Assistive Technology: How to Network and Collaborate Within Your College System
Misty Patinelli, MAAssistive Technology Specialist
Wake Technical Community College
The U.S. Access Board defines “assistive technology” “as a device or software that substitutes for or enhances the function of some impaired ability. Sometimes referred to as Adaptive Technology.”
Assistive Technology (AT)
Scanning textbooks Captioning Providing course materials in an
alterative formats Setting up and training on equipment Implementing AT and accommodations
in the classroom and online Evaluating the accessibility of web-
based tools and documents
Collaborative AT Services
Converting and formatting course materials in alterative formats
Obtaining information about textbooks and class locations
Moving and setting up AT equipment Providing information to students related
to course materials and online tools Problem-solving and trouble shooting
issues Communicating with staff, faculty, and
students on multiple campuses
Importance of Networking
Receiving computer assistance for online courses, tools, and software/hardware implementation
Cross-training of other departments, colleges, staff, and faculty
Assisting students with accessing web-based documents, media, and online tools
Being proactive about implementation of student accommodations
Importance of Networking
Bookstore Computer Services (ITS) Distance Education Facility Services Individualized Learning Center/Tutorial
Services Instructors/Departments Library Print Shop Registrar/Data Management
College Departments
Collaboration Between Departments
Obtaining textbook information for ordering from publisher and agency databases
Determining the textbook ISBN numbers when the books are in bundles
Assisting students with visual impairments with purchasing used textbooks without markings
Bookstore
Consulting about purchase of AT software and hardware
Installing AT software Moving AT equipment Trouble shooting AT computer-related
issues Communicating when new computers are
installed on campus Assisting with networking of software and
maintenance of licenses
Computer Services (ITS)
Consulting on accessibility of online courses and educational management systems
Assisting with conversion of inaccessible online documents
Trouble shooting problems with online presentations and tests
Assisting with access for students to the college website and external websites
Training on new technology Collaborating with DSS in captioning online
multimedia
Distance Education
Assisting with moving and relocation of AT equipment
Providing general set up of AT equipment in the classroom and other areas for student use
Storing furniture for equipment in the warehouse
Facility Services
Setting up computer stations for students with disabilities to access documents with AT
Training and consulting with staff on AT software/hardware
Maintaining AT software and equipment for student use
Individualized Learning Center
and Tutorial Services
Assisting with implementation of student accommodations
Collaborating to facilitate document and textbook conversion and course accessibility
Consulting with instructors on alternative accommodations when online tools are inaccessible
Training with staff and faculty on tools and AT software/hardware
Instructors/Departments
Setting up computer stations for students to access documents, texts, and online tools with AT
Training with library staff on AT software/hardware
Maintaining and updating AT software and equipment for student use
Library
Assisting with cutting bindings off textbooks for scanning purposes
Hole-punching textbooks for students for easy storage and to carry to class
Print Shop
Having DSS priority registration facilitates: Early communication with faculty Equipment set up Classroom adjustments Preparation of documents/textbooks in
alternative format Captioning Training on online tools and AT
software/hardware
Registrar/Data Management
Thank You
Questions
(U.S. Access Board, Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards 36 CFR Part 1194 § 1194.4 Definitions. [Published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2000]. (May 04 2001). Retrieved December 10, 2004, from http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/standards.htm
References