AccessSTEM

Test taking poses challenges for many students. However, for individuals with disabilities, test taking can present insurmountable obstacles. Student needs vary greatly and depend on specific disabilities and types of tests. Besides traditional tests and papers, instructors should consider group work, demonstrations, portfolios, and presentations as options for demonstrating knowledge.

Access to computers for people with disabilities involves two major issues: access to the computers themselves and access to electronic resources such as word processors, spreadsheets, and web pages. Adaptive hardware and software can facilitate computer access for people with disabilities. Adaptive (or assistive) technology solutions may involve simple, readily available adjustments such as using built-in access devices on standard computers, or they may require unique combinations of software and hardware such as those needed for voice or Braille output.

The answer to this question depends on the age, individual needs, and personality of the student. As always, instructors should talk with students about their accommodation needs and perhaps with support personnel. Facilitating accommodations is easier for teachers who develop a positive classroom climate where students feel comfortable asking for the help they need because of disabilities or simply struggle with particular concepts.

An elevator or ramp provides access to spaces when a staircase is insurmountable for someone who uses a wheelchair. Similarly, specialized hardware and software, called assistive or adaptive technology, allows people with mobility impairments to use computers. These tools allow a person with limited, uncontrollable, or no hand or arm movement to successfully perform in educational and job settings. Adaptive technology can allow a person with a mobility impairment to use all of the capabilities of a computer.

The DO-IT Pals program is an online community for middle and high school students with disabilities who are interested in college and challenging careers. The program includes frequent electronic mail and personal contact with Mentors and other DO-IT Pals. Mentors are college students, faculty, and practicing engineers, scientists, and other professionals, many of whom have disabilities themselves.

A 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child with a disability, identified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will provide access to the learning environment.

Word prediction programs prompt the user with a list of likely word choices based on words previously typed. Some word prediction software automatically collects new words as they are used and considers a person's common vocabulary when predicting words in the future. Although designed to increase typing speed and accuracy, word prediction in some cases, particularly when short words are involved, can actually decrease typing speed.

Not all assistive technology for people with mobility impairments is computer-based. The use of common items, such as adhesive Velcro to mount switches or power controls, can provide elegantly simple solutions to computer access barriers. Often, tools of one's own making provide the most effective and comfortable accommodations for mobility impairments.

Treat people with disabilities with the same respect and consideration with which you treat others. There are no strict rules when it comes to relating to people with disabilities. However, listed below are some helpful hints from the DO-IT Center at the University of Washington. These suggestions can also be found on the DO-IT website at Helpful Communication Hints.

Yes, captions can be added to a video presentation that has already been published to make it accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The first step in adding captions to a video is to transcribe it, or obtain a transcript if one already exists. The second step is to synchronize the transcript with the video. There are various tools and techniques for doing this, depending on the media type.