Electronic Media

The Electronic Media Subcommittee of the ADA Advisory Board was formed to address issues of equal access for individuals with disabilities to the myriad of websites and Distance Education Courses sponsored by Georgia State University.

Recognizing the computer as the wave of the future, GSU has implemented such on-line endeavors as: admissions and registration procedures, course listings, general catalogues and policies, WebCT classes, tuition and fee payments, notification of registration appointments, etc. Information is power and having access to these systems and information is essential for a student to participate in their academic program. Unfortunately, many students and potential students are limited in their ability to participate in these systems. Primarily, these are individuals who must use adaptive technology to access electronic media. However, this is a problem that has a viable solution.

Electronic media can be an open door or a brick wall to some individuals with disabilities. What makes the difference is how the media is designed. With some understanding and design forethought, every website, distance education class and online system could be made available to all students. To this end, the Electronic Media Subcommittee has developed an access policy, which it hopes will be adopted by Georgia State University.