<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:st1="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><o:SmartTagType
namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="City"/>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Tahoma;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Brush Script MT";
panose-1:3 6 8 2 4 4 6 7 3 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
pre
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";}
span.EmailStyle18
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:Arial;
color:navy;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
</head>
<body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=blue>
<div class=Section1>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Hi to all,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I am a graduate student (Rehabilitation Counseling)
who is blind and I work with elementary, adults, and college students (undergraduate
and graduate) students that are blind and use on-line material. I also consult for
various agencies that provide information to people with visual disabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Long story short, this happens too often, however,
there are often ways around most of these issues. Operative word, most…<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>For the longest, I was told that pdf and power
point was inaccessible with JAWS (screen reader software), but since I have “open
book”, I first save these “inaccessible” documents to my documents
file, open up the open book software, and then do control O to find the file to
open.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Presto, opens up every time.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I understand that there are other issues with
on-line sites, but in “most” cases, I’ve been able to advise individuals
on how to manipulate the screen readers to work for students.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Best,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>April Ogden <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>
<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1>
</span></font></div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>
pibe-division-bounces@nfbnet.org [mailto:pibe-division-bounces@nfbnet.org] <b><span
style='font-weight:bold'>On Behalf Of </span></b>Dr. Denise M. Robinson<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Wednesday, November 19, 2008
6:58 AM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> Professionals in Blindness
Education Division List<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Re: [Pibe-division]
inaccessible online classrooms/assessments etc.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0>
<tr>
<td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>There are some ways to get around many
problems. For instance, AR can be read using the JAWS cursors and students
can get AR to read and can do it independently, inaccessible online materials
come in PDF and these can be opened, then selected (as in all content alt-A),
copied (control-C)and pasted (control-V) into WORD where JAWS will read
it or it can be embossed out using Duxbury. You have to walk by faith when
you do this as JAWS tells you nothing is there, but it works every time.
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Other inaccessible sites can once again be used by
the JAWS cursor (keys on the num pad). This is usually a skill most teachers
of the blind do not know how to use, thus their students do not know how to
use it either....unfortunately...and thus many areas go un-taught and
unlearned by the student<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>There is a plethora of
problems, but most areas I have found a way around, so my blind students can
access these poorly designed sites.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=5 color="#4040ff" face="Brush Script MT"><span
style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Brush Script MT";color:#4040FF'>
Denise </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Denise M. Robinson, Ph.D. <br>
Coordinator for Blind/VI students at ESD105<br>
Teacher of the Blind & Visually Impaired<br>
509-969-3622<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'><br>
<br>
--- On <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Wed, 11/19/08, Andy & Sally
Thomas <i><span style='font-style:italic'><andysally@comcast.net></span></i></span></b>
wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>From: Andy & Sally
Thomas <andysally@comcast.net><br>
Subject: Re: [Pibe-division] inaccessible online classrooms/assessments etc.<br>
To: "Professionals in Blindness Education Division List"
<pibe-division@nfbnet.org><br>
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 11:10 AM<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div id=yiv1935403461>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Inaccessible on-line learning materials begin in
Kindergarten. Many schools use the Accelerated Reader program.
Last year in 5th grade my son's history curriculum was on line in an
inaccessible format. Most often the solution has been to read the
materials to him. His history teacher would often exempt him from work.
It is a huge problem that is only getting worse. Even though there is a
textbook law, many schools don't use the textbooks they buy. I reported
this lack of access to the curriculum on the NFB books on time survey.
I hope more people talk about this and that this issue is brought to the
forefront because it is obviously getting worse fast.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Sally Thomas</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote style='border:none;border-left:solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt;
margin-left:3.75pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt'>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>----- Original Message ----- <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='background:#E4E4E4'><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font
size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> <a
href="mailto:rjharrell@gmail.com" target="_blank" title="rjharrell@gmail.com">Rene
Harrell</a> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>To:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> <a
href="mailto:blindkid@nfbnet.org" target="_blank" title="blindkid@nfbnet.org">NFBnet
Blind Kid Mailing List,(for parents of blind children)</a> ; <a
href="mailto:pibe-division@nfbnet.org" target="_blank"
title="pibe-division@nfbnet.org">Professionals in Blindness Education
Division List</a> ; <a href="mailto:pobc-presidents@nfbnet.org"
target="_blank" title="pobc-presidents@nfbnet.org">Parents of Blind Children
State Presidents List</a> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> Tuesday,
November 18, 2008 11:51 PM<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> [Pibe-division]
inaccessible online classrooms/assessments etc.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Can we discuss online
learning and assessments a bit? I'd love some more information and feedback
on this topic.<br>
<br>
It's come up recently in my State about a growing problem with online
curricula and assessments not being accessible to blind/low-vision children
who need to use screen readers or magnification software. I know there was a
discussion on a parent listerv that encompasses all disabilities about a
family that was attempting to use K-12 for their homeschool program, but
could not because it is not accessible to blind children. When called, the
company said it was a "copyright" issue and could not make their
program compatible with screen readers. I've heard from a smattering of other
parents about tests that have had to be modified because they were online in
an inaccessible format.<br>
<br>
There was quite a discussion going on about this today on a policy/educator
level. TVIs are expressing frustration that more and more of the school
districts are turning to online curricula and assessments, but they are
inaccessible to blind children. They complain to the school, but the school
says it is a vendor issue. So far, complaints to vendors haven't brought
about any changes to the current software being used and distributed. <br>
<br>
My daughter is homeschooled so this is an issue I have not had to confront or
deal with personally. But, it seems to be a growing problem for students and
teachers here, and they're trying to figure out what they can do about it.
I'd love to hear about how others have worked around this issue, or if this
has been a problem for anyone else? Are these software companies violating <st1:City
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">ADA</st1:place></st1:City> for making their
programs inaccessible? <br>
<br>
As more and more colleges turn towards online formats, and K-12 school
districts follow suit, I wonder if we're going to see this become a growing
issue in the years ahead? What kind of steps can we take to be proactive on
this issue? <br>
<br>
Wisdom and thoughts are appreciated. <br>
<br>
:-)<br>
Rene<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br clear=all>
<br>
-- <br>
" I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended
up where I needed to be."<br>
-- Douglas Adam<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>
<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center>
</span></font></div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>_______________________________________________<br>
Pibe-division mailing list<br>
Pibe-division@nfbnet.org<br>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/pibe-division_nfbnet.org<br>
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Pibe-division:<br>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/pibe-division_nfbnet.org/andysally%40comcast.net
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>
<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center>
</span></font></div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'><br>
No virus found in this incoming message.<br>
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com <br>
Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.9.6/1797 - Release Date: 11/18/2008
11:23 AM<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
</div>
<pre><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>_______________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Pibe-division mailing list<o:p></o:p></span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Pibe-division@nfbnet.org<o:p></o:p></span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/pibe-division_nfbnet.org<o:p></o:p></span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for<o:p></o:p></span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Pibe-division:<o:p></o:p></span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/pibe-division_nfbnet.org/dmehlenbacher%40yahoo.com<o:p></o:p></span></font></pre></blockquote>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>