Teaching and Supporting Students with Vision Impairments

An Australian Universities Teaching Committee Funded Project WAANU ConferenceMarch 2005

Project AimsTo improve outcomes for blind and vision impaired students in Australian universitiesResearch key issues literature review & consultationDocument innovative strategies for teaching supportIdentify effective professional development practicesImprove access to practical information and resources Promote guidelines and strategies across the sector

Underpinning Principlessocial model of disabilityreciprocal rights & responsibilitiesDisability Standards for Educationwe need to draw lines - what is reasonable? achiveable?better practices & outcomes for studentsawareness & understanding for teachersknowledge & skills for practitioners

OutcomesStudents with vision impairments will experience less discrimination and more accessible education

Changes in policy and practices within Australian Universities

Increasing the profile of accessibility and inclusivity

Student PrioritiesCourse materials on time and accessiblePolicies that are reflected in practicesAccessible web sites and librariesCommunication direct with lecturers/tutorsKnowledgeable Disability StaffEffective transition support into UniversityEffective transition support into employment

Practitioner PrioritiesTimely availability of course materials University support for policies Staffing and resource issuesBalance of student/staff responsibilitiesUp to date information and resourcesAwareness of inclusive teaching practicesPracticums and fieldwork

Academic Staff PrioritiesEnsuring assessment is equitablePolicies that are reflected in practicesEmpirical data on accommodationsWorkload issues & impact on other studentsAvailability of accessible course materialsClear communication with studentsKnowledgeable Disability Staff

Features of the frameworkSocial & legislative contextGood practice statementsBenchmarks Exemplars of good practiceResources, research & contactsSelf audit report and action planUpdate mechanisms

Principles underlying frameworkInclusive - responding to the needs of all studentsComprehensive cover all core activitiesExplicit clear & realistic strategies and reportingConsultative engage staff/students affectedResourced adequate staff/funds to implement Systemic embedded within planning & QA processesOwned leadership/accountability by senior staff

Good Practice FrameworkMAIN SECTIONS: Entry points (academics, practitioners, managers)Introduction (DDA, Standards, social context)University Administration (enrolment, QA, policies )Learning & Teaching (orientation, teaching, assessment)Campus Life & Services (access, ICT, employment )Self Audit function (audit report & action plan)

Good Practice FrameworkMAIN SECTIONS: Entry points IntroductionUniversity AdministrationLearning & TeachingCampus Life & ServicesSelf Audit

Learning &Teaching - Subsections Preparation & Orientation Course Design & Review Learning Resources Course Delivery Assessment Learning Support Learning Environments Postgraduate Study

Section: Learning & Teaching

Subsection: Learning Resources

Indicator of good practice Students with print disability have access to learning resources of a quality and format which allow them to participate equitably with their peers Benchmark 1University mandates timelines for preparation of reading lists to ensure sufficient time for conversionResources Melbourne Uni www.unimelb.edu.au/diversity/strategies.html#9 Inclusive Practice Guide www.utas.edu.au/inclpractice.html

Section: Learning & Teaching

Subsection: Learning Resources

Benchmark 1University mandates timelines for preparation of reading lists to ensure sufficient time for conversionSelf Assessment

How do you rate? 1 does not meet benchmark2 meets at a basic level3 meets at a high level

Evidence: .

Action Required: ..

Where to from here?encompass needs of all disabilitiesimplement self audit report & action plan provide pathways into resource for teachers, practitioners & managersfacilitate PD workshops later in 2005dissemination and communicationengagement and continued development