[Pibe-division] Pibe-division Digest, Vol 88, Issue 3

Sat Sep 5 22:59:41 UTC 2015

Carlton,

I agree with you that working together with Pearson to make their products accessible is a good idea.  However, we can’t sit back and wait for them to do it.  One person, no matter how good her intentions are, can’t change a corporation fast enough for blind people to access the materials they need to live productive lives.  

Does Pearson have a corporate policy that explicitly states that accessibility is important?  David had a very difficult time scheduling his first certification exam.  I believe it took him 2 months to schedule the exam and then the scheduled date is months after they finally agreed to schedule it.  The exam is scheduled for September 15.  I’ll be interested to see how it goes.  The Pearson disability coordinator said that the entire testing centered had to be booked for David alone, i.e. no other testing allowed, for 5 hours.  David did not ask for this “special” treatment.  They said it was the only way to accommodate him.  I think this makes it look like blind people are a problem for testing centers.  

I’ll report back after he has taken the exam.  He has done very well on his practice exams and his instructor has commended him on his preparation.  He’s done his best to prepare, hopefully the test will go smoothly.

Cheers,

Sally Thomas
> On Sep 4, 2015, at 8:49 PM, Carlton Anne Cook Walker via Pibe-division <pibe-division at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Sorry for messing that up.
> 
> Please reach out to my contact at Pearson, Jan McSorley, whom I have copied on this email. She is working diligently for accessibility. I know she will appreciate our information and support as she navigates the corporate structure to make accessiblity for ALL a reality as soon as possible!!
> 
> 
> Carlton
> 
> On Fri, Sep 4, 2015 at 8:21 AM, Marianne Denning <marianne at denningweb.com <mailto:marianne at denningweb.com>> wrote:
> I was the one expressing frustration about inaccessibility of the
> Pearson online materials.  I have 2 exchange students and our school
> uses the online materials.  We were able to get the textbooks through
> Bookshare but that isn't an answer to the problem.  I certainly hope
> this means Pearson is changing their attitude toward accessibility.
> Since they are one of the largest textbook providers in the U.S. they
> need to set the example.  Just venting a little.  Many of you, I know
> can relate; being the parent of children who are blind and a TVI is
> frustrating on many levels.
> 
> On 9/4/15, Carlton Anne Cook Walker via Pibe-division
> <pibe-division at nfbnet.org <mailto:pibe-division at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
> > Adrijana,
> >
> > I hear what you are saying, and I understand your frustration. I, too, have
> > heard that their books are not accessible. It is for this reason that I am
> > excited that Pearson is SEEKING our help.
> >
> > In cses involving long-term inaccessibility, we have choices. We can refuse
> > to work with Pearson because we are upset about the past (and present), and
> > nothing will change -- inaccessibility will continue. We can take advantage
> > of this opportunity where they are actively seeking our input, and things
> > might change for the better quite soon. Personally, I choose the latter
> > approach.
> >
> >
> > Carlton
> >
> >
> > --
> > Carlton Anne Cook Walker
> > Attorney at Law
> > Teacher of Students with Blindness/Visual Impairment
> > 105 Creamery Road
> > Boiling Springs, PA   17007
> > Voice: 717-658-9894 <tel:717-658-9894>
> > Twitter: braillemom
> >
> >
> > *This message is not intended or offered as legal advice. * These materials
> > have been prepared for educational and information purposes only.  They are
> > not legal advice or legal opinions on any specific matters.  Transmission
> > of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not
> > constitute, a lawyer-client relationship between this site, the author(s),
> > or the publisher, and you or any other user.  Internet subscribers and
> > online readers should not act, or fail to act, upon this information
> > without seeking professional counsel.  No person should act or fail to act
> > on any legal matter based on the contents of this site.  Unless expressly
> > stated otherwise, no document herein should be assumed to be produced by an
> > attorney licensed in your state.
> >
> > This message is from the law firm Carlton Anne Cook Walker, Attorney at
> > Law.
> > This message and any attachments may contain legally privileged or
> > confidential information, and are intended only for the individual or
> > entity identified above as the addressee.
> > If you are not the addressee, or if this message has been addressed to you
> > in error, you are not authorized to read, copy, or distribute this message
> > and any attachments.
> > You are hereby requested to please delete this message and attachments
> > (including all copies) and notify the sender by return e-mail or by phone
> > at 717-658-9894 <tel:717-658-9894>.
> > Delivery of this message and any attachments to any person other than the
> > intended recipient(s) is not intended in any way to waive confidentiality
> > or any privilege.
> >
> 
> 
> --
> Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
> Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
> (513) 607-6053 <tel:%28513%29%20607-6053>
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Carlton Anne Cook Walker
> Attorney at Law
> Teacher of Students with Blindness/Visual Impairment
> 105 Creamery Road
> Boiling Springs, PA   17007
> Voice: 717-658-9894
> Twitter: braillemom
> 
> 
> This message is not intended or offered as legal advice.  These materials have been prepared for educational and information purposes only.  They are not legal advice or legal opinions on any specific matters.  Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship between this site, the author(s), or the publisher, and you or any other user.  Internet subscribers and online readers should not act, or fail to act, upon this information without seeking professional counsel.  No person should act or fail to act on any legal matter based on the contents of this site.  Unless expressly stated otherwise, no document herein should be assumed to be produced by an attorney licensed in your state. 
> 
> This message is from the law firm Carlton Anne Cook Walker, Attorney at Law.  
> This message and any attachments may contain legally privileged or confidential information, and are intended only for the individual or entity identified above as the addressee.  
> If you are not the addressee, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, you are not authorized to read, copy, or distribute this message and any attachments. 
> You are hereby requested to please delete this message and attachments (including all copies) and notify the sender by return e-mail or by phone at 717-658-9894. 
> Delivery of this message and any attachments to any person other than the intended recipient(s) is not intended in any way to waive confidentiality or any privilege.
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