From RSCWMWiki

Accessibility and Inclusion Forum

The Accessibility Forum will focus on sharing of ideas and Best Practice. The presentations focus on projects from across the region. Updates on new developments in e-learning and assistive technologies and advice on providing accessibility information for staff across a variety of roles.

Presentations

Alison Wootton Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor RSC Media:RSC_WM_forum.pdf

Lisa Featherstone JISC TechDis Media:20111123_RSC_WM_JTD_update_(2).pdf

Prof Christine Hockings University of Wolverhampton Learning to Teach Inclusively Project Media:JISC_Accessibility_Forum_workshop_23rd_Nov_2011.pdf

Dan Valentine Derwen College Second Life Project-http://wiki.rscwmsystems.org.uk/index.php/2010-11_Second_Life_Project

Resources

Case Studies

From across the region, focus on the use of Open Source software with learners with learning difficulties:

Access Apps- A variety of case studies showing the use of software including XMind, Magnifer and the VU Bar. http://wiki.rscwmsystems.org.uk/index.php/2009-10_Access_Apps_Project

Second Life- Case studies from Hereward College and Derwen outlining how their learners have engaged with Second Life to overcome communication diffculties.http://wiki.rscwmsystems.org.uk/index.php/2010-11_Second_Life_Project

Apps

Free Apps for learners with Dyslexia and communication difficulties include :

Dragon Search- http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/dragon-search/id341452950?mt=8 Dragon Search is the Fast, Accurate and Smart way to search online content on your iPhone™ using your voice. Simply speak your search queries and get simultaneous results from a variety of top websites and content sources

Dragon Dictation-http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dragon-dictation/id341446764?mt=8 Dragon Dictation is an easy-to-use voice recognition

Verbally http://verballyapp.com/about_us.html is an amazing, comprehensive assisted speech solution for the iPad. Verbally is a top-selling Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) iPad app and it's totally free. Unlike all other AAC solutions available, Verbally’ s unique, simple design allows users to communicate quickly and effectively in any setting.

Speak It http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speak-it!-text-to-speech/id308629295?mt=8 Speak it! 2, the most advanced text to speech solution in the App Store! Speak it has now been designed to work with iOS 4, and take advantage of all the multitasking features.

Extra Information

Information will be added after the forum. This will include website address and information from the presenter.

RSC WM Summary Report for the Accessibility Kit.

The loan of the kit bags has been in operation since September 2009, the scheme has been really positive with 23 learning providers taking part. The results so far make interesting reading. The report identifies that the equipment has been used with learners with varying disabilities from Dyslexia to severe learning difficulties. The summary highlights the most accessible piece of equipment as the Big Keys Keyboard, the most popular as the Zed Pen and the MP3 Player.The summary was written in July 2011 this will be updated in 2012. The report can be accessed by clicking on this link to the Try Before You Buy Page. http://wiki.rscwmsystems.org.uk/index.php/Try_Before_You_Buy_Kit