TechDis - Technology for Disabilities Information Service http://www.techdis.ac.uk

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TechDis - Technology for Disabilities Information
Servicehttp//www.techdis.ac.uk

• Dr. Simon Ball

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Introducing TechDis

• TechDis is a JISC (Joint Information Systems
  Committee) funded service.
• Mission
• To provide information and advice to the HE and
  FE sectors on the use of new and existing
  Information/Communication Technologies, to
  enhance access to learning and teaching, research
  and administration activities for students and
  staff with disabilities

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So What Does That Mean?

• First stop information service for HE and FE
  staff
• Website
• Helpdesk
• Dissemination

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New Website

• http//www.techdis.ac.uk
• Includes
• Staff development tools and exercises to help
  design and develop accessible materials
• TechDis Connections Service building into a
  network of expertise across the community
• TechDis Resources articles, projects and
  materials produced by TechDis

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New Website

• http//www.techdis.ac.uk
• TechDis Knowledge Database a searchable bank of
  information about technology and disability
• TechDis Accessibility Database over 2500 items
  of assistive technology used to support students
  with a disability

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Primary Goal

• To help provide a level playing field for
  everyone involved in education regardless of
  impairment or disability.

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Current Projects Include

• Wireless LANs
• Accessibility of VLEs
• Accessible Curricula Good Practice For All
• Students, Disabilities, Technology and Europe

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You Can Teach An Old Continent New Tricks

• Special attention should be given to disabled
  people and the fight against info-exclusion
• Public sector websites and their content in
  Member Statesmust be designed to be accessible
  to ensure that citizens with disabilities can
  access information.
• (ECs eEurope Action Plan)

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What Does This Mean In The UK?

• E-Information must be accessible to all people
  with disabilities (not just students), for
  example a college prospectus-style website.
• European legislation will be enforced under the
  Disability Discrimination Act in the UK
• Existing obligation under Amsterdam Treaty
• Web sites accessible to WAI standards.

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Summary

• We provide information on Technology and
  Disabilities
• We require input too!
• Tell us about your experiences
• What are your problems regarding Technology and
  Disabilities and how are you overcoming them?