Bringing Actors Together ICT for Disabled Students Rebecka

Bringing Actors Together – ICT for Disabled Students Rebecka Näslund Luleå University of Technology Department of Human Work Science

Disposition » Introduction to disability and technology. » Introduction to computers and disability. » Introduction to computers in school. » Conclusion and recommendations.

Purpose To present how ICT can be and is part of disabled peoples’ everyday lives.

The Questions » How is/can ICT be used in relation to people with disabilities? » How do pupils with intellectual disability use ICT? » What recommendations can be included when one focuses on ICT and pupils with disabilities?

Disability » Disability comes into existence as part of a relationship between the body and the surrounding environment. » Disability is a concept which includes bodies, the environment and technology and the relations between them.

Disability and ICT » Technology and disability have a long history. » ICT has benefits but also problems for people with disability. » There exists a digital divide between people with/without disability in relation to ICT.

Computers and Disability

Computers and Disability » The Hal Screen reader is a software which enables people with visual impairments to access and use computers. » It is a software which costs around 795 USD for 1 user licence.

The Computerized School

Study of ICT and Disability

School for Pupils With Intellectual Disabilitie » In 1968, the 1967 Act on special services for some mentally retarded was implemented. » The compulsory special school consists of: - The compulsory school for pupils with learning disabilities - The training school » Upper secondary school for pupils with learning disabilities consists of: - The national - The specially designed - The individual programmes

The Computerized School » Computers and information technology have been part of schools for almost 30 years. » In 1999 the project ITi. S (IT in School) was implemented.

Using ICT during the Schooldays » The amount of computers varied. » Varied forms of use.

My interview with the intellectual disabled students, student # 1 Rebecka: …Do you think that it is good with computer in the school then Martin: Yes. Rebecka: Is there an enough amount? Martin: Yes. Rebecka: You do not think that you should have more computers? Martin: Yes. Rebecka: You think so? Martin: Yes. Rebecka: How many should there be then? Martin: Six. Rebecka: Six, why should there be six? Martin: (Cannot hear what is being said) Put there also because. Rebecka: Do you think there should be one for you, one for each pupil? Martin: Yes.

ICT in Everyday Life » Computers are fun. » Used for playing games, visiting home pages. » Way to occupy oneself, learn about one’s interests. » Communication.

My interview with the intellectual disabled students, student # 2 Rebecka: Okay, why do you think, do you think it is important with the computer? Do you think it is important to be well up on computers? Erin: Yes. Rebecka: Why? Erin: Hm, to be able to check my mail, if any friends have written to me. Rebecka: Okay. Erin: I have lots of friends on my Lunar. Rebecka: Do you? Erin: Yes. Rebecka: Okay. Erin: Over 50. Rebecka: Oh. Erin: It is true. Rebecka: Is it friends you have here in town then? Do you have as many friend in town? Erin: No, not, it is some that I know, that I use to be with. Maybe 5, 10.

The Youths’ Views of the Computer

Conclusion & Recommendations » It is important to consider differences and similarities among people with and without disabilities. » People with disabilities, can by adopting ICT in their everyday lives, be enabled to open up for new educational, employment and social prospects. » More has to be done in the public schools in order to gain from the benefits of ICT.

Conclusion & Recommendations » Set up projects where staff and pupils at school can work with wa to use ICT in their everyday school practices. » It is advisable that these project are implemented by using some f of resource personal. » Provide staff who are interested in technical issues with possibilit to learn more about them.

Conclusion & Recommendations » Provide the schools with technology and software in accordance with the staffs’ and pupils’ needs. » If possible provide the staff and the pupils with computers and software so they can explore ICT also outside the school.

Conclusion & Recommendations Once the project is over: » Provide overall technical support. » Bring the staff and pupils together and have a workshop were the knowledge from the projects can be disseminated.

Bringing Actors Together – ICT for Disabled Students Rebecka Näslund Luleå University of Technology Department of Human Work Science