Meet Aandi (formerly TaggedPDF)’s Post

[Enhancing Accessibility in Higher Education!] Colleges and universities are increasingly utilising a variety of tech tools to make academic content more accessible for students with hearing and vision impairments. With the shift to remote learning, the importance of inclusive environments has never been more important. Jason Warner, associate CIO at Southern Methodist University, emphasises that many faculties feel unprepared to provide the necessary accommodations. However, existing tools within learning management systems can guide them in creating accessible courses without requiring extensive expertise. Despite 82% of institutions having digital accessibility policies, challenges remain, with 68% reporting legal issues related to accessibility. Training for staff and faculty is available at most institutions, but participation is often optional. Innovative programs, like SUNY Oswego's 10-day accessibility challenge, provide manageable training formats that engage faculty and staff, promoting professional development. As schools continue to explore and implement accessible solutions, the collaboration between disability resource centres, instructional designers and the use of AI will be vital in advancing these initiatives. Together, these efforts are paving the way for a more inclusive academic landscape! #Accessibility #HigherEd #Inclusion #EdTech #DigitalLearning #EducationMoreAccessible https://bit.ly/3zqg74E

Everyone, regardless of disability, should be able to access higher education—and disability should certainly never be what stands in the way of someone receiving an education. Luckily, "Technological tools, ranging from text-to-speech apps to audio-enhancing receivers, are being used more and more by schools to make content readily available to students with hearing and vision loss," reports Erin Brereton. She also points out how remote learning is making higher ed more inclusive and accessible for many people. For students who struggle with mobility, having access to remote learning options can make getting an education much more attainable. At UoPeople, we're definitely happy to see accessibility become a larger topic in the higher education landscape. #HigherEd #HigherEdTrends #Accessibility

🌟 Higher Ed institutions are leveraging a variety of tech tools to enhance accessibility for students with disabilities. From text-to-speech apps to built-in accessibility checkers in software like Microsoft and Adobe, these technologies are making learning environments more inclusive. Training programs and resources are also being improved to help faculty create accessible content. This ongoing effort ensures that all students have equal access to educational materials and opportunities. 📚 💻 #EdTech #Accessibility #HigherEducation Read more: https://lnkd.in/gV_F9Wn2

As highlighted in a recent EdTech Magazine article, higher education institutions are increasingly turning to various technological tools to enhance accessibility for students with disabilities. At Collegis Education, we applaud this continuous improvement in inclusive learning environments. We understand that accessibility is not just a legal requirement. It's about ensuring equal opportunities for all students to succeed. #StudentSuccess #HigherEdInclusivity

Digital accessibility has been a persistent issue, especially in higher education. According to a May 2023 announcement by the Departments of Education and Justice, two federal laws—the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act—mandate that post-secondary institutions make their online services accessible to people with disabilities. Additionally, a survey revealed that 70% of higher education institutions offer accessibility training to staff and 72% to faculty. This is an important area where EdTech tools like AI and immersive learning can significantly impact. These technologies enable personalized learning, which is crucial for students with disabilities, and help track student progress. In higher education, managing many students is challenging; such technology is essential for organization and ensuring accessibility. #DigitalAccessibility #EdTech #AI

Digital accessibility in higher education and EdTech companies isn’t just about meeting requirements; it’s about transforming the learning experience for all individuals. When organizations prioritize accessibility, they create an environment where every student, faculty member, or staff person, regardless of their abilities, can engage and thrive. How does it help? Making your digital platforms accessible helps: - Foster Inclusivity - Build an environment where every student, regardless of ability, feels supported and included. - Improve Engagement - Accessible content allows for diverse learning styles, helping more students connect with the material. - Enhance Academic Success - When barriers are removed, all students have a better chance to reach their full potential. Learn more about how you can navigate the legal obligations, learn practical steps to create an inclusive experience, and ensure you’re doing enough to support all your students and faculty in our most recent blog post. #DigitalAccessibility #Inclusion #A11Y #QualityLogic

In the wake of the pandemic, the conversation around accessibility in higher education has been brought to the forefront. A recent article by Rosie Anfilogoff in The Guardian highlights the strides made during the COVID-19 pandemic to make learning more accessible for disabled students through remote learning. https://lnkd.in/eHtb_CiY As we reflect on these advancements, it's crucial to recognize the role of assistive technology in this shift. Scanning Pens, for example, have emerged as a game-changer, providing independence to students with dyslexia and other learning differences. These devices translate printed text into spoken words, breaking down barriers and opening up new possibilities for inclusive education. It's essential that we continue to embrace and invest in such technologies, ensuring that the progress made is not just a temporary solution but a permanent transformation towards an inclusive academic environment. Let's not step back but leap forward, making education accessible to all, regardless of physical limitations. The future of education is inclusive, and assistive technology is a key part of that future. Let's commit to keeping it that way.

