Unisa e accessibility
- 1. The importance of e-accessibility in higher education Buhle Mbambo-Thata, DPHIL Executive Director, UNISA Library Services
- 2. What is e- accessibility? • ‘E-accessibility is a measure of the extent to which a product or service can be used by a person with a disability as effectively as effectively as it can be used by a person without that disability’ G3ict http://www.e-accebilitytoolkit.org
- 3. Three principles of e-accessibility • 1 Perceive it Being aware of a control, and able to access its information • 2 Understand it Knowing what it means and how to use it • 3 Operate it Being able to physically reach it and use it
- 4. Why is it important for HEEFA? • Inclusivity was important in MDGS, and remains so in Post 2015 development agenda • An imperative in EFA • Meeting the goals of this symposium • Critical for developing countries where large populations live with disability
- 5. CASE STUDY OF UNISA
- 6. University of South Africa (UNISA) South Africa’s only dedicated distance higher education institution
- 7. Mandate • To open access to higher education • Deliver equitable high quality education wherever people are located • Remove barriers due distance, technology, isolation and disability • To utilise all means possible to develop knowledge – Bring people into the knowledge economy through education and related services
- 8. Library Services ooffffeerreedd aalliiggnneedd ttoo mmaannddaattee • Service brochure “translated” to all with print disabilities • Sign language interpreter from ARCSWiD • Entrance fees not charged for accompanying person • Guide dogs allowed in Library • Extended loan period for library material • Special services for staff in wheelchairs • Wheelchair available in Library • Special parking • E-collections
- 9. AAssssiissttiivvee TTeecchhnnoollooggyy • SignGenius 2221 video clips, to learn sign language. It includes an easy to use South African Sign Language Dictionary or Tutor module.
- 10. AAssssiissttiivvee TTeecchhnnoollooggyy EasyConverter • coverts print to text • converts text to MP3 • Converts text to DAISY • Converts text to Braille • Converts text to large print
- 11. AAssssiissttiivvee TTeecchhnnoollooggyy Dolphin Pen • Using the Dolphin Pen means that users can carry their software with them and instantly run it on any Dolphin Pen Friendly PC
- 12. AAssssiissttiivvee TTeecchhnnoollooggyy MMeerrlliinn ddeesskkttoopp vviiddeeoo mmaaggnniiffiieerr PPlluusstteekk BBooookkRReeaaddeerr
- 13. AAssssiissttiivvee TTeecchhnnoollooggyy • BookCourier - audio book player • BookSense • Classmate player – digital talking book portable device.
- 14. Assistive Technology EEyyee--PPaall The Eye-Pal scans printed material and instantly converts text to speech or sends the information to a Braille Display for the Blind and Deaf-Blind. Faster than flatbed scanners, the Eye-Pal takes only 3-7 seconds from the keystroke to speech or Braille output.
- 15. AAssssiissttiivvee tteecchhnnoollooggyy ZoomText large-print keyboard With the ZoomText Large Print Keyboard, each key and button label is easy to see, even in low light, thanks to its 36 point keycaps and black on yellow or white on black high-contrast colour schemes.
- 16. aassssiissttiivvee tteecchhnnoollooggyy @@ wwoorrkk
- 18. llooaann ppeerriioodd 4422 ddaayyss
- 19. CCoonncclluussiioonn • Inclusion central service philosophy at UNISA • National laws aligned to e-accessibility and audited • Ensuring equal access to learning services content • “Nothing for us without us” -Collaboration with organisations of people with disabilities central • Creating appropriate policy framework for e-accessibility – and measuring impact • Investing in assistive technologies • Critical that inclusiveness remains central to HEEFA
- 20. Acknowledgements • ARCSWID • Unisa library workgroup • Sandra Hatzer
- 21. Thank you for your attention. • mbambtb@unisa.ac.za
Editor's Notes
- #8: Traditional services: Buildings with information resources