Equal Access to the Digital World!
What
does it mean to have equal access to the digital world? First, we have to define equal access. Under the federal Americans with Disability
Act, equal access means protection from discrimination. Under IDEA, (Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act), it means protection from discrimination and access to a free
appropriate education (FAPE), regardless of one’s ability, and includes
parental participation, special education services and procedural safeguards. In the world of Universal Design, equal
access means finding the right tool to match one’s ability. In other words,
adapting the physical space to meet the physical/mental/sensory needs, and
adapting the curricula to meet those needs.
In
the digital world, equal access can be defined by resources and the
physical/emotional ability to access those resources. According to Ribble, there are nine themes of
digital citizenship that create access to the digital world. They are as follows: “1. Digital Access – full electronic
participation in society; 2. Digital Commerce:
electronic buying and selling of goods; 3. Digital Communication: electronic exchange of communication; 4.
Digital Literacy: process of teaching and learning about
technology and the use of technology. 5.
Digital Etiquette: electronic
standards of conduct or procedure.
6. Digital Law: electronic responsibility for actions
and deeds; 7. Digital Rights and Responsibilities: those freedoms extended to everyone in a
digital world; 8. Digital Health and Wellness:
physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world; 9.
Digital Security (self-protection): electronic precautions to guarantee
safety." (Ribble, 2014)
This public service video is a nice marrying of the
disability laws and digital citizenship. After viewing, have a discussion with
your family to assure understanding of equal access to the digital world.
Until my next blog : )
Ms. Gosse
References
Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A88E4DH2asQ
November 1, 2014.
Ribble,
M. (2014) Digital Citizenship. Using Technology Appropriately. Retrieved
November
1, 2014 from http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/Nine_Elements.html
Rose,
D. (n.d.). Universal design for learning. Retrieved October 29, 2014, from
Schrum, L. & Levin, B. (2009). Leading 21st century schools: Harnessing
technology for engagement and achievement. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
(na)
Retrieved from the National Center on AD/HD, November 1, 2014 from
