When it comes to a department of computer science, computer engineering, or information technology, the goal should be that everyone who qualifies to take courses within your department and anyone who is qualified to teach them should be able to do so.
Several terms have emerged in recent years that describe similar though somewhat distinct design concepts. The terms accessible design, usable design, and universal design are all approaches to design that can result in products that are easier for everyone to use, including people with disabilities.
The Boston Public School system is known for its commitment to incorporating technology and universal design into its public institutions and classrooms. In 2001 the Access Technology Center (ATC) moved into the Boston Public Schools' Office of Instructional Technology (OIT) to expand technology access and training opportunities for teachers.
In the Phoenix Reading Project, Jerry Powell, a special education teacher at Sugar-Salem High School in Sugar City, Idaho, is using scan/read technology to help his students successfully complete reading assignments and exams in their core academic classes. Students with a variety of disabilities that include learning disabilities, health impairments, hearing impairments, autism spectrum disorders, and developmental disabilities have had increased access to textbooks and other printed material because of the hardware and software Mr.
Digital Frog International, the award winning software company known for their interactive frog dissection programs and their digital field trip series, has created their first fully accessible software title.
Mary Moore, a third grade teacher at Jason Lee Elementary in Richland, WA, is using technology to actively engage all of the students in her diverse classroom. She has students with a wide range of characteristics with respect to hearing abilities, health, learning, and English language proficiency. For some students, these differences qualify as disabilities; for others, English is their second language.
George Landle is a science teacher at Garfield-Palouse High School in Palouse, Washington. Having a student who uses a wheelchair made him aware of difficulties experienced by students with mobility impairments as they attempt to access standard science lab stations. The stations in his lab were all built at a height that required students to sit on stools or stand to use them.
Like most school districts across the country, Blue Valley USD 229 strives to integrate technology into its schools and classrooms. Every summer, the information technology (IT) department worked hard to update computer systems, while the assistive technology (AT) department created programs to allow all students to access the technology that is being integrated into the classes.
Originally applied in the field of architecture and later to information technology, applications of universal design in education (UDE) are relatively new. UDE provides a philosophical framework for the design of a broad range of educational products and environments. These include:
The Palouse Discovery Science Center in Pullman, Washington, is working hard to ensure that all members of the community, including those with disabilities, can access science exploration exhibits, programs, and events.