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Teleconference: ADA Issues and Requirements for Distance Education Courses


REMINDER!
Teleconference: A.D.A. ISSUES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES

On Thursday, October 17, 2002, from 2:15 to 4:30 p.m., ETS will be sponsoring
the teleconference A.D.A. ISSUES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION
COURSES, at the Brighton Campus in Room 3-172. Jeff Bartkovich, Vice President
of ETS, will introduce the program. Following the telecast Taine Vinci,
Assistant Director for Counseling and Testing, and Arlene Phillips, Coordinator
for Services for Students with Disabilities will conduct a brief wraparound
session.

Although the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 preceded the vast
expansion of Internet-based distance learning, ADA requirements and related
federal statutes definitely do apply to distance learning regardless of the
technology used. And, as of last year, federal laws regarding accessibility
for students using electronic and information technology now have more teeth.
As the Chronicle of Higher Education put it, institutions realize they need to
include "the virtual equivalents of wheelchair ramps when building their online
classrooms."

Implementing technology-based courses that are accessible to the greatest
number of people is, of course, the right thing to do. In addition, courses
that are designed with accessibility in mind generally work better for all
students and learning styles. Although institutions don't have to make all
course materials accessible to everyone, providing equivalents and options in
distance learning courses are the keys to greater usability.

This program will examine three elements that are vital to ensuring that
distance learning courses serve disabled students effectively:

1.) What the law does and does not require.
2.) Good course design and low- or no-cost solutions that increase access
and decrease the need for adaptive technologies in new courseware.
3.) Retro-fitting existing course materials.

For those unable to attend the teleconference, a video copy will be available
for a one-month period in the Brighton Library on Reserve following the
teleconference. For those at the Damon City Campus interested in viewing the
teleconference videotape, please contact the DCC Library and
arrangements will be made for the video to be shipped for pickup.

RSVP October 14th, to Valarie Avalone at Ext. 3021 or vavalone@monroecc.edu
<mailto:vavalone@monroecc.edu>



Valarie Avalone
Planning
10/09/2002