AccessComputing

Designing a lab that is universally accessible begins with the physical environment of the facility. Considerations for making a computer lab facility more accessible include the following:

For many years the DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) Center has coordinated Internet activities at selected summer camps. DO-IT staff and program participants teach campers how to send messages to their friends and family with e-mail, use the Web for fun and education, and create web pages.

It is often reported that mentor support can help students with disabilities reach their social, academic, and career potential. Mentors provide direction and motivation, instill values, promote professionalism, help students develop leadership skills, and share relevant experiences. Students with disabilities can benefit from relationships with peer and adult mentors who have similar disabilities. DO-IT has supported an e-mentoring community for students with disabilities since 1992.

There are many places to explore grants available for projects that serve to increase the representation of individuals with disabilities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, including the following:

The following resources can serve as a starting point for finding state and local programs where students with disabilities can learn about technology.

Historically, the World Wide Web has not provided a simple means for presenting math content online. Mathematicians and scientists typically use software such as TeX and LaTeX for typesetting complex formulas and then convert these formulas to images for presentation online.

An Individualized Education Plan (or Program) is also known as an IEP. This is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child with an identified disability who is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services. The IEP is developed by a team of individuals from various educational disciplines, the child with a disability, family members, and/or designated advocates.

An IEP typically includes the following:

The Foundation for Science and Disability (FSD) is a nonprofit organization whose members work to

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that supports special education and related service programming for children and youth with disabilities. It was originally known as the Education of Handicapped Children Act, passed in 1975. In 1990, amendments to the law were passed, effectively changing the name to IDEA. In 1997 and again in 2004, additional amendments were passed to ensure equal access to education.

IEP Defined

The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services.