Student

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Vision Education Scoping Report

In 2013, Media Access Australia undertook a study of vision education services to explore the wide range of issues faced by students who are blind or have low vision in Australian schools.

The study is a comprehensive review of the information and media needs of students who are blind or have low vision and the services offered within the public, Catholic and independent sectors. The report was produced through extensive consultation with service providers and support staff who generously gave their expertise.


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Teacher information (vision)

It is vital that teachers with students who are blind or have low vision in their classrooms can create an equitable educational environment through the use of accessibility practices.


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Policy and expectations

Australia

One of the key aims of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 is ‘to eliminate, as far as possible, discrimination against persons on the ground of disability.’ The Australian Human Rights Commission has published a guide to assist the general public.


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Classroom Access Project 1

The Classroom Access Project was first piloted in Term 1, 2010 at La Salle Catholic College, Bankstown, NSW. This project was an initiative of Media Access Australia, and implemented through partnership with the Catholic Education Office Sydney and La Salle Catholic College, Bankstown.


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The ‘model classroom’ in action

The Classroom Access Project (CAP) operated for 20 weeks in both trial schools, which provided necessary longevity to test the concept of access to captioned video and other media and improved sound in mainstream schools.


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Classroom Access Project

Access to captioned video and other media for students with hearing impairment can be challenging due to the increased use of online curriculum resources to support the curriculum, and also a need to upskill teachers in the use of captions.


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Hearing Impairment / Deafness

Audiovisual resources have become integral to the classroom. A high percentage of these materials are used to support the curriculum, yet the access barriers for many students that this presents are not being adequately addressed by all states and systems.


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Technology for increased classroom access

Advances in technology have seen the concept of learning escape the confines of the classroom, however teachers need to ensure that BYOD and other devices or equipment in the classroom don’t pose a barrier for students with diverse learning needs. Accessibility features may need to be enabled on the devices.

To achieve best practice, modelling accessible use of media in your school communities can be facilitated by:


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