When
Tuesday, September 6 and Thursday, September 8, 2011
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Overview
The online environment has the potential to be a more accessible infrastructure for learning than face-to-face classes for all students, including those who have disabilities. However, when online environments are technologically "inaccessible," they can inadvertently create more barriers for students with disabilities, making learning more difficult or even impossible.
Join us online to discuss the current and proposed legislation that supports the needs of all students, particularly those with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor disabilities in online environments. We'll share best practices, consequences of lack of accessibility, technology availability, suggestions for creating an accessible website, and the benefits and challenges of moving toward a more universally accessible online environment.
Who Should Attend
You may choose to attend one or both sessions in this webcast series depending on your level of understanding and comfort with Web accessibility. In Session 1, information technologists, Web content administrators, online course developers, disability services staff, and other administrators will learn common Web accessibility guidelines and legislation in place to better serve people with disabilities and avoid accessibility-related law suits. In Session 2, these campus professionals will learn how to increase Web accessibility.
Instructors
Dan Allen, Content Management Specialist, Office of Information Resources and Technology, Drexel University
Dan has been designing websites for higher education and promoting best practices in online content management for nearly 15 years. During that time, he has been a staunch supporter of Web standards and an enthusiastic advocate for accessible Web design. At Drexel, he creates and delivers workshops on Web accessibility and works with clients to determine Web strategies that accommodate all potential users of Web content. Along with co-presenter Jenny Dugger, he is a member of the university's online Web Accessibility Committee.
Jenny Dugger, Director of the Office of Disability Services (ODS), Drexel University
Jenny is focused on enhancing procedures, accommodations, services, and the overall climate of Drexel University in efforts to create and maintain a more accessible and welcoming campus for all students. A great deal of her time is spent educating the campus community on ODS policies and procedures, compliance with disability-specific legislation, and matters of disability awareness. Jenny and her office work with all individuals with disabilities who are members of the university community, including those who take and teach courses online.
