DO-IT Technology Access for People with Disabilities

"An excellent website of comprehensive resources that any instructor can have access to 24 hours a day!"
-Instructor

"I want to personally thank DO-IT for all the timely and helpful information that you have and share with us. You make our job as service providers very easy to do."
-Learning Center Director

"Your materials are excellent, and we would very much like to use them in training and awareness programs for our faculty."
-Academic Instructional Communication Specialist

"(As a person with a disability) I thought a career in computer science was not an option for me, but with support from the disabled student services office I'm finishing my AA degree and I want to complete a BA program."
-Student

DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) promotes:

the full inclusion of people with disabilities in challenging academic programs and careers, including those in high-tech fields.
the availability of assistive technology for students and employees with disabilities.
the application of universal design in the development of technology, information resources, programs, services, and learning environments.

DO-IT's printed publications, tutorials, and training videos, as well as links to Internet resources, are available on its comprehensive websites. Visitors can also find searchable knowledge bases and web-based learning environments for specific audiences. Below are highlights of this rich resource for educators, policy makers, librarians, technical support staff, students and employees with disabilities, and their advocates. Link to these from the DO-IT home page at http://www.washington.edu/doit/.

Technology and Universal Design

DO-IT provides a rich set of tutorials, videos, publications, and resources related to access to computers, multi-media, web pages, e-learning, telecommunications, and other IT for people with disabilities. From this page, link to lively discussion lists supported by DO-IT including AccessWeb, AccessDL, AHEADTech, and doitsem.

AccessIT

AccessIT promotes the procurement, development, and use of accessible information technology (IT) in educational institutions at all levels. The AccessIT knowledge base is a searchable collection of questions and answers, case studies, and promising practices regarding accessible IT in educational settings and is co-sponsored by DO-IT and the University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability Studies.

AccessSTEM

AccessSTEM serves to increase the participation of people with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. The AccessSTEM searchable knowledge base includes information about universal design of instruction and electronic resources, strategies for making STEM classes and labs accessible to all students, and assistive technology for students with disabilities.

In addition to these technology-specific resources, the following websites provide general information regarding success in postsecondary education and careers, including roles that IT can play. Each includes a searchable database of frequently asked questions, promising practices, and case studies.

Check out answers to questions like these in the AccessIT and AccessSTEM knowledge bases:

How can people who are blind operate computers?

What are the main features of an accessible computer lab?

Are electronic white boards accessible to people with disabilities?

How can I test my website for accessibility?

Is it better to caption or transcribe multi-media?

What considerations should be made in order to develop accessible web-based distance learning courses?

The Faculty Room

The Faculty Room is a place for postsecondary faculty and administrators to learn about how to create classroom environments, e-learning, and other activities that maximize the learning of all students, including those with disabilities.

The Student Services Conference Room

The Conference Room is a place for staff in postsecondary libraries; career services, admissions, financial aid, and registration offices; computer labs; and other campus services.

The Board Room

The Board Room provides guidance to postsecondary administrators regarding policies and practices that maximize the learning and participation of all students, including those with disabilities.

The Student Lounge

The Student Lounge helps students with disabilities prepare for and succeed in postsecondary studies.

AccessCAREERS

AccessCAREERS provides guidance to individuals with disabilities, employers, and career services staff on how to maximize the success of individuals with disabilities in employment.

About DO-IT

DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) serves to increase the successful participation of individuals with disabilities in challenging academic programs such as those in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology. Primary funding for DO-IT is provided by the National Science Foundation, the State of Washington, and the U.S. Department of Education. DO-IT is a collaboration of UW Information Technology and the Colleges of Education at the University of Washington.

Grants and gifts fund DO-IT publications, videos, and programs to support the academic and career success of people with disabilities. Contribute today by sending a check to DO-IT, Box 354842, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-4842.

Your gift is tax deductible as specified in IRS regulations. Pursuant to RCW 19.09, the University of Washington is registered as a charitable organization with the Secretary of State, state of Washington. For more information call the Office of the Secretary of State, 1-800-322-4483.

To order free publications or newsletters use the DO-IT Publications Order Form; to order videos and training materials use the Videos, Books and Comprehensive Training Materials Order Form.

For further information, to be placed on the DO-IT mailing list, request materials in an alternate format, or to make comments or suggestions about DO-IT publications or web pages contact:

DO-IT
University of Washington
Box 354842
Seattle, WA 98195-4842
doit@uw.edu
www.uw.edu/doit/
206-685-DOIT (3648) (voice/TTY)
888-972-DOIT (3648) (voice/TTY)
206-221-4171 (fax)
509-328-9331 (voice/TTY) Spokane

Founder and Director: Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D.

DO-IT Funding and Partners