Stay Focused!

This short article reminds us all to keep our eyes on the ball.

This term my e-text production service started converting a lot of PDF files into various forms of alternative-text. Things were going well and then we hit a few files that “choked” our ocr software OmniPage Pro. Opening the PDF in it’s native environment, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and stripping out some “document information” initially solved the problem. (Don’t ask me why…)

Finally a file came for which this solution did not work. It became a real technical challenge to “fix” this PDF. My staff and I searched the internet for similar problems and (hopefully) a solution. We tore apart the file in Acrobat Pro searching for its “fatal flaw.” I wouldn’t say we were obsessed, but we were pretty dedicated to solving this problem.

Then it hit me.

Actually a student worker provided the clarity with these words, “Why don’t we print it and scan it?” In that moment I realized that we (I) had lost site of getting usable text to the student and had jumped down some technological rabbit hole. Printing and scanning solved the problem in just a few minutes. Granted, you don’t want to do this with all your PDF files, but if you get one that defies cooperating with your other technology, just print it. I know that there are PDFs that will not print by design, but that is a topic for some future article.

The moral of this story is to stay focused on your original goal. In this case, getting clean usable text to a student with a print related disability. Technology has a seductive way of taking your attention from your task and redirecting it onto the process itself. You’ve been warned!

Utilizing Student Workers for AT Services

If you already utilize student workers in you AT delivery, then you can skip this article. But if you feel perpetually understaffed and shorthanded in the AT department this article may be able to help.

Many of the DS coordinators I work with have nothing but good things to say about student workers. Most say that they could not adequately deliver services if it were not for the student labor pool. Here are some of the ways my AT program makes use of student workers.

Computerized Based Notetaking (CBN)

Students with certain types of LD issues benefit from seeing notes in real time with the lecture. It is a text supplement delivered as the lecture is delivered. The notes are transmitted between two wirelessly linked laptops. The notetakers are students who are paid an hourly wage for their services. Obviously a college is a great place to find good notetakers.

Alt-Text

Providing alt-text on many campuses has grown into a small industry. And it is an industry that could not survive without student workers. In my program students handle book cutting and scanning. They manage the automated processes used for students with LD related reading issues. The do the precision editing and conversion required by our blind students. Student workers are the “face” of our alt-text program. Once students using these services get appropriate assessment and any necessary training they work directly with the student workers to obtain their alt-texts.

Basic AT Lab Management

I have worked with many DS coordinators who use technically savvy student workers to provide routine computer maintenance in their AT lab and to offer students basic technical support.

Take Advantage of Some Basic Characteristics of Student Workers

I have hired and managed dozens of student workers for my AT program over the last ten years. Most students want to work 8 to 12 hours per week during the academic term. I take advantage of this by giving the students only two to three related tasks to do. (I.E. cutting, scanning and automatic file creation.) This simplifies training and make it easy to isolate production breakdowns if or when they occur. Students, like most people, are drawn to meaningful and satisfying work. Supporting students with disabilities really qualifies for this. I always point out that no matter what career path they may ultimately take, serving students with disabilities will be a plus on their résumé.

Create a Congenial Work Environment

Over 95% of the students I have lost, I lost to graduation. Rather than adhering to an absolutely strict schedule, make objectives within the job the priority. If your students are getting good and usable alt-text files reliably, does it matter if the student workers adhered to a strict work schedule? Allow for down time. Some weeks no one needs books or journal articles converted. Pay your workers “to be available” it is a wise investment.

A Little Upfront Effort on Your Part Will Pay Handsome Dividends

Do a small departmental self-study and determine where you need help. Separate out the work the requires professional skills and then check what of the left over jobs could be handled by students.

Break the work up into jobs involving two or three tasks. Not only does this make training easier, it also makes for a very productive work flow.

Write clear job descriptions. These are not long or super detailed. List attributes you think the successful worker in this job will possess.

Either create or use your school’s existing job application. Post the job via your school’s “job board” and then review applications and interview applicants.

I realize this sounds like considerable work, but you can mange it by reserving a certain time each week for the process. Once your student workers are in place you will be surprised at how they lighten your schedule.

Flier for My Managing AT Book

Managing the Assistive Technology Process

Remembering Dick Banks

The AT community has lost a treasure. Dick Banks passed away on July 8, 2008.

I wish I could write that I was Dick’s close personal friend, because I felt that way. But I have a suspicion that anyone who interacted with Dick more than a few times felt like his close personal friend. That is just how Dick treated people.

Dick was a highly regarded leader in the AT field when I started over fifteen years ago. And he remained so right through to the end. I am convinced that there are thousands and thousands of students who are much better served today because of his work. And he approached his work with passion and dedication.

Dick was a sweet and gentle man. He had a huge influence on the development of assistive technology. I am afraid we will never replace him and I know we will never forget him. As I write these closing words, I can hear Dick’s distinctive laugh. It is a memory I will always cherish.

God bless Dick and his family in this time of loss.