In presenting a case for accessibility and universal design with a learning institution’s governing board, president, CFO, or CEO, the statement “if you build it, they will come” might be appropriate. Accessibility has generally been solved in my higher learning institution on a case by case basis; while I and other teaching faculty argue that the number one principle in universal design is accessibility, the challenge is for our institution (and other institutions, too) to move from a micro to a macro mindset. I would tend to support accessibility because of my concern for the learners. However, with the current budget cuts in Ohio, the bottom line is money and the return for the investment of one’s dollars since State dollars are scarce. The article by Reena Jana, “How Tech is Going Mainstream” supports the idea that many Americans appreciate the comfort and convenience of products once associated with those with special concerns or challenges. As Donald A. Norman states, “most features that are accessible for the disabled have great value to everybody.” (as qtd. In Jana). This movement from the individual to the mainstream should also be realized in the classroom setting. Accessibility also stresses one’s relationship to the surrounding community and assumes a desire to assist members of the community. Persons with accessibility issues are a growing segment of the population, especially with us baby boomers growing older! Other agencies in the community are willing to work with businesses who desire to make their products more accessible. In the state of Ohio, if courses and other learning technologies are accessible to workers, the business can work with the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission to hire workers and possibly be eligible for tax credits. Accessibility also offsets financial and legal risks for a business and other institutions. The average cost for an institution to resolve a complaint filed through EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity) costs $200,000. (SSBBARTGroup). Accessibility will improve one’s image in the community and financial gain may result from this positive public image.
JLK
References
Accessibility business case-amp. SSBBART Group. https://reference.ssbbartgroup.com/index.php/Accessibility_Business_Case
Jana, R. (Sept. 24, 2009). How tech for the disabled is going mainstream. Bloomberg Businessweek.
Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission. www.rsc.ohio.gov
JLK
References
Accessibility business case-amp. SSBBART Group. https://reference.ssbbartgroup.com/index.php/Accessibility_Business_Case
Jana, R. (Sept. 24, 2009). How tech for the disabled is going mainstream. Bloomberg Businessweek.
Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission. www.rsc.ohio.gov