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Enhancing Classroom Inclusion: Effective Use of Tablets for Visually Impaired Students

This project addresses the underutilization of tablets by visually impaired and blind (VIB) students in mainstream classrooms. We identified key obstacles: lack of awareness, training, and tailored curriculum. Through a professional development program, we trained educators to effectively use iPads and accessible features. We've seen improvements in student performance with the introduction of technology like refreshable braille displays. Year two focuses on advanced training programs and community building to enhance ongoing support. Our goal is to empower both teachers and students for a more inclusive educational environment.

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Enhancing Classroom Inclusion: Effective Use of Tablets for Visually Impaired Students

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Accessible Tablets in Mainstream ClassroomsDiane Brauner Braille student using iPad and refreshable braille display to do homework. Teachers learning tablet accessibility features.

  2. According to the US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment. . . “The lack of teacher training is one of the greatest roadblocks to integrating technology into a school’s curriculum.” Teachers of the Visually Impaired learning to use VoiceOver gestures.

  3. Who are we? Diane Brauner Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Orientation and Mobility Specialist Ed Summers Senior Manager of Accessibility, SAS Institute Totally blind middle school student using the iPad paired with refreshable braille display.

  4. What problem did we try to solve? Tablets with built-in accessibility features were being used in the classroom but NOT by students who are visually impaired or blind (VIB). Why? • Lack of Awareness • Lack of Training • Lack of Curriculum

  5. How did we try to solve it? Year 1: • Awareness: articles, interviews, posts, conferences • Training: developed a PD program to help teachers learn how to use iPads effectively with students with VIB and presented the PD 18 times • Curriculum: created detailed curriculum manuals that corresponded with PD Student reading braille on a refreshable braille display paired with iPad.

  6. Most innovated or insightful thing we learned: • Mainstream technology empowers TVIs • Classroom teachers take ownership of teaching students with VIB • TVIs need on-going training and support • Using accessible tablets, students with VIB are exceeding expectations in mainstream classrooms! • *** Correct formatting of digital materials plays a critical role in making educational materials and assessments work effectively with assistive technology. ***

  7. Where are we in the development/implementation cycle? Year Two: • Currently developing two “advanced” PD and curriculum materials • Currently scheduled to provide 14 PDs during the next 7 months • Developing “institutes” – series of in-depth PDs and establishing community of practices • Currently working on correct formatting for digital materials

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