Accessibility university course proposal

[Chris Norman]

I think that's a great idea! Go for it. I think it is an issue that should 
be taught, not bolted on by experience.

Good luck!

Chris Norman
<!-- cnorman at rnibncw.ac.uk -->
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Juan Hernandez" <juan at netplus1.com>
To: <speakup at braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 6:08 AM
Subject: Accessibility university course proposal


> Hello everyone,
>
> I am in the process of compiling a proposal to my university.  This 
> proposal
> will be directed at the computer science department of my university.  The
> information is below.
>
> When referring to computers and software, accessibility is a very 
> important
> topic.  If a web site, software program, or a device is not usable by
> someone that has a disability, this may make the person's experience very
> bad, and even jeopardize their ability to work, and in some cases make 
> them
> loose their job entirely.
>
> I am building an academic guide line and course requirement request for my
> university.  I am finishing my Bachelor of Science in computer science at 
> my
> school, and will be entering their Master of Science program in the same
> field of study next year.  I am hoping to get this requirement accepted by
> my school, and even teach it while I am a graduate student.  I will 
> propose
> to the Computer Science Department that I would like to see a course
> developed that instructs students in the different facets of Accessibility
> in terms of software design and development.
>
> The criteria that I have come up with are as follows:
>
> Web accessibility
>
> Interface design and development
>
> Documentation availability
>
> Accessibility considerations when updating software
> (I.E. breaking something that worked in previous versions to make 
> something
> else work in a new version)
>
> This is only a rough outline, and I hope to get more criteria to consider
> for my proposal.  Please give me any input, criticism, ideas, opinions, 
> what
> ever you feel about this.
>
> Examples of bad and good accessibility implementations, problems people
> encounter when making something accessible, and what ever else.
>
> I feel that students do not understand the importance of accessibility, 
> and
> that they should be aware, from the beginning of their education about
> accessibility.
>
> For those that are not blind or visually impaired please give me input, I 
> do
> not know much about other accessibility needs then those of the blind and
> visually impaired.
>
> Please right me off list if you want at:  juanh at cox.neIf you would like to
> discuss more about this, we can skype or talk on the phone.
>
> Please let me know what you all thing, remember no needs/wants are stupid,
> everything will be considered, and will be compiled into a proposal to my
> university.  If I am successful with this, I would like to approach other
> universities about this.
>
> Thank You.
>
> Juan Hernandez
> San Diego State University
> E-mail:  juanh at cox.net
>
>
>
>
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