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Technology Can Address Digital Accessibility...to an Extent

Part 1: This article opens by questioning a tool/tech based approach to accessibility. Many schools are striving towards a more universal learning experience, though the only issue is centering in on what that experience looks and feels like. While there might seem to be an easy solution to accessibility for one specific disability or another, many of these needs contradict one another or students don't fall into one specific category. There are programs in place that help universities recognize where their programs or course layouts aren't user friendly, these programs have helped improve the potential student's overall experience, if only a little bit at a time. Unfortunately, there are many complex things that a program simply cannot recognize to flag for revision. As time passes, a fear of litigation fades from the forefront of why these campuses are adjusting. The motivation seems to be shifting to catering to the students as more opportunities and clear paths become available.

Part 2: While reading this, I couldn't help but think of our lovely in-class tour of BlackBoard, in all it's confusing glory. It seems laughable to think that BlackBoard as we know it is the accessible version. That being said, I'm glad that we've started somewhere. Improving accessibility will help more students than those who report having disabilities, as many people learn in different ways. Perhaps a small push for more accessibility might improve the experience for all who attend the school, in one way or another.

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