[Athen] Statewide accessibility training center

[Sean Keegan]

While I think there were a number of factors that contributed to the success of the program over the years, one factor I would consider seriously if trying to replicate such a model is the timing of such a proposal. Prior to Gaeir and I joining the HTCTU, the California Community College system had experienced a statewide compliance review resulting in nine suggestions from OCR about specific areas of concern; the "Distance Education: Access Guidelines for Students with Disabilities" had been written; and funding was provided from the Chancellor's Office for alternate format production "deliverables" (for most colleges, this involved hiring staff). Not only was there statewide attention from a legal perspective, but there was funding made available to colleges who in turn needed training and support for these alt format and web accessibility services. This also happened at a time when California was doing much better financially than in the past seven years.

I am not too surprised that the model has not been replicated in other states as I think the California Community College system  lends itself to such a program due to overall size, student body, funding mechanisms, etc. I don't know if the HTCTU program is something that could be replicated in other states as there may not be the same factors that would drive such program. Yes, there may be a desire for training and support at the local college level, but this is something that would need to be transcended to the state level and, potentially, all higher ed parties would have to agree on funding decisions.

If you are looking at different models, I would suggest also looking at how WebAIM is structured and organized. While not the same, there are some similarities to such a program that could offer ideas as to where to obtain funding, provide training, etc.

Take care,
Sean


On Jul 11, 2014, at 6:58 PM, "Gaeir Dietrich" <gdietrich at htctu.net> wrote:


> You weren’t wrong…Sean and I used to joke that he was the trainer with the most seniority—even if I was the more senior. ;-)

>  

> Seriously, though, it was a great model. I do not know how voc rehab functions in other state, though, so I’m not sure how replicable it might be. The strategy that Carl proposed was that since computers and technology were clearly a growth industry and provided a very marketable skill it made sense for the dept of rehabilitation to leverage their resources by creating support for all the CCCs (about 102 at the time and 112 now).

> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

> Gaeir (rhymes with "fire") Dietrich

> 408-996-6047 or 408-996-4636

> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

>  

> From: athen-list [mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman13.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Ron

> Sent: Friday, July 11, 2014 6:45 PM

> To: Access Technology Higher Education Network

> Subject: Re: [Athen] Statewide accessibility training center

>  

> Its been a long time, so I stand corrected. :-)

> 

> On Jul 11, 2014 8:28 PM, "Gaeir Dietrich" <gdietrich at htctu.net> wrote:

> Happy to talk to you about it, Wink.

>  

> (And, just FYI, Sean only “predated” me at the HTCTU by a couple of months. ;-)

> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

> Gaeir (rhymes with "fire") Dietrich

> 408-996-6047 or 408-996-4636

> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

>  

> From: athen-list [mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman13.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Ron

> Sent: Friday, July 04, 2014 4:03 AM

> To: Access Technology Higher Education Network

> Subject: Re: [Athen] Statewide accessibility training center

>  

> James Bailey would be a good person to talk to he was working in the area at the time and also knew Carl Brown. Also perhaps Sean Keegan. His time at the HTCTU predates Gaeir's. 

>  

> The Tech Act projects were designed to just this thing, but where never adequately funded. There are also some good models in the K-12 system but they are K-12 only. 

>  

> The funding challenge is going to be what target population will you serve, if it is all then you are going to have to figure out the political conflicts and the conflicts inherent in the various laws that govern public funding streams. Private public partnership would be the way to go in my mind.

>  

> Interesting concept, one many have tried, including me within the educational space. Let's keep the conversation going.

>  

> Ron Stewart

> 

> 

> On Thursday, July 3, 2014, Wink Harner <foreigntype at gmail.com> wrote:

> Wouldn't that be wonderful! I'm sure Gaier can share how the High Tech center came into being. It's highly probable "we" (in the field) could write/apply for a grant to get it started. 

> 

> Wink 

> Wink Harner

> foreigntype at gmail.com

> 

> Wink 

> Wink Harner

> foreigntype at gmail.com

> 

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