The focus of this paper is to examine the role that models play in informing the approach that post-secondary education institutions take to developing inclusive and equitable practices that successfully and appropriately address the access needs of disabled students in relation to information and communications technology. It reviews the current…

Designing any product or environment involves the consideration of many factors, including aesthetics, engineering options, environmental issues, safety concerns, industry standards, and cost. Typically, designers focus their attention on the average user. In contrast, universal design (UD), according to the Center for Universal Design, "is…

Designing any product or environment involves the consideration of many factors, including aesthetics, engineering options, environmental issues, safety concerns, industry standards, and cost. Typically, designers focus their attention on the average user. In contrast, universal design (UD), according to the Center for Universal Design," is…

Thirteen focus groups with a total of 53 postsecondary students with disabilities and 14 focus groups with a total of 72 personnel from student service offices on campuses nationwide identified access problems encountered by students with disabilities in these offices and potential solutions to these problems. Students shared experiences in which…

Discussion of distance learning focuses on access, legal, and policy issues for people with disabilities and presents an overview of design considerations for assuring that a distance learning course is accessible to potential instructors and students with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Uses universal design as a framework.…

Cooperative education can play an important part in the transition to employment for persons with disabilities. Issues that must be addressed include recruitment of students with disabilities, development of job-related skills, appropriate work site accommodations, and employer awareness. (SK)

Discusses the increasing number of student with disabilities that are attending higher education institutions and participating in distance learning programs, focusing on the role that libraries can play in assuring access to electronic resources. Highlights include the digital divide; legal issues; universal design; accessible design; and…

Discusses how to enable library staff and patrons with disabilities to use the resources of the Internet, including access to the computers themselves as well as access to the electronic resources and tools that make up the Internet. Topics include universal design; adaptive technology; and guidelines for accessible Web pages. (LRW)

This brief discusses how faculty can use principles of universal design to maximize the learning of all college students, including students with disabilities. Principles of universal design are first explained, including: equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical…

Worldwide, distance learning programs offer opportunities for education and career enhancement for those who have access to a computer and the Internet. However, some potential students and instructors who have access to these technologies cannot fully participate because of the inaccessible design of courses. These individuals include those with…

This issue brief discusses the barriers to technological access for students with disabilities. Challenges for bridging the digital divide are discussed and the following recommendations are provided: (1) stakeholders should have access to training so they can design and select accessible facilities, utilize computers and software, purchase…

Describes a course on adaptive technology for people with disabilities that is taught via the Internet from the University of Washington. Highlights include instructional tools, including a text, videotape, electronic mail, and a World Wide Web server; class discussions; assignments; field experiences; access issues; and pros and cons of this…

This report discusses access issues related to distance learning for individuals with disabilities and presents design considerations for assuring that a course is accessible to potential instructors and students with a wide range of disabilities. The field of universal design provides a framework for this discussion. It begins by describing…

A study was undertaken to explore program policies and practices related to the accessibility of American distance learning courses to qualified students with disabilities. A literature review was conducted, a draft list of accessibility indicators was created, examples of applications of the indicators in existing distance learning programs were…