Education
Why Is Accessible Education Important?
Blind, deafblind and partially-sighted students require specialized pedagogical materials – textbooks, exercises, software and other tools – to be able to learn at the same rate as fully-sighted students. Without these materials, these students often struggle at all levels from kindergarten to post-secondary to keep up with the curriculum despite being otherwise free of learning disabilities. At the primary and secondary levels, there are over half a million children with vision difficulty in the United States (ACS 2008). At the post-secondary level, Canadian statistics (PALS 2006) indicate that over a third of students with vision difficulty discontinue their formal education as a result of their condition. Another third reported that it took them longer to complete their education. Furthermore, over a quarter indicated that they experienced interruptions of their studies for an extended period, over one fifth had to change their course of studies, and one sixth incurred extra expenses for their education. Students that struggle to learn go on to face lower employment possibilities and are often more dependent on others than they would prefer.
How Do You Make Education Accessible?
There are a variety of ways that education can be made accessible to blind, deafblind and partially-sighted students. Literature and text can be transcribed to braille while data, figures and arithmetic can be transcribed into Nemeth code (braille for math and science). Material can also be transcribed into audio formats such as DAISY, which offer enhanced navigation for readers and are ideal for textbooks. E-text transcription provides text that works with screen readers for digital learners; accessible PDFs deliver text and graphics that work with screen readers for digital learners as well as being able to print in large-print format for a partially-sighted student desiring a physical copy of the material.
What is the Result of Accessible Education?
Providing accessible education means that the many blind, deafblind and partially-sighted students in North America can go on to develop intellectually, pursue their interests, be employed, and live independently. Accessible education is at the core of removing barriers to the blind and partially-sighted. By providing accessible education, your school, college, or university demonstrates a continued commitment to the community and enables blind, deafblind and partially-sighted students to realize their full potential.
How Does T-Base Support Accessible Educators?
The secure processing and production of accessible education statements & documents in braille, large print, e-Text and audio is T-Base Communication's specialty. Fully conversant with and experienced in guiding with access in mind, educational institutions enjoy access to legislative expertise on accessible standards, comprehensive privacy and security infrastructure and unparalleled customer service. With a deepened understanding and appreciation for the needs of accessible education, T-Base ensures other industry leaders are positioned to best serve their customers.
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