[nabs-l] inaccessibility in the class may end up costing me apassing grade!

Tue Nov 24 01:43:38 UTC 2015

Again, track changes comments and protected documents are accessible.
Abby simply didn't know the JAWS commands needed to access those
materials. Sometimes this learning curve affects sighted students,
too. That is why a lot of colleges allow students to get an
"incomplete" grade so that students have time to figure things out.
I also agree that while we need to continually push for access, there
are times when the most practical solution is simply to enlist sighted
assistance from a relative, friend, hired reader, professor, or reader
provided by disability services. There are times when accessibility is
possible, but very inconvenient, or when we simply don't know the
appropriate screen reader commands to access the materials. There are
other times when accessibility is absent. In these cases, recruiting
sighted support, or more knowledgeable blind people, is perfectly
appropriate.
Arielle

On 11/23/15, Anna via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Abby,
> Thanks for the update.  Sounds like you are on track.
> I will say Kennedy to your comment.  The NFB is trying to work on this.
> Perhaps in this particular situation it may be a simple issue with the
> professor, I am not sure.  But all this inaccesibility stuff can be resolved
> if we work for it.  The purpose of Aim High (formerly TEACH act) is to
> create guidelines for schools so that we don't have to just keep our heads
> up and not change the situation.  We can change the situation.
>
> Anna
>
>
>
>> On Nov 23, 2015, at 5:56 PM, Kennnedy Stomberg via nabs-l
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> You know huys, we seem to be seeing a lot of e-mails on the list about
>> inaccessibility in the  classroom. Does anyone else find this
>> discouraging?
>> Abby, I know you're being as proactive as you can, and I have no doubt
>> that people will see that.
>> But seriously, it's  kind of a bummer!
>> Sorry to complain so much. I know it eoesn't change the situation. I think
>> the important thing is to keep your head up, and remember that you are not
>> alone! Because no matter how great the college you attend, there's always
>> that one profesor that is completely clueless!
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>> On Nov 23, 2015, at 6:38 PM, Abby Bolling via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> the prof gave me a chance to re-do the first paper, but he never gave me
>>> a deadline for it. I did email him a final draft of both papers, and he
>>> rejected them both b ecause I didn't listen to "his comments." well, if I
>>> couldn't read them, how the heck was I supposed to follow them!
>>> Anyway. I was going to email the supervisor today anyway, but my prof's
>>> email this morning made me take more action (going to ODS/requesting a
>>> meeting with the superviser, etc)
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Abby
>>>
>>>> On 11/23/2015 7:20 PM, Ashley Bramlett via nabs-l wrote:
>>>> Abby,
>>>>
>>>> I don't have much advice for inaccessible technology. If its possible to
>>>> work with another classmate, that is an option. Also, using a reader can
>>>> do the job too. I know most students cannot afford readers, I was lucky
>>>> in that area. But vr should pay if you cannot. And, there is always
>>>> volunteer readers if you trade something; like you buy them lunch for
>>>> every time they read or you could do something for them like tutor them
>>>> in a subject in exchange for reading.
>>>>
>>>> As for your english class, yes, I'd push further. Go to the supervisor
>>>> and have a meeting. Remember to keep print  outs of your emails. I'm
>>>> wondering though that if final drafts were due, why didn't you say
>>>> something sooner? Why didn't you go to his office hours and go over
>>>> papers? I know some adjunct professors do not have office hours or will
>>>> not make appointments for those people who have conflicts with office
>>>> hours. Maybe this professor is one of them.
>>>>
>>>> I've also struggled with getting access to comments in papers, so I
>>>> understand the frustration. I usually end up using a reader or seeing
>>>> the professor in office hours or even if its something small they wrote,
>>>> I'd see them a few minutes after class.
>>>>
>>>> Someone on list said go to the dean. Actually, you need to go up the
>>>> chain of command. Going to the dean is not the best idea since the next
>>>> in command is usually not a dean. It varies from college to college but
>>>> usually the next in command is the department chair or an assistant
>>>> dean. However, maybe the supervisor can help you. Seems like you have a
>>>> lot to do at the end of the semester to play catch up.
>>>> If the supervisor is understanding, he will get the prof to comply and
>>>> also give you a due date for your missing work.
>>>>
>>>> I hope things work out and sorry to learn of yet another inaccessible
>>>> online platform.
>>>>
>>>> Ashley
>>>>
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>>>
>>> --
>>> Abigail M. Bolling
>>> Wright State University-2018: Rehabilitation Services
>>> Phone: (513) 512-3456
>>> Email: bolling.8 at wright.edu
>>> Abilities United: Secretary
>>> Ohio Association of Guide Dog Users, a chapter of the National Federation
>>> of the Blind of Ohio: Secretary
>>> "keep a smile on your face and a song in your heart, and just let the
>>> music play." (Julie Anderson-Diamond)
>>> "Dance like no one is watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like
>>> no one is listening, and live like it's Heaven on earth." (William
>>> Purkey)
>>> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
>>> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
>>> expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
>>> between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
>>> blindness is not what holds you back.
>>>
>>>
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>>
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