As we progress into the technological world of information and resources, some people are leaping and bounding and other are facing barriers to the same information.

Web accessibility means that persons with disabilities can make effective use of the Internet to navigate, and engage with tools, browsers and media that integrate the functioning of adaptive technology.

Information technology is increasingly used in communication, training and education programs.

With over 20 percent of the world's participation having disabilities, including and nearly 5 million Canadians, technology must become more inclusive. Progressively more of this is happening through advocacy, research and development initiatives.

The Canadian Government recognizes this and through Human Resources Development Canada's Office of Learning Technology established the framework for Community Learning Networks which funds community projects that support the use of technology in developing lifelong learning and employment skills.

Adaptive Technology Resource Centre focuses on Community, Learning and Research Issues to advance accessible technology. Be sure to check out their Technical Glossary and Free on line course about Adaptive Technologies.
www.utoronto.ca/atrc

Breaking down barriers to accessible technology is the
subject of this detailed overview at the Equal Access to Software and Information Site
easi.cc/dislearn.htm

Get the basics of accessible technology through a few suggested links below

Disabled Women's Network
dawn.thot.net

Accessible E-Learning Resources
www.iprimus.ca

Did you know that there is a way to determine the accessibility of website free?

Ensuring that more people can link to you and your information should be a consideration for all people creating web based information. Think inclusion!
webxact.watchfire.com

This is an extensive list of accessible technology resources from the World Wide Web Consortium Web Accessibility Initiative
www.w3.org

Microsoft presents its accessible features regarding its hardware and software as well as numerous accessibility related articles available in various formats
www.microsoft.com/enable

Adobe has a few programs that are commonly used and provides an overview of the accessibility features
www.adobe.com/enterprise/accessibility

Adaptive Technology Resource Centre focus on Community, Learning and Research Issues to advance accessible technology.
www.utoronto.ca/atrc

Communication and Accessibility
Access to information – written, spoken, signed or digital - is essential for full participation for people with disabilities. Review this issue through the Province of Ontario’s Pathway to Equal Opportunity Website.
www.equalopportunity.on.ca

Spinal Cord Injury Peer Information Library on Technology contains insightful and personal stories, articles on avariety of technology related issues, product reviews and information exchange.
www.scipilot.com

Real-Time Captioning
Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART), or captioning as it is also known, is a process whereby a CART provider using a steno machine, note book computer and real-time software, provides instant word for word “speech to text” translation for viewing.

Advances in technology and equipment now allows a CART provider to provide services in any setting, anywhere the recipient has internet and telephone connections. The “audio feed” allows the captioner to hear the event taking place, the spoken word is than transcribed into English and sent to the receiving client(s) for viewing within seconds of the words being spoken. For larger groups, the receiving captioner can be connected to an LCD projector.

The cost of these types of services varies, depending on the choice of services that are being provided, with pricing ranging from $150.00 per hr. minimum 4hrs.

Remote Internet CART Services is becoming the more popular choice, due to the variation in client situation and location. This type of service has a link-up charge of $25.00 per link-up, plus $150.00 per hr, 4hr minimum charge.

Drawbacks to Real Time Captioning
Even though this service and its applications are extremely beneficial as well as cost effective if used in the proper situations, but there are some drawbacks to using this system such as:
a) This technology does not translate text into sign or sign into text, which would enhance the intended experience for the Deaf community.
b) Some persons with disabilities may and often do have below average grammar skills and therefore read or translate English well
c) Newcomers into the country may also have difficulty understanding what is being translated due to poor English skills.
d) The fact that there is a few second delay in the final translation receiving time, may also provide some confusion in understanding what is being relayed, for some newcomers to our country.
e) The availability of this technology can prove to be challenging, as random bookings are done on” first come first serve basis”, resulting in times when you may experience times of unavailability of the wanted services.
f) Minimum two weeks notice or more if possible is required for random bookings, and sometimes even then you may experience difficulties acquiring a booking.

Despite the few short comings of this service, the advantages far outweigh any discrepancies that anyone may encounter while using these types of services for their events. Whether this service is used for conferences or classroom settings, it is definitely worth using. Also, it is our understanding that if a need for this service was of a more constant requirement, than a more permanent and reliable service agreement can be made for these services.

Here are some suggested sites to check out about these services:
www.visualvoicecaptions.com
www.neesoncourtreporting.com
www.captioning.com