[Athen] virtual computer labs, AT and ADA?

Jon Pielaet jon.pielaet at mso.umt.edu
Mon Jun 27 08:19:52 PDT 2011


Kenneth,

I would treat a virtual computer lab the same way that you would a physical one. Some of our IT folks are playing around with the idea of virtual labs too. I think the key is to provide a variety of accessibility options.
In many of our labs we provide screen readers, magnification, speech recognition and some kind of scan-and-read software. I would think if virtual labs are a part of a program then providing accessibility to them would be the institution's legal responsibility.
The virtual lab concept introduces some technical problems for AT. A few examples of this are; speech recognition input and screen reader output over remote desktop. (RDP requires an additional license for JAWS)

Generally speaking, the best way to avoid licensing agreement issues is to use a network licensing system. Freedom Scientific has a licensing server that works with JAWS, MaGic, and WYNN. Other vendors have similar offerings but it is always best to ask the software companies you work with about licensing.


Jon P. Pielaet

Program Assistant for Instructional Materials
Disability Services for Students

Emma B. Lommasson 154
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812

www.umt.edu/dss/

406-243-2243 Voice/Text
406-243-4461 Direct Line
406-243-5330 Fax


On Jun 27, 2011, at 7:59 AM, Kenneth Elkind wrote:


> UMB is experimenting with virtual computer labs. I was able to install and use a wide range of ATsoftware. My question is more related to policy and legal responsibility. Is the providing accessibility for students with disabilities in a virtual computer lab and what assistive technology should be mandatory if any?

>

>

> How are the licenses of the software managed without violating the AT company license agreement?

>

> Kenneth Elkind

> Assistive Technology Specialist

> (617) 287- 5243

> Kenneth.elkind at umb.edu

> Skype User Number: adaptiveumb

>

>

> Adaptive Computer Lab

> Maximizing Learning Potential

>

> Learn about the Adaptive Computer Lab

>

>

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