Department of Education Releases Report on Post Secondary Learning Materials

This week, the Department of Education released a report on the Disparities in Post Secondary learning materials for students with disabilities. The Advisory Commission on Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) in Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities report provided Congress with vital recommendations for improving the ability of postsecondary students with disabilities to obtain accessible instructional materials in a timely and cost-effective manner.

“The AIM Commission's report sheds light on the hurdles students with disabilities too often face in accessing and completing higher education courses,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “Their recommendations will help our colleges and universities offer more effective resources that meet the needs of all students and provide students with disabilities the 21st century learning tools they need to be successful.”

Over the course of 14 months, commission members studied the current state of accessible materials for students with disabilities in postsecondary education. Comprised of various stakeholders, including students with disabilities, members of the publishing community, higher education personnel, and content experts in the fields of disability and technology, the commission offered diverse perspectives on the state of accessible instructional materials across postsecondary campuses nationwide.

The following are a few of the recommendations made by the commission which can be found in the report:

• Congress should authorize the United States Access Board to establish guidelines for accessible instructional materials that will be used by government, in the private sector, and in postsecondary academic settings.
• Congress should consider incentives to accelerate innovation in accessibility by publishers and producers of course materials, hardware, and software by offering support and inducements for the production, sale, and consumption of accessible instructional materials and delivery systems.

To read more of the recommendations and the full report, click here.

Comments

[IT education requirements]

Thanks for the release of this report. Let us hope for some prominent changes takes place in the field of education.