[NFBCS] JAWS accessible course in Computer Networking with labs

Thu Jan 25 18:25:26 UTC 2024

Last year I attempted to enroll in a training course which used Packet Tracer. I couldn't use it at all. I had a meeting with school staff and Cisco and Cisco accused me of not trying the features or reviewing their documentation. I didn't find their documentation accessible. I asked Cisco if they had any accessibility testers with disabilities and they responded that they had a blind tester at one time but not currently. When I pressed them about why they didn't use people with disabilities they responded by asking me what was in it for them. I pointed out the legal ramifications by their lack of compliance with civil rights laws. I reviewed their voluntary product accessibility templates, and they are a joke. There are numerous exceptions to WCAG success criteria. The meeting ended on an ugly note, and I decided not to pursue the training program. I'm aware of training programs for the blind which use Packet Tracer, but I couldn't find anyone who successfully used packet Tracer. If Cisco is going to have a cavalier attitude toward the disability community, I wouldn't bother with them or recommend them to anyone else. I have pursued other employment options.

Dan

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBCS <nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of b.schulz--- via NFBCS
Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 5:07 PM
To: 'NFB in Computer Science Mailing List' <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Cc: b.schulz at sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: [NFBCS] JAWS accessible course in Computer Networking with labs

Hi,

Are you talking about cisco packet tracer?
Things may have improved in six years but this program required sighted assistance to complete labs in 2018!
It is completely unacceptable for a blind student to spend a few thousand dollars on hardware because the software the other students are using is not accessible!
Bryan

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBCS <nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Amelia Pellicciotti via NFBCS
Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 4:12 PM
To: NFB in Computer Science Mailing List <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Amelia Pellicciotti <ameliapelli95 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFBCS] JAWS accessible course in Computer Networking with labs

Jessica and Patrick,
Depending upon the textbook being used, Cengage does give the students an option to access Virtual Machines using NVDA and remote desktop.
this is what I have done for my courses through the Practice Labs vendor.
Packet Tracer is somewhat accessible with Jaws.
As in, the student can independently add and configure devices independently.
However Patrick, if you have the opportunity to learn on real equipment in-person, I would highly recommend taking that opportunity where possible. While packet Tracer is mostly doable for us on Windows, it won't be a very fun experience being visual.
You may also look into GNS3, it's another open source network simulation tool that requires users to purchase and load a copy of the Cisco OS in there for simulation. I have no idea if this is accessible. Finances may be a concern, but I would suggest if you are serious to look into purchasing refurbished switches and routers for a home lab if you can. The CCNA exam uses 1900 series routers, and 2900 series switches. If you buy these peacemeal and research a reputable seller, these can be a great edition a couple at a time.
Here is all that I have experienced in my courses, and I am sure others will have more to add.
HTH!
Best Regards, Amelia Pellicciotti

On 1/24/24, Jessica Pitzer via NFBCS <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> testout is not accessible, cengage's real virtual machines labs are 
> not accessible. the best I've found so far is cisco's netacad courses 
> with packet tracer. I'm certified to teach CCNA 1 and 2 and this is what I used.
> I hope this helps.
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jan 24, 2024, at 12:04 PM, Patrick Johnson via NFBCS 
>> <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Wendy,
>>
>> Bookshare has several promising networking textbooks.  I have skimed 
>> through several.  I am hoping to find an online lab environment to 
>> supplement with accessible labs.  I have taught with Cengage in the 
>> past and will reach out to them and see what is available.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Patrick
>>
>>> On 1/24/24, Wendy Walker via NFBCS <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> I have taken a Networking class and my instructor  worked with the 
>>> platform which in this case was Cengage to make it accessible. If 
>>> you cannot work with the platform the class is being presented on, 
>>> have you looked at Bookshare to see what Networking books they have?
>>>
>>> Best regards,
>>> Wendy Walker
>>>
>>>
>>>> On 1/24/24, Patrick Johnson via NFBCS <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> Group,
>>>>
>>>> Is anyone currently taking or has taken a course in computer 
>>>> networking with labs?  I am being tasked with identifying an 
>>>> alternative digital textbook or stand alone environment for a 
>>>> course on network topology.  The course currently uses a digital 
>>>> text published by JB Learning which appears to be completely 
>>>> inaccessible to JAWS when I tried exploring it.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for your thoughts and insights, Patrick
>>>>
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