AccessSTEM

Workshop for Emerging Deaf and Hard of Hearing Scientists: A Promising Practice for Building Community

Vince Cerf, a computer scientist who is recognized as one of the founders of the internet, and other individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing have been very successful in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, as a group, individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields.

Which web browsers are most accessible?

Some web browsers are more accessible than others for users with disabilities. In order to be accessible, a web browser, like any other software product, must have an interface that is accessible. For example, the browser must be operable by keyboard only (for people who are unable to use the mouse), and it must be compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers. In addition to having an accessible interface, web browsers must be capable of presenting web content in an accessible way, provided that the web author practiced accessible web design techniques.

Where can I learn about challenges and opportunities for veterans with disabilities in postsecondary education?

The short 13-minute video Returning from Service: College and IT Careers for Veterans and the related publication provide an overview of some of the opportunities and challenges faced by veterans with disabilities as they transition to the postsecondary classroom and pursue degrees in computing and information technology fields.

Where can I find resources to help me plan an accessible computing activity?

AccessComputing's Promising Practices tell how to deliver a variety of activities that serve to increase the participation of people with disabilities in computing fields. Activities include capacity-building institutes for faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders; strategies for creating or including accessible technology and materials, and outreach activities such as camps and workshops that fully include participants with disabilities.

What is the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation and how do they support individuals with disabilities?

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) is the corporate foundation of the Mitsubishi Electric group companies in the United States. MEAF works to make changes for the better in society by investing in innovative strategies to empower youth with disabilities to lead productive lives.

What is the difference between open and closed captioning?

Video has played an important role in education for many decades. Now, in the form of computer-based multimedia, video is increasingly utilized in distance learning and other web-based educational applications. However, the audio portion of a video presentation is inaccessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing unless it includes captions. Captions are on-screen text descriptions that display a video product's dialogue, identify speakers, and describe other relevant sounds that are otherwise inaccessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

What is sensorimotor neural engineering and how does the field benefit people with disabilities?

Sensorimotor neural engineers study the properties of neural systems (e.g., the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor and effector organs), including sensory systems and motor systems, to identify how engineering techniques can be applied to them. For example, in recent years the field has shown that it's possible to control devices by using signals from the brain. Such advancements can improve products and technology commonly used by people with disabilities (e.g., prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices).

What accessibility features are provided with the Windows operating system?

Some individuals with disabilities require assistive technology (AT) in order to access computers. Hundreds of Windows AT third-party products are available, making it possible for almost anyone to use Windows® applications, regardless of their disabilities. The Microsoft® Windows® operating systems also provides a core set of basic accessibility features and AT applications, which can be deployed on all computers in a computer lab or classroom without additional cost.

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