Yes. Screen readers are computer applications that read aloud text, menus, and dialogues that appear on a computer screen. They are commonly used by students who are blind. A related application the text reader is commonly used by students with learning disabilities and other non-visual print disabilities. However, they do not provide the same level of access to items like menus and dialogues that screen readers do.
All-Alaska Academy offers week-long transition camps for students with disabilities to aid them in their transition from secondary to postsecondary institutions or from school to work. Participants attend as part of a team from their district. Teams focus on fostering an academic learning experience for both students and educators.
The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) serves as a resource for stakeholders, including educators, parents, students, publishers, conversion houses, accessible media producers, and others interested in learning more about accessible educational materials. Their services and activities include:
Some students with disabilities require accommodations in order to access math. For example, mathematical notation is inherently visual, so students who are blind are unable to read it. Also, students who cannot fully use their hands are often unable to perform mathematical computations by hand on paper (the traditional way). Some commercial products have been developed to increase access to mathematics content and computation to individuals with disabilities.
There are multiple options for blind students who need to access math material:
Tod Harris, a math and computer teacher at Maplewood Middle School in Edmonds, Washington, is committed to the universal design of classroom environments. His school serves students with visual impairments from throughout the district in general education classrooms. Some students were having difficulty accessing information projected on an overhead during class lectures and completing tasks in the math computer lab.
Kristie Alexander, a fourth-grade teacher at Captain Strong Elementary, is using technology to actively engage all students in her class, including those with learning disabilities, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), speech impairments, fine motor impairments, and Asperger's Syndrome.
Since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, more and more people with a wide range of disabilities are entering the nursing profession. Several web-based resources and organizations are available to nursing students and professionals to provide information on legal, employment, and accommodation resources.
Research has shown that people with disabilities achieve at lower levels in education and employment when compared to their peers without disabilities. Below are some sources that have compiled some of these statistics.
The Renton, Washington office of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a division of the United States Department of Transportation, is working to increase the employment of people with disabilities in their organization. The FAA Renton Office has restructured one employee's job duties to create the position of Program Manager for People with Disabilities.
After successfully completing high school, people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) may feel that they no longer require supports to succeed. However, AD/HD can impact behavior and performance both in college and at work. College and employment present new responsibilities and new challenges; coping with AD/HD often requires a lifelong effort. Planning and preparation can smooth potentially challenging postsecondary transitions.