RE: please help correct a problem?

Hi, Cynthia

I'm involved with a couple projects on campus (not related to
disability) and in the process I try to make other people aware of
access issues.  These are just some of the questions I get asked.

Often, in offices for disabled students there are very few staff people,
if any, who understand the technology challenges much less possible
solutions.  It is made worse when the technology has already been
implemented before anyone thought of accessibility issues.  When there
is limited understanding of technology, it can be hard to develop
informed technology policies.

Scott

> I was away speaking at the first national conference for Web Managers in
> Denver when your first email arrived but it appears that Al was able to give
> you an appropriate response.
> 
> I am puzzled by your question as to how much time professors must take to
> spend on accessibility issues.  Professors should be working hand in hand
> with the Students with Disabilities Office at their higher education
> institution.  The Students with Disabilities Office provides the policy
> implementation and should be the first place these questions should be
> directed since they are in the business of coordinating the arrangements for
> all "academic adjustments" under Section 504/ADA. Having been the Director
> of this office for a university, I have intimate knowledge of what it takes
> to work with both the student and the faculty to arrive at the appropriate
> accommodation for accessibility.  Some of the solutions for accessibility
> can be quite straightforward, requiring no elaborate accommodation.
> 
> If professors are asking you how much time to spend on accessibility, they
> are asking the wrong person and should be talking to their own
> administration for guidance.  Professors have had to address accessibility
> for at least 25 years under the Rehabilitation Act, so this issue is not
> new.
> 
> Cynthia  
>

Received on Tuesday, 19 October 1999 22:25:48 UTC