with disabilities get accommodations for taking the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement exams?

National testing services are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations, and most have information on their websites about how to document a disability and request accommodations. However, students and their advocates must get all documentation prepared well in advance. The review of required forms and notification of approval or denial of accommodations for national exams can take several months.

What is Entry Point?

Entry Point! is an internship program for college students with disabilities majoring in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physical science. Entry Point! is sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). To inquire about becoming a part of this program, contact Entry Point! at 202-326-6649 (voice/TTY), 202-371-9849 (fax) or email addressed to LSummers@aaas.org.

What legal issues are associated with access to video products for students with sensory impairments?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public programs and services, including educational institutions and opportunities, be accessible to people with disabilities. For example, with captions, the content of a videotape shown in a course might be made accessible to a person who is deaf. If the product is not captioned, access to the content would need to be provided in another way, perhaps with a sign language interpreter.

What access challenges might visitors to a web page experience?

The World Wide Web has rapidly become the dominant Internet tool, combining hypertext and multimedia to provide a network of educational, governmental, and commercial resources. Much of its power comes from the fact that it presents information in a variety of formats and also organizes that information through hypertext links. Because of the multimedia nature of the web, combined with the poor design of some websites, many Internet surfers cannot access the full range of resources this revolutionary tool provides. Some visitors experience the following:

What are steps to a computing career?

Taking classes in science, technology, and mathematics in high school, transitioning to college, and participating in work-based learning activities, are a few of the important steps toward a career in a computing field. Educators, parents, and other advocates can help students with disabilities reach critical junctures by providing mentor and family support, promoting the use of technology, engaging students in activities designed to develop self-determination and computing interests, and offering internships, research experiences, and other work-based learning opportunities.

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