unisa e accessibility
TRANSCRIPT
The importance of e-accessibility in higher education
Buhle Mbambo-Thata, DPHILExecutive Director, UNISA Library Services
What is e- accessibility?
• ‘E-accessibility is a measure of the extent to which a product or service can be used by a person with a disability as effectively as effectively as it can be used by a person without that disability’ G3ict http://www.e-accebilitytoolkit.org
Three principles of e-accessibility
• 1 Perceive it
Being aware of a control, and able to access its information
• 2 Understand it
Knowing what it means and how to use it
• 3 Operate it
Being able to physically reach it and use it
Why is it important for HEEFA?
• Inclusivity was important in MDGS, and remains so in Post 2015 development agenda
• An imperative in EFA
• Meeting the goals of this symposium
• Critical for developing countries where large populations live with disability
CASE STUDY OF UNISA
University of South Africa (UNISA)South Africa’s only dedicated distance higher education
institution
Mandate
• To open access to higher education• Deliver equitable high quality education
wherever people are located• Remove barriers due distance, technology,
isolation and disability • To utilise all means possible to develop
knowledge– Bring people into the knowledge economy
through education and related services
Library Services offered aligned to mandateLibrary Services offered aligned to mandate
• Service brochure “translated” to all with print disabilities
• Sign language interpreter from ARCSWiD• Entrance fees not charged for accompanying person• Guide dogs allowed in Library• Extended loan period for library material
• Special services for staff in wheelchairs
• Wheelchair available in Library • Special parking• E-collections
Assistive TechnologyAssistive Technology
• SignGenius
2221 video clips, to learn sign language. It includes an easy to use South African Sign Language Dictionary or Tutor module.
EasyConverter
• coverts print to text• converts text to MP3• Converts text to DAISY• Converts text to Braille• Converts text to large print
Assistive TechnologyAssistive Technology
Dolphin Pen
• Using the Dolphin Pen means that users can carry their software with them and instantly run it on any Dolphin Pen Friendly PC
Assistive TechnologyAssistive Technology
Assistive TechnologyAssistive Technology
Merlin desktop video magnifierMerlin desktop video magnifier
Plustek BookReaderPlustek BookReader
• BookCourier - audio book player• BookSense• Classmate player – digital talking book portable device.
Assistive TechnologyAssistive Technology
Eye-PalEye-Pal
The Eye-Pal scans printed material and instantly converts text to speechor sends the information to a Braille Display for the Blind and Deaf-Blind.
Faster than flatbed scanners,the Eye-Pal takes only 3-7seconds from the keystroke to speech or Braille output.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technologyAssistive technology
ZoomText large-print keyboard
With the ZoomText Large Print Keyboard, each key and button label is easy to see, even in low light, thanks to its 36 point keycaps and black on yellow or white on black high-contrast colour schemes.
assistive technology @ work assistive technology @ work
loan period 42 daysloan period 42 days
• Inclusion central service philosophy at UNISA• National laws aligned to e-accessibility and audited• Ensuring equal access to learning services content
• “Nothing for us without us” -Collaboration with organisations of people with disabilities central
• Creating appropriate policy framework for e-accessibility – and measuring impact
• Investing in assistive technologies• Critical that inclusiveness remains central to
HEEFA
ConclusionConclusion
Acknowledgements
• ARCSWID
• Unisa library workgroup
• Sandra Hatzer
