TechDis - Technology for Disabilities Information Service

http://www.techdis.ac.uk

Dr. Simon Ball

Introducing TechDis

• TechDis is a JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) funded service.

• Mission:

To provide information and advice to the HE and FE sectors on the use of new and existing Information/Communication Technologies, to enhance access to learning and teaching, research and administration activities for students and staff with disabilities

So What Does That Mean?

• First stop information service for HE and FE staff:– Website– Helpdesk– Dissemination

New Website

http://www.techdis.ac.uk

Includes:

• Staff development tools and exercises to help design and develop accessible materials

• TechDis Connections Service – building into a network of expertise across the community

• TechDis Resources – articles, projects and materials produced by TechDis

New Website

http://www.techdis.ac.uk

• TechDis Knowledge Database – a searchable bank of information about technology and disability

• TechDis Accessibility Database – over 2500 items of assistive technology used to support students with a disability

Primary Goal

• To help provide a level playing field for everyone involved in education regardless of impairment or disability.

Current Projects Include:

• Wireless LANs

• Accessibility of VLEs

• Accessible Curricula – Good Practice For All

• Students, Disabilities, Technology and Europe

You Can Teach An Old Continent New Tricks

• “Special attention should be given to disabled people and the fight against ‘info-exclusion’”

• “Public sector websites and their content in Member States…must be designed to be accessible to ensure that citizens with disabilities can access information….”

(EC’s ‘eEurope Action Plan’)

What Does This Mean In The UK?

• E-Information must be accessible to all people with disabilities (not just students), for example a college prospectus-style website.

• European legislation will be enforced under the Disability Discrimination Act in the UK

• Existing obligation under Amsterdam Treaty

• Web sites accessible to WAI standards.

Summary

• We provide information on Technology and Disabilities

• We require input too!

• Tell us about your experiences

• What are your problems regarding Technology and Disabilities and how are you overcoming them?