[nabs-l] Trouble Using Computers on Campus

[Antonio Guimaraes]

Elizabeth,

I believe section 508 of the rehabilitation act dictates that publicly 
funded institutions, like a college that receives financial aid, be 
responsible for providing equal access.

I admit that my knowledge of disability law is lacking somewhat, so others 
should feel free to correct me, and clarify what I am trying to say.

How hard is it for your college staff to understand you need equal access to 
college computers? I think they understand, but as Corb points out, may not 
be the best at problem-solving. This is where you come in to let them know 
about their responsibility to provide you reasonable accommodation.

If students are learning to use databases for scholarly research, and they 
can do this with the convenient help of a librarian, then, you should have 
access to a computer with jaws in the library.

If a writing center provides tutors in matters dealing with writing a paper, 
you should have access to a computer there.

If there is a logical place where scanners and braille embosser are set up, 
it is obvious you should have computer access with adaptive technology 
there, too.

and, if the college is installing this stuff, and it isn't working, and they 
have promised you they'd set you up, and have failed, then, it might be time 
to give them a little push. Keep notes on what is happening when, and let 
them know that

Mr. DSS Office, you said this summer, on June 25 that I'd have jaws 
installed by the beginning of class.

You tech guy promised to smooth the technology difficulties by August 28.

Neither of these things has happened.

And, I am suffering the consequences as a result.

I believe the college should provide reasonable accommodations, and in fact, 
this is the law, as put forth by the rehabilitation act, section 508.

They know all about the law, and by them knowing that you too are aware, 
they will pick up the pace.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Antonio Guimaraes

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Elizabeth" <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>
To: <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2008 11:21 AM
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Trouble Using Computers on Campus



Thank you for all the suggestions you have given me. I talk to the person in 
charge of technology in the disabilities office on a regular bases given all 
the problems I encounter using accessible technology on campus. She does not 
seem to understand my needs as a blind student no matter how many times I 
tell her. It is rather frustrating trying to work with a disabilities office 
that seems to apply a one size fits all approach to providing services to 
students with disabilities. All of your suggestions are great, but what I’m 
really looking for is some kind of source that I could use to hold the 
college responsible for ensuring that the accessible technology they have be 
installed and running properly if that is in fact their responsibility.

Elizabeth
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