newsletter
Technology and Access for Students with Disabilities
"This was a great opportunity to participate in a very timely discussion. We are presently trying to comply with accessibility issues in software. Presentation was helpful!"
Contact Information
Julie Duffield
415.615.3213
jduffie@wested.org
Related Staff
Who Should Participate
- Technology coordinators, administrators, and those serving on a site or district technology planning committee
- Those creating educational websites.
Goals of the Workshops
The goal of the workshops is to cover issues of technology access, professional development, support, and policies related to the assistive technology required by students with disabilities. The workshops are designed to ensure compliance with current law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Format of the Workshops
The two workshops can be presented together or as separate two-hour sessions. Workshop topics can also be presented in one-hour online events.
What You Learn
Workshop 1: Integrating Assistive Technology into Your Technology Plan. Participants learn to evaluate their existing technology plan and policies to determine if they adequately address technology access for students with disabilities. Participants learn about model practices and requirements of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
Workshop 2: Creating Accessible Websites. Participants learn to evaluate their existing Web sites to determine if they adequately address access for people with disabilities. Participants learn about online tools to check accessibility and receive detailed information on creating an accessible site.
Who Facilitates Your Learning
Julie Duffield, of WestEd’s Regional Technology in Education Consortium, specializes in Web accessibility issues and coordinates the selection of workshop leaders and expert consultants.
What Resources Support Your Learning
Workshop participants can request follow-up support as they develop or revise technology plans and policies and accessible Web sites.
What the Research Says
Technology that can increase the capacity of students with disabilities to learn, communicate, and participate in school life is required as part of the Individualized Education Plan process. Accessible Web sites are increasingly called for in education legislation and policy. California also requires the coordination of Ed Tech-funded programs with technology-related activities supported with funds from other sources.
What Is the Cost
On-site presentation of the interactive workshops is $1,000. Individual two-hour workshops are $700 each.
A one-hour online workshop can accommodate up to 25 people and costs $500.
Contact Information
Julie Duffield
415.615.3213
jduffie@wested.org