Daily Egyptian 02
Fall 2002
DSS continues work through grant
Katie A. Davis
Daily Egyptian
Disability Support Services is in the process of evaluating their first faculty workshop Oct. 8 on adaptive computer technology and accessible web design.
"We're very pleased with they way things are going," said DSS Director Kathleen Plesko. "We had an incredible turn out."
Between 40 and 45 faculty members from Southeastern Illinois Community College, Metropolis Jr. High and all over campus came to the workshop to learn about the legal issues, processes and technology in general for learners with disabilities.
Plesko said that some faculty do not use adaptive web design, which gives some students an immediate disadvantage.
She said that if a faculty member relies heavily on their website for information but does not make it accessible to JAWS, a program designed to help blind students surf the net, among other programs, the student is essentially left out.
"This University has always been a great place to work. Everyone is very supportive," Plesko said. "I can pick up the phone right now and have immediate help for any of our students."
Ken Crowell, who works with the adaptive technology for DSS, said there is actually a government order from the state of Illinois mandating that all websites must be accessible.
The program is part of a $50,000 grant DSS received at the beginning of the semester to promote adaptive technologies at SIUC and four area community colleges. The department has even expanded its services and is working with representatives from the University of Illinois, Eastern Illinois University and Northern Illinois University.
Plesko said they joined forces with U of I because they are the only University she knows that is working to educate students and faculty about adaptive technology.
"We haven't found any other universities in the country that are working on a similar program that emphasizes both students and faculty," she said.
Plesko said she believes it is important for the University, which has a history of support disability programs, to help establish programs throughout the state. Next year, she hopes to work with secondary education and the adaptive technology.
She said sometimes students come to SIUC with no knowledge of the technology available to them. She said that last year, she worked with a blind student who had no knowledge of JAWS or any other adaptive technologies. The department had to transpose all of his books into Braille, which meant the student received his books late.
"Imagine coming to college with know computer knowledge, no knowledge of the internet and what it is, and then getting your books late," she said.
Plesko added that the faculty training program, as well as many other DSS programs, would not be possible without the help of outside departments, including the Division of Continuing Education, Information Technology, Library Affairs, Office of General Counsel, the Higher Education Cooperation ACT and the associate chancellor of diversity.
"Many people think that we do this alone, but we don't," she said. "We have a lot of help on the way."
Reporter Katie A. Davis can be reached at kdavis@dailyegyptian.com
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Last update: Monday, October 28, 2002 at 1:08:49 AM
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