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Accessible Information Technology in Education

By Nathan White

Most school systems are aware of the importance of making sure that schools are physically accessible to students with disabilities, but few have considered whether or not the technology used in educational environments is accessible. Instructional software, Web sites, and e-learning courses sometimes require the use of a mouse, present information only in visual ways, or fail to work properly with common assistive devices. These are some examples of ways in which technology can create barriers for students with disabilities. These are some examples of technology that may create barriers for students with disabilities. Schools that do address technology access needs often do so only in the context of a student's individualized education plan (IEP).

Planning for accessible information technology for all students is a proactive way to address technology barriers before they occur, and can reduce the financial and administrative burden of individual accommodations. The Northwest ADA & IT Center (www.nwada.org) is a local resource offering free services to help schools address information technology accessibility in meaningful ways. By focusing on policy development, asking vendors about the accessibility features of instructional technology, and training staff on information design practices, schools can increase the accessibility of mainstream educational technology.

An effective way to pursue information technology accessibility in schools is to identify specific areas of need and create policies and practices to address these needs. Schools are invited to use a new checklist, Accessible IT in Education, available at www.washington.edu/accessit/it-checklist/. From the checklist Web site, schools can learn more about the components of an accessible IT environment, assess current levels of accessibility, and sign up for additional assistance from the Northwest ADA & IT Center.

Nathan White is accessible IT program coordinator for the Northwest ADA & IT Center in Portland, Oregon. You are welcome to e-mail him at whitena@ohsu.edu.