August 2008
Enhancing e-accessibility for eInclusion
By Dr. Vijaya Deshmukh, Registrar and Faculty, National Institute of Design
Education is the priority area where there is a growing need for Equal Opportunity Policy of inclusion and diversity. Information and Web technology need to be used to provide access to information both within and beyond the educational institution. There should be greater emphasis on the delivery of information to support learning wherever curriculum programs are being taught, and wherever students are learning at institute or at home. The role of the library resource centre as a service facility needs to grow. Institutions have a crucial responsibility towards students who are physically challenged, to develop their aptitude in using the information potential of Information Technology critically and wisely.
Assistive Technologies need to play an important role in narrowing the Gap between the physically challenged and Education. Models and Best Practices in IT Accessibility are required along with to Best Practices to make Information Technology usable for all. Model Programs and resources for advancing the rights of people with disabilities through research, training, advocacy and public education need to be advocated. The Accessibility gap needs to be addressed through Public Policy, Research and Training.
This implies that an educator should find appropriate educational resources for the courses they present which can be accessed by these learners. Courses can be tailored to specific needs and asynchronous learning is possible. This includes use of technology, e-information and literacy due to their ease of access and as the pace is determined by the learner. It may also be used to support distance learning and may be considered to be a form of flexible learning where just-in-time learning is possible. This will provide a high degree of interactivity and flexibility to the users, specially the physically disadvantaged. Model Programs and resources for advancing the rights of people with disabilities through research, training, advocacy and public education need to be advocated and addressed through Public Policy, Research and Training.