ADAPTED COMPUTING FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: BEYOND TABLES AND DOORS
November 13, 1998 for University Council on Technology
P.R. Mitchell, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Speech Pathology and Audiology
Direct Benefits of Adapted Computing Access for Students with Disabilities:
(From:
University of Nebraska study cited in Cunningham and Coombs (1997).
- Higher G.P.A.
- More classes taken per semester
- Reduced probation and drop-out rate
- Greater likelihood of passing full course load
Adapted computing allows people with disabilities to complete tasks otherwise impossible, or increases efficiency and speed of tasks. In the U.S., about 10% of all post secondary students report a disability of some kind. Among those, visual impairment, physical disability, learning disability and hearing impairment are major groups reported at KSU. People with disabilities have been noted to be the "largest minority in America" (Pres. George Bush, 1990) Software and peripherals exist that can increase independence of students with academic challenges resulting from these disabilities. Adequate access, training and support to adapted computing resources can enhance academic success of many students with disabilities, and provide better preparation for the workplace.
Requirements of A.D.A. in re: Computing
"When computing services are provided to the general campus population, required for coursework, degree completion or campus employment, then equipment and services must be in place to accommodate everyone" (p. 10, Cunningham & Coombs, 1997). Courts have ruled recently that just using personal assistants does not qualify as reasonable accommodation related to adapted computing. Courts have ruled also that adapted computing resources be made available in integrated environments and/or at the same level provided for those without disabilities.
Some Current Activities at K.S.U. related to Adapted Computing:
Assistive Technology Interest Group formed
ADA Committee Technology subcommittee designated
Library ADA resource staff person, and one to two workstations being developed at Main Library
Music and Speech Computer Lab to have two adapted workstations in Instructional Lab area
Some adapted computing software and peripherals available at White Hall in the Transition Center
Departments have purchased some computer adaptations for students, faculty and staff on an individual basis
Architectural barriers being addressed
- Current Goals for Assistive Technology Interest Group and ADA Technology Committee are being formulated. Initial ideas include:
- Increase campus awareness efforts through A.D.A. Committee, Assistive Technology Interest Group, and University Computing Departments (e.g., Academic Computing, Network Services, etc.).
- Establish a clear set of procedures and priorities (including funding streams) related to campus-wide adapted computing purchase, installation, support, training and follow-up.
- Configure a target number of campus computer labs with Multi Purpose Adapted Computers so that adapted computing is integrated throughout public labs to a level that reflects student need.
- Establish a Cross-Discipline Adapted Computing Resource Hub with at least one Multi Purpose Adapted Computer station for interdisciplinary evaluation and training for students, staff and faculty with disabilities. In addition, utilize this Hub as an loan bank for higher cost, lower use equipment and services (e.g., Braille Printer, document conversion, etc.), for recycling used software and peripherals among various campus units, and to provide informational resources. Student Disability Services seems a likely location for this Hub.
- Provide awareness training for faculty and staff on key issues related to adapted computing, e.g., accessibility in: homework and student projects, development of course work on web, CD-ROM, distance learning, etc.
- Evaluate outcomes of adapted computing efforts and modify as needed