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http://www.avcc.edu.au/http://www.avcc.edu.au/
AVCC Guidelines on Information
Access for Students with
Print Disabilities
http://www.avcc.edu.au/http://www.avcc.edu.au/
A context …
More than 3% of Australians have a print disability (they can’t read, hold or comprehend print-based material) which means they need information in an alternative format such as Braille, large print, audio or accessible electronic
The Disability Discrimination Act (through the DDA Standards for Education) require universities to provide educational services in an accessible way
http://www.avcc.edu.au/http://www.avcc.edu.au/
HREOC Forum
HREOC forum in 2002 discussed:
financial implications for universities in providing material in accessible formats
resource implications for producers of material in accessible formats
factors such as copyright restrictions, encryption, and image-based distribution of material, which may prevent equal and independent access
strategies for ensuring efficient, effective and timely access to tertiary study materials for students who require them in alternative formats.
http://www.avcc.edu.au/http://www.avcc.edu.au/
Background to the AVCC Guidelines
Following on from the HREOC Forum …
AVCC convened an Accessible Curricular Materials Steering Committee
Working group to develop the Guidelines (with representatives from equity practitioners at several universities)
Feedback from universities, BCA and HREOC Guidelines approved in 2004
http://www.avcc.edu.au/http://www.avcc.edu.au/
Key issues?
Copyright (educational institutions can make copies for students with a disability under a ‘statutory licence’)
Costs of producing material in alternative format (can cost upwards of $6,000 for very complex material)
Increasing demand o Increased numbers of students with print disabilities o Increase in expectations as levels of support in
secondary sector has riseno More students undertaking courses where there are
additional complexities (eg scientific notation)o More students undertaking PhDs and research Masters
http://www.avcc.edu.au/http://www.avcc.edu.au/
Major issues - timeliness
Factors affecting timeliness are: Time course guides etc made available to students Time at which DLU is advised Readability of materials Delays in getting copyright permission Increased volume (with increased numbers of
students) Complexity of material (eg mathematical formula) Complex task which takes time
http://www.avcc.edu.au/http://www.avcc.edu.au/
Major issue – web accessibility
Most digital information created for online course materials must be created using defined technical standards to ensure that students can access it through the assistive technology available.
Although guidelines exist to produce accessible web content, there are many university websites that are not accessible and no clear mechanism to ensure accessible web content is available.
Some university staff are familiar with these requirements, however, there are few staff with the required knowledge and expertise available as a resource to the university as a whole.
http://www.avcc.edu.au/http://www.avcc.edu.au/
Guidelines - Advice on good practice
1. Student assistance (admin and academic)2. Teaching materials3. Internet access4. Encouraging inclusivity5. Equipment and technology6. Practical classes and practicums7. Policy implementation
http://www.avcc.edu.au/http://www.avcc.edu.au/
Format?
guidelines – not prescriptive (acknowledge the significant differences between institution)
Good practice statement followed by examples of good practice
Cover student ‘life cycle’ Acknowledge the importance of all aspects of
student life (from voting in student union elections to taking part in practicums and labs)
http://www.avcc.edu.au/http://www.avcc.edu.au/
5.0 Internet access5.1 The University has policies in place to ensure the
University website is fully compliant with web accessibility guidelines.
Examples of good practice The University has developed a Web Disability Action Plan or the
institution’s Disability Action Plan contains sections relating to web access
All University websites are compliant with both Priority 1 and Priority 2 World Wide Web Consortium guidelines (AA compliance) and some comply with Priority 3
The University website has a clearly-identified link to contact information for reporting web accessibility concerns or problems
Web accessibility policy is monitored and updated regularly by senior staff.
http://www.avcc.edu.au/http://www.avcc.edu.au/
5.0 Internet access5.2 The University has policies in place to ensure
software used in courses is compatible with adaptive software.
Examples of good practice The University has procedures in place to ensure that
the software used in course design can be used with the adaptive software technology currently used by students with print disabilities
A reference to accessibility standards is included in the course approvals form
Relevant staff are made aware of the guidelines and the importance of accessibility when choosing and purchasing new software.