Accessibility and adaptive technology

Abstract

Experience gained during an earlier project (Musgrove, Homfray & Addison, 2001) supported the premise that providing appropriate specialist hardware systems and adjusting software interfaces could improve accessibility to Information and communications Technology(ICT) and consequently to Technology Supported Learning (TSL) supported modules for certain additional needs students. School of Applied Sciences (SAS) and School of Art and Design (SAD) already have a large constituency of additional needs students which has a potential to increase through normal recruitment as well as through School or University initiatives (e.g. Flexible Access Projects and Widening Participation) and transfer from linked F.E. colleges and other institutions. The project aims to enhance learner support by implementing such specialist resources, infrastructure, training and support, as will enable additional needs students to fully exploit the increasing use of software, TSL and on-line facilities. The project is supported by the broad experience of the team; two members have specific ICT skills as well as specialist subject skills and are involved in SAS TSL developments and the third has considerable experience in supporting additional needs students.