A Multidisciplinary Graduate Program In Technology Based Learning With Disability

• Published in: Association for Engineering Education - Engineering Library Division Papers p. 12.72.1
• Main Authors: Golshani, ouzan, Wheatly, Michele, Bargerhuff, Mary Ellen, Flach, John, Vernooy, Jeffrey
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Atlanta American Society for Engineering Education-ASEE 24.06.2007
• Subjects: Adaptive technology; Autism; Biomedical engineering; Biomedical materials; Braille; Colleges & universities; Disability; Disks; Education; Handicapped assistance devices; Human factors; Image enhancement; Interdisciplinary aspects; Interpreters; Learning; Learning disabilities; Multiple sclerosis; Muscular dystrophy; Psychology; Software; Students; Support services; Textbooks

An interdisciplinary faculty team at Wright State University (WSU) has developed an innovative graduate program designed to provide a broad and comprehensive education, realistic work experiences, and opportunities for problem-centered research in the area of Learning with Disability (LWD). Faculty members from multiple colleges at the university are collaborating to train a unique cohort of graduate students capable of bridging the gaps between three main areas: a) biology of disability, b) assistive technology, and c) the pedagogy of individualized learning. Currently the program is offered as an interdisciplinary concentration within four of WSU’s existing doctoral programs including Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, and Human Factors/Industrial Organizational Psychology. The ultimate aim of the new LWD doctoral concentration is to educate professionals who can develop integrated approaches to problems that impact the lives and education of individuals with disabilities over multiple environments including home, school, work, and community. Introduction WSU is nationally recognized for serving the needs of students with disabilities. This reputation developed in part due to the university’s accessible architecture as well as its historical emphasis on valuing diverse populations, particularly those from the “last minority”. This commitment to equitable educational opportunities has enabled a significant number of students with profound physical disabilities (e.g. quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and including those with conditions requiring 24 hours a day life support) and those with sensory disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, and mental illness to complete degree programs in all majors including Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Some unique capabilities that WSU already has in place are: Physical Support Services: including personal assistance with daily living activities, mobility for students with multiple impairments, and complete access to all areas of the campus via a highly equipped grid of underground tunnels and “talking signs”. Academic Support Services: comprehensive, individualized assistance programs for students with physical and learning disabilities, including assistive technology labs, sign language interpreters, note-takers, scribes, and test-taking accommodations. Technology Center: textbooks and classroom materials in alternative formats that include audiocassette tapes, computer disks, Braille, and image enhancement.