Inclusive deployment--towards universal access and universal design

You may remember this teacher. He used to do the signing for the TV news, when our media was overtly concerned about accessibility.

e-Learning Jamaica has developed specifications for media that incorporate international standards, and has a mandate to provide learning resources for special schools, for children who have hearing , visual and learning disabilities or challenges.

At the Lister Mair Gilby School for the Deaf, Joseph Edwards teaches Science, Mathematics, Construction and Information Technology. Committed to his many and varied instructional tasks, Joseph participated in most of the instructional materials workshops that were preparatory to delivery to schools.

On World Telecommunications Day, where accessibility and disability as themes collide, it would be a tragedy if the able and the endowed could not demonstrate that they were making full use of provisions, of the equipment, software and print resources received in the spirit of universal access.

Opportunity delayed...not denied

Today is May 15, 2008.

Three months ago, the first delivery of electronic instructional resources was made under the e-Learning Jamaica Project. The first school to receive materials reports that there is value to be gained in the use of the Biology materials, the installation and use of the electronic resources has posed a challenge.

Thomas Cane, Caribbean Sales Manager of Nelson Thornes , visited St Andrew High School to find out how they are doing. Hermel Evans, Biology Department Head outlined the achievements, the possibilities and perils of both materials acquisition and training received under the project.

E-Learning Jamaica Company has recognised that close contact and systematic feedback are necessary for every intervention in every school.

It's all about the management of change. Watch this space. We will all get on top of things.