Web Accessibility at Black Hawk College

College information is available in a Web-based format for easier access by the majority of us. However, students with disabilities may need assistive technology or support to access this information. The College is required to meet the criteria of Section 508 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act and intends to work towards W3C standards for accessibility in order to better serve our students.

A Lift Text Transcoder translates Web-based content into text.  A “text only” link appears on our College web site, myBlackHawk, library databases, WebCT, and Banner, so that students with visual challenges can use screen readers to access the information they need.  Screen reader software (Jaws and Zoom Text) has also been upgraded and placed on the network or on laptops that can be checked out by students from the office of Disability Services. Dragon Naturally Speaking is also available on the laptops for students with mobility limitations so that they can dictate to the computer to generate text.

In addition, the Web Accessibility Committee has been working to develop additional online resources, “plain English” guidelines, and support for faculty and staff to make their own materials accessible to students with a variety of common disabilities. Some of these tips will benefit all students, while others will only be necessary when students with specific disabilities enroll in a specific class.The Teaching/Learning Center staff can assist faculty in creating accessibility options for a range of files provided to students:

• audio files or podcasts>: make a downloadable, printable transcript for those with hearing impairments (English only)
• video clips: make a downloadable, printable transcript or captioned clip for those with hearing impairments (English only)
• PDF files: convert PDF files to a format that can be read by a screen reader
• Hand-written feedback on student work: record audio comments

The office of Disability Services can also assist students with:

• scanning and converting printed files (textbooks, tests, handouts) into audio files for those with visual impairments
• arranging for scribes to take notes in class for students with mobility limitations
• working with faculty when a student needs special accommodations for testing or seating in a classroom or any learning issues related to identified learning disabilities.

Questions and input are welcome on any of these services. Let us know what kinds of resources or services would assist you in meeting the accessibility needs of your students by emailing your thoughts to tlc@bhc.edu or by calling the Teaching/Learning Center at ext. 5036..