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