Proposal # HRD-96-23958 Applicant: WGBH Educational Foundation Principal Investigator: Theodore A. Sicker Title: "CD-ROM Access Project" ABSTRACT CD-ROMs are the most widely used form of multimedia in schools and their use is expected to grow especially in the area of science education. People with print-disabilities (those with visual impairments or learning disabilities) currently are unable to use most hardware and software (including CD-ROMs) that base their information displays on a "graphical user interface" (GUI). This application proposes to initiate a research project leading to CD-ROM-based science instructional materials that are useable by people with print-disabilities. To reach this goal, it will be necessary to establish standards for multimedia accessibility. The project proposes development of design guidelines for multimedia accessibility concentrating on science, engineering, and mathematics instructional materials published on CD-ROMs-- currently the most common form of multimedia-based instructional materials. Specifically, the project will: - Research CD-ROM accessibility by conducting a CD-ROM Accessibility Survey - Explore access solutions to technology barriers through the creation of adapted iterations - Demonstrate accessibility with a model accessible SEM CD-ROM - Develop Design Guidelines that recommend standards for multimedia accessibility - Distribute project results through a dissemination of findings. It is expected that this Project will significantly impact blind, visually impaired and learning disabled students by allowing them to approach academic equality of opportunity with their sighted peers in SEM education leading to increased representation in SEM careers. ***
