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WATA Bulletin: Fall 2004

Contents:

Assistive Technology in WorkSource Centers

Debbie Cook, Director, Washington Assistive Technology Alliance

The twenty seven WorkSource Centers and many of their affiliated sites now offer a wide array of assistive technology (AT) devices for use by customers with disabilities who are participating in employment seeking activities at the centers. This resource is coordinated by the WorkSource Disability Network, which is also responsible for other accessibility activities in the WorkSource Centers.

What is WorkSource?

WorkSource helps people prepare themselves for the job market by helping them write resumes, locate employment and acquire job-related skills. WorkSource Centers offer computer stations for job searches, informative classes, and employment specialists. The Washington WorkSource website (http://www.gotoworksource.com) contains information about the range of services provided, eligibility, and WorkSource Center locations.

How will AT enhance participation in WorkSource for people with disabilities?

Many WorkSource resources use information technology to convey and provide information and services. For example, a WorkSource customer might use a software program to complete an inventory of interests in regard to employment; then use another software program to organize skills and experience for a resume; and finally, use various websites to learn about occupations or to apply for jobs.

The addition of computer access solutions, such as software for screen reading and screen magnification for people who have visual impairments, alternative keyboards and pointing devices for people with limited dexterity, word prediction software for people who have limitations related to dexterity or who have learning or cognitive disabilities, and adjustable furniture to accommodate a wide range of individuals, will result in a more equitable situation for many individuals with disabilities who want to take advantage of WorkSource services.

In addition to computer access technologies, WorkSource locations now have tools such as scanners and software that can assist with reading and writing. They also have communication tools such as amplified phones, TTY for customer and staff use, and assisted listening systems for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

How can I take advantage of the AT resources at Worksource?

WATA is currently assisting local centers to set up and configure their new AT products, and Washington Assistive Technology Alliance is providing training to staff. To date, centers in Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor, Bremerton, Port Angeles, Renton, Vancouver, and Omak have received training, with more coming soon. In addition, WATA has developed some online resources which will soon be available to help staff and customers learn about the AT available at WorkSource Centers.

WorkSource staff typically cannot provide assessment or training in the use of particular AT. For this reason, customers who know their AT needs are the best match for this new resource. Use of the products is limited to WorkSource programs and services. If you are looking for work and want to participate in the array of services offered to job seekers, we encourage you to inquire about the implementation of assistive technology at your local WorkSource Center.

New Online Course Provides Lessons on Accessible Information Technology

Cheryl Colehour, Continuing Education Coordinator, UW Center on Technology and Disability Studies

What is information technology (IT)? How can it be made accessible? Are there laws that govern access to information technology? Many people involved with information technology implementation find these questions confusing. The National Center on Accessible Information Technology in Education (AccessIT) has addressed the need for guidance by developing a free online course, Introduction to Accessible Technology in Education, that provides an introduction to accessible information technology in education.

To identify gaps in the target audience's knowledge of information technology, the faculty and staff at AccessIT interviewed people who give presentations on IT across the country. This information was used to focus the course as it was developed. The course was written by content experts, mostly faculty and researchers at the University of Washington. Each component of the course, including lessons, interactive content, and review questions, was designed to be as accessible as possible.

To ensure accessibility, faculty and staff at AccessIT performed extensive usability testing. The course was tested by people who use screen readers, screen magnifying programs, alternate mice and other types of assistive technology, as well as by people without disabilities. The course was then released to a limited audience, who gave feedback on each lesson and the course as a whole. The course was revised based on the results of the usability testing and user feedback. The course is now available online.

It consists of nine lessons with many interactive features. Lesson one addresses basic issues, such as the difference between information technology and assistive technology. Lessons two through seven cover accessibility problems and solutions, and relevant laws for web design, distance learning, software, self-contained, closed products, telecommunications and multimedia. Lesson eight explores how laws such as IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA apply to accessible IT in education. The final lesson provides an overview of approaches to and strategies for influencing information technology accessibility policy in education, and examines sample policies.

Interactive features include streaming video, hypothetical case studies and review questions that allow students to review and evaluate their understanding of lesson concepts. For example, lesson two, Accessible Web Design, contains streaming video clips that demonstrate barriers to web accessibility from the perspective of a user who is blind, and ways the websites can be corrected. Lesson eight, Accessible IT and the Law, contains two hypothetical case studies that describe situations in which accessible IT could be provided, encourages students to think about possible solutions, then discusses two possible outcomes for each case study.

This course is recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about accessibility issues that relate to information technology and related law and policy issues in education. This includes teachers, administrators, policy makers and anyone else who is interested. Individuals interested in taking the course can register at:http://access-it-online.info/public/register.asp. For more information email accessit@u.washington.edu.

Calendar of Events

Blazing the Trail: TASH 2004,
Nov. 17-20, Reno
The TASH conference is the largest and most progressive international conference that focuses on strategies for achieving full inclusion for people with disabilities. This invigorating conference, which brings together the best hearts and minds in the disability movement, features over 450 breakout sessions, exhibits, roundtable discussions, poster sessions and much more. For more information: TASH, 29 W. Susquehanna Ave., Suite 210, Baltimore, MD 21204, 1-800-482-8274, 410-828-8274, or www.tash.org/2004reno/registration/.

Technology, Reading & Learning Difficulties (TRLD 2005),
Jan. 27-29, San Francisco
Conference focus is utilization of technology for reading, learning disabilities, staff development, adult literacy and more. Preview the latest educational technology and try out software in TRLD's Software Lab. Attend how-to sessions and hands-on workshops geared to actual classroom applications. For more information: Educational Computer Conferences Inc., 19 Calvert Court, Piedmont, CA 94611-3435, 510-594-1249, toll-free 888-594-1249, or www.trld.com.

Technology and Persons With Disabilities 2005
March 14-19, Los Angeles
CSUN's 20th Annual International Conference on Technology and Persons with Disabilities is the longest-running and largest annual university-sponsored conference of its kind. It is a major training venue for professionals involved in the field of disability and technology. For more information: Center On Disabilities, California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8340, 818-677-2578 or www.csun.edu/cod/conf/index.htm.


For calendar updates, visit the Web at:
http://wata.org/calendar.htm
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The WATA Bulletin is supported by grant H224A3006 from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education, to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Olympia, WA.

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