𝗨.𝗦. 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 👏 A staggering 7.3 million students with disabilities in the U.S. face accessibility challenges 🏫 Recognizing this, U.S. universities have been ramping up their digital accessibility efforts. Iowa State University is a stellar example of a higher-ed institution that has made significant strides towards accessible education. They've implemented numerous physical accessibility improvements across campus as well as integrated digital solutions like Glean, a speech-to-text note-taking tool, providing students with disabilities an equitable way to access class information. → Discover more about the push for inclusive education in UserWay.org's On the Record newsroom 👇 #DigitalAccessibility #HigherEducation #A11y #UserWay Image description: Students walking down a brightly lit university corridor with purple lighting and glass walls. UserWay logo is featured in upper right corner of image

Embracing Equity in Assessment in Higher Education The QQI conference "Rethinking Assessment" will shine a light on the urgent need for change in university assessment systems. With a focus on the Unsustainability of Current University Assessment Systems, we delve into how the retrofit systems in place for disabled students and pandemic has exposed the cracks in traditional models and the necessity for a more inclusive approach.  The Pandemic: A Catalyst for Change COVID-19 revealed our capacity for flexibility and accessibility in education, questioning why it took a crisis to drive change. The move to online learning demonstrated that accommodating diverse learning needs is both feasible and essential. I wrote an article during this period called Why Did it Take a Pandemic to Reasonably Accommodate Everyone? AI in Education: Opportunity and Caution While AI presents opportunities for personalized learning, we must ensure it promotes inclusivity rather than reverting to outdated practices. Our focus should be on using technology to advance educational equity. A Call to Action: Towards Inclusion and Diversity We advocate for adopting proactive solutions that celebrate diversity as a strength. It's time for flexible assessment methods and technology-enhanced accessibility, aiming for an educational system that values every student's potential. Disability Officer Perspective: Systemic Change Needed DAWN emphasises the need for an overhaul in assessment practices, moving beyond traditional exams to embrace more inclusive methods. This change isn't just necessary; it's a moral imperative. Lessons for a Hybrid Future The pandemic's lessons offer a blueprint for a more inclusive education system. Embracing a hybrid model that combines online and in-person learning can cater to the diverse needs of all students. Moving Forward with Inclusion as the Standard Our goal is to make equity in assessment a reality, reflecting the diversity of our student body through Universal Design for Learning and practical measures like Personalised Assessment Plans. Let's commit to an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for higher education. #InclusiveEducation #HigherEd #AssessmentReform #DigitalLearning #AIinEducation #DiversityInEducation #UniversalDesign #PandemicLessons #FutureOfLearning https://lnkd.in/e4RcuWqm and come to this event https://lnkd.in/eKPYFtiC

Title: The Imperative of Accessible Education Introduction: In a world where knowledge is power, accessibility to education is paramount. However, for many individuals, barriers prevent them from fully participating in the educational journey. Whether due to physical disabilities, socio-economic constraints, or systemic inequalities, the lack of accessibility in education perpetuates disparities and limits opportunities. . The Importance of Accessible Education: Accessible education is not just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental human right. Every individual, regardless of their background or abilities, deserves equal access to quality education. Barriers to Accessibility: Numerous barriers can hinder access to education. Physical barriers, such as lack of wheelchair ramps or accessible buildings, can exclude individuals with disabilities from educational institutions. Socio-economic barriers, such as high tuition costs or inadequate resources, can prevent disadvantaged students from pursuing higher education. Additionally, systemic barriers, including discriminatory practices or limited accommodations, create further obstacles for marginalized groups. Strategies for Ensuring Accessibility: Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Implementing UDL principles ensures that educational materials and environments are accessible to diverse learners. By providing multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression, UDL promotes inclusivity and supports individualized learning experiences. Assistive Technologies: Leveraging assistive technologies, such as screen readers, captioning tools, or tactile learning materials, enhances accessibility for students with disabilities. These technologies enable students to access information and participate in educational activities on equal footing with their peers. Flexible Instructional Practices: Adopting flexible instructional practices accommodates varying learning styles and abilities. Offering alternative formats for assignments, providing extended time for assessments, and incorporating inclusive teaching methods foster an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. Accessibility Policies and Advocacy: Instituting and enforcing accessibility policies within educational institutions is crucial for promoting inclusivity. Additionally, advocating for systemic changes at local, national, and global levels ensures that accessibility remains a priority in educational policy-making and implementation. Conclusion: Accessible education is not only a moral imperative but also a societal necessity. By embracing inclusivity and removing barriers to learning, we create opportunities for all individuals to fulfill their educational aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society. Let us strive to build a world where education is truly accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or abilities. #talentserve