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Universal Access to Alternate Media
Lars Ballieu ChristensenTanja Stevns
People and Media
• People with special need alternate formats– The blind require Braille, audio books, e-books, e-text,
tactile illustrations, …– The partially sighted require large print, audio books, e-
books, e-text, …– People with dyslexia/learning disorders/poor language
skills/poor reading skills require audio books, e-books, e-text, …
– People with physical disabilities may need e-books, e-text, …
– Just to name a few …
People and Media
• Preparing alternate media material is non-trivial– You need digital copies of source documents– You need proper tools and technologies– You need skills and experience– You need time– You need to understand copyright legislation in
your jurisdiction– Just to name a few …
People and MediaIn segregated environments• Special schools, sheltered
work environments, …• Alternate media usually not
an issue• Experienced faculty and
staff• Critical mass of users• Good understanding of
needs, tools and technologies
In mainstream environments• Mainstream education, the
general labour market, …• Usually a significant problem• Skills from previous practice
erode• Inexperienced faculty and
staff• Many different special needs• Limited understanding of
needs, tools and technologies
The Future is Mainstream• General trend and demand– From international organisations and policy makers (UNESCO
Salamanca Statement, UN CRPD, …)– From national legislators and administrators– From disability organisations and parents associations
• Education for all – in the mainstream• Regions and nations are at various stages …– Scandinavia amongst the first to embrace inclusion in the
1980s– Other countries about to commence transition
• Mainstreaming is likely to become the norm everywhere
The Problem• Mainstreaming does not remove the need for
alternate media• A number of challenges persist– Availability of source documents– Accessibility of source documents– Availability of efficient tools and technologies– Competencies amongst staff
• Providing suitable formats is a moving target– Situational– Personal preferences
• Accessibility is a good foundation
Designing for Alternate Media
Digital AccessibilityUse tech correctly, tag structure, provide alternatives, set language, …
Universal DesignActive language, short sentences, illustrations, holistic, …
Specific DesignDyslexic, Low Vision, Blind,…
Reflexions …
• Address the triangle from the right end– Improvements at the
bottom will filter through– With a good foundation,
source documents can be repurposed for many groups of users
– With a good foundation, many alternate media conversions can be automated
Automating Knowledge and Competencies
Technologies to support inclusion• RoboBraille,
SensusAccess• Biblus, SensusLibrary• E-books in general
E-books, VI Reader
Key challenges
• Competing legislation (rights of equal treatment vs copyright legislation)
• Use of streaming amongst special libraries• Lack of skills – Amongst producers of digital material– Amongst alternate media producers– Amongst knowledge workers in general
Conclusions
• The future is mainstream• There will still be huge need for alternate media• Source documents will remain a challenge• Many obstacles can be removed through
education• Others through inclusion technologies• A proper balance between copyright and equal
right must be found (Marrakesh Treaty)
ContactLars Ballieu [email protected]: +45 40 32 68 23
Tanja [email protected] Mobile: +45 23 24 06 72
www.sensus.dkwww.sensusaccess.comwww.robobraille.org
