INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DISABILITIES ONLINE JOURNAL
CALL FOR PAPERS - MARCH 1998

FOCUS ON K-12 ACCESS TO SCIENCE AND MATH
WITH AN EMPHASIS ON SUPPORT ISSUES AND LOW TECH SOLUTIONS

 Recently there has been a great deal of research done on computing
technology that provides access to the science, engineering and math fields.
 Fortunately, some of that technology has filtered down to the K-12 level
where it is enabling children with disabilities to study and learn math and
science more readily than ever before.  The technology is helping students
with disabilities build the basic math and science foundations they need to
proceed on to college level work and perhaps enter science or math careers.

 But, technology alone is not enough.  Especially when the technology is
aimed at young students.  Non-technical support, service and encouragement
are as critical to the success of young students as is the technology.

 In December of last year, EASI's online journal "Information Technology and
Disabilities" was devoted to discussion of technology to help K-12 students
with disabilities study science and math.  We are planning the March 1998
issue of the ITD, which will also focus on K-12 science and math access.
 But, this issue will depart somewhat from the norm, in that we will talk
about some of the non-technical issues that face K-12 students with
disabilities who are studying math, science and technology.

 This is a call for papers that discuss some of the support, service and
social issues that are an integral part of ensuring that students with
disabilities build strong foundations in math and science.  Suggestions for
 papers include:  self-advocacy, mainstreaming, increasing the representation
in the science and math fields of K-12 students with disabilities, providing
support services to K-12 students with disabilities, teaching strategies,
learning tactics, manipulatives, tacticle models, waived requirements and the
results of waiving requirements, and slowed or paced curriculum.  We are, of
course, open to any other suggestions that you have.

 We'd like one or two sentence abstracts for papers sent by Feb. 14.  Final
papers should be submitted by March 13.  This special K-12 Math and Science
Accommodations issue of the Journal will be available by the end of March.
 Please send your ideas for papers or any questions to Carmela Cunningham at
[log in to unmask]

 EASI is an organization dedicated to disseminating information about
adaptive computing technology and information access for people with
disabilities.  The organization is currently working on a two-year National
Science Foundation grant to compile and disseminate information on making
math and science accessible to K-12 students.

 EASI has an array of publications and videotapes available.  EASI also runs
three online courses on adaptive computing, science, engineering and math
accommodations for post-secondary students, and on making Web pages
accessible.  The classes run on a quarterly basis.  Preview all of EASI's
online workshops at http://www.rit.edu/~easi/workshops.html or send email to
[log in to unmask] with three words in the message:  get workshop
syllabus.  EASI also sends out monthly informational releases that focus on
strategies and tactics.  If you'd like to have your name included on the
monthly informational release list, send a request to Dick Banks at
[log in to unmask]

 For more information on this project, check out EASI's K-12 corner at
http://www.rit.edu/~easi