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New technology assists students with disabilities
Daily Vidette, September 17, 1992
by Roy Taylor, Daily Vidette Reporter
SPRINGFIELD-New technologies and curriculum have been incorporated at ISU to improve the participation and achievement of minority and disabled students, representatives reported at the Board of Regents meeting Wednesday.
Gloria-Jeanne Davis, assistant to the president for minority affairs, told the board about new technologies provided for students with disabilities.
Now available at ISU is the Visa Text System, which "enlarges printed material onto video monitors," enabling those with sight disabilities to read easier, Davis said. The system is available for use on the first floor of Milner Library for those who qualify, she said. Also available for use is the phonic ear system, which allows those with hearing impairments to listern in their classes better, Davis said.
New power-assist doors will be installed in classroom buildings "as the money comes in," Davis said. The money for the power doors was donated by the class of 1989, she said. The Office of Disability Concerns works dilligently to make sure all new construction meets requirements, she added. "The necessary physical and environmental changes are ongoing," she said.
The ISU curriculum is also changing to address minority needs, the university's provost said.
David Strand, vice president and provost, said "We are involved in a complete overhaul and review of the University Studies program." He said that although a non-western civilization class has been required since 1980, the program will go much further than that. "We are making the curriculum more inclusive of race and gender," Strand said.
"The University Studies program will give students an aquaintance with the world and the emerging contemporary world community," he said.
Some other cultural programs cited by Strand include the cultural studies minor, the cultural awareness class, and the "ism's" programs in the residence halls.
In other business, ISU President Thomas Wallace said ISU may have to wait longer for the planned Science Laboratory Building.
This building will be considered "when money is made available by the state for its construction," Wallace said. The money probably will not come in until the eax structure is changed, he said.
BOR is the governing body for ISU, Northern Illinois University, and Sangamon State.
Gloria-Jeanne Davis, assistant to the president for minority affairs, told the board about new technologies provided for students with disabilities.
Now available at ISU is the Visa Text System, which "enlarges printed material onto video monitors," enabling those with sight disabilities to read easier, Davis said. The system is available for use on the first floor of Milner Library for those who qualify, she said. Also available for use is the phonic ear system, which allows those with hearing impairments to listern in their classes better, Davis said.
New power-assist doors will be installed in classroom buildings "as the money comes in," Davis said. The money for the power doors was donated by the class of 1989, she said. The Office of Disability Concerns works dilligently to make sure all new construction meets requirements, she added. "The necessary physical and environmental changes are ongoing," she said.
The ISU curriculum is also changing to address minority needs, the university's provost said.
David Strand, vice president and provost, said "We are involved in a complete overhaul and review of the University Studies program." He said that although a non-western civilization class has been required since 1980, the program will go much further than that. "We are making the curriculum more inclusive of race and gender," Strand said.
"The University Studies program will give students an aquaintance with the world and the emerging contemporary world community," he said.
Some other cultural programs cited by Strand include the cultural studies minor, the cultural awareness class, and the "ism's" programs in the residence halls.
In other business, ISU President Thomas Wallace said ISU may have to wait longer for the planned Science Laboratory Building.
This building will be considered "when money is made available by the state for its construction," Wallace said. The money probably will not come in until the eax structure is changed, he said.
BOR is the governing body for ISU, Northern Illinois University, and Sangamon State.
All Content © Roy Taylor 2007