Presenters
Jordana Qi and Dr. Kelly Kamish, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY, USA.
Abstract
While assistive technology is applicable in a number of settings, what happens when the complexity of course content outpaces what assistive technology can do? As course content becomes more complex, especially in engineering and mathematics, assistive technology often reaches its limits. Students still need full access to course materials in a timely manner. Our session explores how we convert faculty-provided documents into usable tactile formats when original files are incompatible with tactile graphics tools. We experimented with low tech options like the Scrib3D pen and Sensational Blackboard, and created detailed image descriptions. For more complex diagrams, we used Adobe tools, Tiger Software Suite, and the ViewPlus SpotDot embosser. BrailleBlaster supported accurate transcription of mathematical content into Nemeth braille.
Throughout this process, we collaborated with the student, academic departments, student employees, and assistive technology manufacturers to identify timely, effective solutions. We will also share our outreach to external companies and the alternatives we evaluated before ultimately developing in house tactile production workflows.
Presenter Biographies
Jordana Qi Access Coordinator · Disability Services Office, Rochester Institute of Technology
Jordana Qi earned her M.A. in Leadership in Disability Services from the University of Delaware and has served as an Access Coordinator in Rochester Institute of Technology’s Disability Services Office since 2021. She specializes in assistive technology and alternate formats, including tactile and braille materials.
Kelly Kamish, Ed.D. Associate Director · Disability Services Office, Rochester Institute of Technology
Kelly Kamish (she/they) holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Rochester. She currently serves as Associate Director of the Disability Services Office at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Their work centers on advancing equitable access, fostering collaborative campus partnerships, and supporting disabled students through inclusive design and innovative accommodation practices.