Empowering All Learners with Empowering All Learners with Accessible Technology-based Accessible Technology-based

Instructional ProductsInstructional ProductsSection 508, Subpart B, Section 508, Subpart B,

Technical StandardsTechnical StandardsSponsored by:

The Maryland State Department of Education,In partnership with:

The Johns Hopkins University’s

Center for Technology in Education

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Principles of Accessible Design

• Allow for customization based on user preference• Provide equivalent access to auditory and visual

content based on user preference• Provide compatibility with assistive technologies

and complete keyboard access• Provide contextual and orientation information• Follow specifications, standards, and/ or guidelines

Rothberg, M. (August 7, 2001). Accessibility: Making Education Technology Accessible to

Students with Disabilities. http://www.siia.net/divisions/education/8-7-01/contents.asp

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Alternative Pointing Devices

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Did you know that…

• Many commonly used technology products have accessibility features built in?

• Accessibility features are available in:– Operating systems in Control Panel– Integrated office application products– Internet browsers

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Section 508 Subpart B Technical Standards

1194.21 Software and Operating Systems Applications

http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/1194.21.htm

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When considering Web-based Information and Applications, include accessibility criteria in local guidelines for evaluation and selection as well as request for bid, request for proposal, and other procurement documents.

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Section 508 Subpart B Technical Standards

1194.22 Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/1194.22.htm

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Web-based Products with Information on Accessibility

Standards

• SIRS Publishing, Inc.: http://www.sirs.com/corporate/accessibility.htm

• Gale Group: http://www.galegroup.com/press_room/article/oct01_electronic.htm

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Ways to Determine If a Web-based Product is Accessible

• Use Section 508 Accessibility Standards

• Search for accessibility information on company Web site

• Contact company for specific information

• And…?

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Tool for Evaluating Web Page Accessibility

• Bobby: http://cast.org/bobby/

• Level 1 equivalent to 508 Standards

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Technical Standards for Equivalent Access

• 1194.23 Telecommunication Products

• 1194.24 Video and Multi-media Products• These standards are addressed in the Software

and Operating Systems and Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications standards.

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Self-Contained Products

• Applies to accessible Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), graphing calculators, and devices like AlphaSmarts.

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Desktop and Portable Computers

• History of work in this area through government and industry partnerships

• Or go to Buy Accessible data basehttp://

www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=2

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Resources

• “Buy Accessible” Data Base: http://www.section508.gov/buy_accessible/public_access/main.cfm

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Section 508 Resources http://www.section508.gov/

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Maryland Resources

• Accessible Computer-based Instructional Technology:http://cte.jhu.edu/accessibility

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Develop an Action Plan

• Form small groups of 3-4 with staff from your district

• Determine group roles: facilitator, recorder, reporter, and coach

• Discuss key issues affecting implementation: supports and challenges

• Draft an action plan using the handout• Select one insight to share with large group

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Develop an Action PlanGuiding questions:• How will you implement this regulation?• What policies, procedures, and people do

you have in place to help with implementing this regulation?

• What additional supports do you need?• What are the logical next steps you

recommend for your staff to take?

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Share Insights from Action Planning

• How did you do with your action planning?

• What did you learn from others during action planning?

• What resources did you find helpful?• What are some critical questions that

remain?

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Questions?

Donna R. RileyPolicy and Resource Specialist

Maryland State Department of EducationDivision of Special Education/ Early Intervention Services200 West Baltimore StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21201(410) 767-0858(410) 333-8165 faxdriley@msde.state.md.us

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Thank You!