DiverseAbility.Net

Why Must you Consider User Accessibility?

1. To assure that all students, faculty, and staff can use information technology (IT) — It is important to make IT accessible to anyone with diverse abilities and disabilities.  Focusing on Universal Design in the provision of educational services will aid your school in meeting those needs in an efficient, integrated, and cost-effective manner.

Consider Universal Design (UD) as a best practice that permits easier access  for all IT users in education.

Technology has changed the face of how we transact business in many areas, including education. Unless accessibility is built into technology and teaching practices, tremendous barriers for students with disabilities exist in classroom settings.

Many technology companies are working on their products to increase their accessibility. Tremendous progress has been made, although perfect accessibility for all potential users of technology does not exist. It is important to keep in mind that as access to technology improves for students with disabilities it enhances the use of technology for all users. Many educational entities do not know of all of the technological innovations that have been made and may exist in technology they are using.

Educators can improve the performance of all students by understanding and using the accessible hardware and software options that is already available in many computing operating systems in addition to any adaptive technology specific to one user.

Although universally designed information technology is more flexible and allows easier interoperability with assistive technology devices by removing barriers, it does not displace the individualized needs of students, faculty, and staff with disabilities. Universal Design is meant to enhance usability but not to replace the specific assistive technlogy that a user with a disability might need.

• Internet Resources on Universal Design in Information Technology

2. Educational entities do have legal obligations to provide accessible IT. The following links will lead you to content that will help your school to understand these policies, the standards underlying these obligations, and resources for meeting diverse needs of students and faculty.

The Policy Page provides an overview of the architectural, IT, and program accessibility standards (with references to federal regulations). Use the Policy Page to develop IT procurement policies, RFPs, and contract assurances that address accessibility.

• See Universal Accessibility Policy on Information Technology (IT). — Review the Policy Page when developing IT procurement applications or grants.
• See Strategy for incorporating guidelines in the Enhancing Education Through Technology (Part D of the No Child Left Behind Law) in State/District Technology Plans.

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