· Adaptive and Assistive Technologies

Inform the students to please contact you privately to discuss specific needs. Assistive technology will be utilized to increase or improve the functional capabilities of those with disabilities. Examples include screen magnifiers, and large-key keyboards that can be utilized for students who are visually impaired. Alternative input devices would replace the traditional keyboard and mouse and would allow the student with physical disabilities to activate a computer in a variety of ways, including nerve or muscle signals, breath, mouth, and eyes. Speech recognition technology would allow students to operate a computer and enter data solely with their voice. The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 was created to support programs of grants to state to address the technology needs of individuals with disabilities. Therefore, there are many programs and adaptive technologies available to those with disabilities.

· Digital Communication and Collaboration Tools

The instructor of the multimedia production may communicate and collaborate with the students, *parents/others, and peers through the following suggestions:

(*Note: Confidentiality issues must be addressed with college students age 18 and older. Permission would need obtained from the student if student progress is discussed)

o Students (working on the multimedia project independently)

Discussion threads made available on Blackboard (YSU)

Facebook pages

Twitter

Blogs

Virtual office hours (AOL instant messenger or YAHOO messenger)

Group or individual texts

Internet groups, such as Yahoo

o Parents and Others (who encounter the multimedia production)

Facebook pages

Blogs

Internet groups, such as Yahoo