Podcast/feature: 'The Accessibility Files' - the technology is out there
The UK’s movers and shakers in the realm of technology for access and inclusion gathered at an eLearning Fair organised by Jisc’s South East Regional Support Centre (RSC) on 30 October to share their knowledge and discuss the latest innovations in the sector.
Keynote speaker Robin Christopherson, Head of Accessibility Services at AbilityNet elucidated several challenges that technology and accessing certain Internet and screen-based resources can pose for people with various access difficulties. He went on to suggest some user-friendly solutions developed by AbilityNet and TechDis, Jisc’s advisory service in this area. A podcast and transcript of an interview with Robin are available below.
One particularly welcome innovation was AccessApps. This incredibly useful - and completely free - suite of 50 computer applications and assistive technologies will be of relevance to any learners or indeed teachers who use computing or mobile technology. Developed by Jisc's RSC Scotland North and East, AccessApps are available to download here. In addition to these portable applications, the Jisc TechDis session pointed to a wide range of other free resources available for installation or via the web.
EA Draffan's interactive session on the student voice was highly topical, considering current interest in the student experience and user-generated content. Draffan introduced the University of Southampton's project in which students themselves create and publish online their own solutions to e-learning accessibility challenges. A podcast and transcript of an interview with EA Draffan are available below.
Interactive fairs such as this provide an excellent platform for advisory groups, innovators and users to meet, disseminate research findings and to help inform future directions. This collaborative approach to addressing accessibility issues brings individual projects and assistive software and applications to a wider audience for the benefit of all in UK further and higher education and beyond.
Jisc’s Regional Support Centres offer vibrant and varied events calendars, from conferences and seminars to exhibitions and practical workshops. Each individual RSC’s website contains upcoming event information and can also be contacted for advice or to provide tailored workshops or training sessions.
30 October's eLearning Fair was organised by Jisc's South East Regional Support Centre.
Jisc Advisory Services exhibitors included InfoNet, Netskills, Jisc Legal, JANET and TASI (soon to become Jisc Digital Media).