Still time for last minute registration for this workshop: see below. Also check out the contest to reward institutions whose web pages are accessible: http://www.rit.edu/~easi BARRIER FREE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, led by Dick Banks and Norm Coombs of Project EASI, a core activity of the TLT Group. A four-week online workshop, beginning Monday, May 1, WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION Today's distributed computer environment means that providing support for the technology needs of students with disabilities is an institution-wide responsibility, requiring extensive planning and cooperation across many departments. It is no longer the sole province of the computer staff, nor can it be relegated to the disabled student office. If "it takes a village to raise a child," then, it takes the entire campus to support the adaptive technology needs of students with disabilities. BARRIER-FREE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY will help participants master the complex technological, legal, pedagogical issues in this area, resulting in the creation of a customized barrier-free campus educational technology plan. Current adaptive technologies will be critiqued and their appropriate application explored. Specific and practical strategies such as designing barrier-free computer labs, adapting course materials, and effective staff training will be provided. AUDIENCE BARRIER-FREE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY is designed for administrators, faculty, librarians, computer support staff, ADA compliance officers, service providers and disabled student support staff. It will be of special interest to participants and leaders of local TLT Roundtables, and others who are charged with developing an institutional technology plan. REQUIREMENTS The workshop will be taught over the Internet using an e-mail listserv to connect the workshop leaders and fellow participants. Workshop material will be delivered via the listserv and using multimedia on the web. Participants will need a recent browser (either Internet Explorer version 4.0 or higher, or Netscape 4.5 or higher, with Java features enabled) and Internet access. The recommended textbook, "Information Access and Adaptive Technology" (Oryx, 1997) by Coombs and Cunningham can be purchased from www.amazon.com. or from EASI by sending e-mail to [log in to unmask] CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS Three continuing education units from the Rochester Institute of Technology are available on request. For more information, please contact Norman Coombs at [log in to unmask] LEADERS Richard Banks is Electronic Resource Manager, Project EASI, and technical advisor to The TLT Group. Dick was awarded an honorary Doctorate from Mahidol University in Thailand, where he directed the efforts to establish an Internet presence for Ratchasuda College. Norman Coombs, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Coombs is the co-author of "Information Access and Adaptive Technology" published in 1997 by Oryx Press. He was awarded the CASE Teacher of the Year Award for New York State in 1990 for his work in distance learning. Dr. Coombs and Mr. Banks are well known for their work with Project EASI, a The TLT Group core program. EASI is committed to the belief that students and professionals with disabilities have the same right to access information as everyone else. To achieve this goal, EASI runs on-site and on-line workshops, maintains three listserv discussion groups, produces an electronic journal and sponsors a substantial web site at http://www.rit.edu/~easi. EASI's work has been supported by three dissemination grants from the National Science Foundation. FEES $275 per individual registrant $250 per person for teams of 2-4 $225 per person for teams of 5+ $50 off the per person fees for registrants whose institution is a subscriber to the TLT Roundtable Network. REGISTRATION To register, please use our online registration form at http://www.rit.edu/~easi/workshops/adaptit.htm WORKSHOP SYLLABUS Lesson 1: Introductions and Definitions -- introductions of instructors and participants -- overview of the workshop -- basic definitions Lesson 2: Four Reasons For Barrier-Free Educational Technology -- it's the right thing to do -- it makes economic sense -- it's the law -- self-interest Lesson 3: Computer Input Problems And Solutions -- explanation of which disability groups have problems with keyboard and/or mouse input systems -- alternative keyboard systems -- alternative mouse systems -- voice recognition Lesson 4: Computer Output Problems And Solutions -- text-to-speech synthesizers -- screen magnification systems -- refreshable Braille and Braille embossers Lesson 5: Compensatory Strategies -- how users with disabilities use computer technology to compensate for their disability -- how to use the adapted computer as an interface to scientific and math equipment Lesson 6: Access To Physical Facilities And Staff Training -- designing a computer lab to accommodate users with different disabilities -- the importance of both sensitivity and technical training for staff Lesson 7: Access To Educational Information -- how to provide lab manuals and materials in alternative formats -- how to provide class materials in alternative formats -- how to prepare institute materials in alternate formats Lesson 8: Planning for an Accessible Campus or Institution -- developing an implementation plan for your institution For questions regarding workshop content, please contact Norm Coombs at [log in to unmask] Check the URL below to register your institutions Web page in EASI's Batteri-free Web contest. http://www.rit.edu/~easi