Creating A System Wide Model for Serving Students with Print-Related Disabilities in Post Secondary Settings

The Alternative Media Access Center

The University System of Georgia

The University of Georgia

706.542.1299

www.amac.uga.edu

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Agenda

• Introduction to AMAC

  • Why a Alternative Media Project?

  • An Overview of AMAC Project

  • Students Profile

• Demonstration Software and Hardware

• E-Handouts @

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UGA Feasibility Study (1999-2005)

• Equal and timely access to materials

• Duplication of materials

• Statewide alternative media production standards

• Expertise in accessible digital media, adaptive technology, and accessible information technology

• Services provided to rural and urban environments

• Cost of production

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Why a Statewide & National Services?

• To provide a consistent quality of alt media for students

  • standardize policies and methods of production

  • improve timeliness of production with use of high tech equipment, software and well-trained staff

• Cost effective

  • no replication of alternative media

  • less investment in infrastructure (production technologies and personnel)

  • collaboration of state-wide technology resources

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The Production Cost

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The Cost

• The estimated cost of using e-text is approximately $15 per book as compared to a cost of $125 per book using audio taping.

• The cost for one hundred students a year is estimated to be $112,500 to $187,500 as compared to an e-text estimated cost of $13,500 to $22,500 per year.

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Service & Research Program

• 108 Post Secondary Institutions

• Expansion Service

• Equal Access to Material

  • Accessible Course Material

  • Assistive Technology

  • Technical Assistance and Training

• Collaboration

  • K-12 Transition

  • Technology College

  • Vocational Rehabilitation

  • National Atl. Media Organizations

• Alternative Media Research

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Key Partnerships

• The University System of Georgia

• Regents Centers for Learning Disorders

• Georgia Assistive Tech. Act – Tools for Life / Vocational Rehabilitation Program

• Georgia System, Office of Information & Instructional Technology ATL Unit (Vista/WebCT)

• Premier Assistive Technology Corporation

• Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic

• Manage Software Distribution (MSD)

• Georgia Technology Center for Assistive Technology & Environmental Access (CATEA) GRADE Project

• Georgia Department of Technical Adult Education

• Georgina Department of Education

• AFB – Prison Braille Program

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Tapping Into Technology Success

The Student Voice

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Text Readers Research:
Kentucky's Universal Design for Learning Initiative
Initiate pilot project in use of text readers

• 2000-01 Kentucky first UDL Initiative

• Identified 27 teachers from 8 regions

• Elementary, middle and high school

• Teachers had a range of computer skills

• Teachers were trained for two days on concept UDL, text readers and OCR software.

• 6 month later teachers were brought back for a project evaluation.

• What were the impacts of the use of technology on their student’s performance.

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Kentucky's Universal Design for Learning Initiative
Initiate pilot project in use of text readers

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Rose & Meyer: Universal Design Learning Model

• Origins

  • Architecture

  • Access

  • Education

• Principles

• Implementation

  • Role of Neuroscience

  • Role of Digital Media

  • New Role of AT

• Application

  • Goal Setting

  • Methods & Materials

  • Assessment

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An UDL Environment Design Includes

• Multiple means of representation, to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge,

• Multiple means of expression, to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know,

• Multiple means of engagement, to tap into learners' interests, offer appropriate challenges, and increase motivation.

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Accessibility Access Products

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UDL Resources

• GRADE

• CAST

• WebAIM

• DOIT

• Accessible Publishing Wizard

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Course Material: Formats of Alternative Media

• (for example, audio cassettes)

• (for example, CDs and MP3s)

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Until UDL is Achieved

Assistive Technology & Accessible Mainstream Technology will level the playing field

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Technology Solutions

• Refers to a broad range of devices, services, strategies, and practices Technology that helps an individual to carry out a functional activity is termed assistive technology

• • Inexpensive devices

  • Simple to make

  • Easy to obtain

  • Limited training

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Microsoft Accessible Technology

• Accessibility Resource Centers

• Resource Guide for Individuals with Learning Difficulties and Impairments

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Apple’s Accessibility Features

• Accessibility Technologies in Mac OS X:

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The Premier Assistive Software Suite

• Complete Reading System

• E-Library/E-Text reader

• Talking Internet Browser

• PDF Magic Pro

• Scan and Read Lite/Pro

• Scan and View

• Talking Word Processor

• Text Cloner Pro

• Ultimate Talking Dictionary

• Universal Reader

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Creating A System Wide Model for Serving Students with Print-Related Disabilities in Post Secondary Settings

The Alternative Media Access Center

The University System of Georgia

The University of Georgia

706.542.1299

www.amac.uga.edu