Presenter – (Virtual)
Dr. Mutiara Syifa and Dr. Natalie Shaheen,
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.
Abstract
Blind and low-vision (BLV) students are often excluded from full participation in learning, particularly in environments perceived as “dangerous,” such as science labs. Additionally, the use of technology in classrooms can further exclude BLV students. However, this exclusion is likely rooted in teachers’ limited awareness of how to interact with BLV students and in the pervasive ableism present in the education system. Recent ADA Title II regulations require schools to provide accessible technology for disabled students, making it essential to support teachers in understanding BLV students’ learning experiences. To address this need, the A11y in Sci project (NSF grant # 2334693) developed a digital case library to engage teachers with BLV students’ stories learning with technology. The present study piloted the case library with six high school science teachers. In this presentation, we will share the results of the pilot, particularly how teachers responded to the cases. We will also share the case library so that other teacher educators and professional development coordinators can incorporate the case library into their courses and workshops about accessible technology-mediated education.