| Introduction
Physical
Accessibility
Assistive
Technology
Universal
Design
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Printable
version of entire Access and Participation unit
In the module
regarding legal rights and protections, you will learn about two legislative
acts: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and The Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA). These two acts provided for physical accessibility for people
with disabilities. This issue of physical accessibility is what we will
discuss in this unit. First, you will gain a general understanding of
just what it means to provide physical access. Then we will take a look
at some of the specific things that must be considered in order for
a place to be physically accessible. Keep in mind, however, that the
list of things in this unit that make a building accessible is not exhaustive.
This list is merely an example of some of the things to take into consideration
when providing physical access.
Once you have an understanding of the elements pertaining to physical
accessibility, you will move on to assistive technology. Assistive technology
devices have become widely used in classrooms over the past several
years. Just as technology has become widespread in most areas of our
lives, it is also helping students and individuals with disabilities
learn, and complete daily living tasks. As you will see, assistive technology
devices don’t need to be high-tech and expensive to be effective. You
will also see that assistive technology is a benefit to a wide range
of individuals with a wide range of disabilities.
The last section of this unit, universal design, is a bit more complicated
to understand. Universal design is a term that was derived from studies
in architecture and has recently been applied to other areas, such as
teaching and learning. The term universal design implies that adaptations
and/or accommodations have been taken into consideration when creating
the unit as part of the design process itself, as opposed to first coming
up with a design, building that design, and then adding in accommodations
“after the fact”.
Upon completion of this unit and the related activities, you should
have a clear understanding of universal design, assistive technology,
and physical accessibility issues. Let’s proceed now to the section
on physical accessibility.
Introduction
Physical
Accessibility
Assistive
Technology
Universal
Design
When you have reviewed these links and completed the activities,
ask your teacher to give you access to the quiz on this unit!
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