Honolulu, Hawaii
June 24, 2007
June 24, 2007
June 27, 2007
2153-5965
Multidisciplinary Engineering
8
12.72.1 - 12.72.8
10.18260/1-2--3048
https://peer.asee.org/3048
443
Forouzan Golshani is the NCR Distinguished Professor and the Chairman of Computer Science and Engineering Department at Wright State University. Previously, he was Co-Director of Arts Media Engineering and Professor of CSE at Arizona State University. His research interests include multimedia systems, assistive technologies, and information mining.
Michele Wheatly is the Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics and Professor of Biological Sciences at Wright State University. Previously she was Professor of Zoology at the University of Florida. Her research and educational interests include temporal and spatial regulation of genes coding for calcium transporting proteins and access of underrepresented groups to STEM disciplines.
Dr. Mary Ellen Bargerhuff is an associate professor of special education and assistant chair in the Department of Teacher Education, College of Education and Human Services. She was a special education teacher and supervisor for 15 years before joining the WSU faculty. Dr. Bargerhuff's research interests focus on inclusive learning opportunities for students and adults with disabilities.
Dr. John Flach is a Professor and Chair of Psychology at Wright State University. He joined WSU in 1990. Previously he was at University of Illinois from where he held joint appointments in Mechanical & Industrial Engineering and Psychology. His research interests include experimental cognitive psychology and human factors, coordination and control in cognitive systems, visual control of locomotion, interface design, decision-making, and motor control.
Jeffrey A. Vernooy is the Director of the Office of Disability Services at Wright State University. He joined the staff of Disability Services in 1977. Mr. Vernooy completed his Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at Southern Illinois University.
A Multidisciplinary Graduate Program in Technology-based Learning with Disability
Abstract An interdisciplinary faculty team at Wright State University (WSU) has developed an innovative graduate program designed to provide a broad and comprehensive education, realistic work experiences, and opportunities for problem-centered research in the area of Learning with Disability (LWD). Faculty members from multiple colleges at the university are collaborating to train a unique cohort of graduate students capable of bridging the gaps between three main areas: a) biology of disability, b) assistive technology, and c) the pedagogy of individualized learning. Currently the program is offered as an interdisciplinary concentration within four of WSU’s existing doctoral programs including Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, and Human Factors/Industrial Organizational Psychology. The ultimate aim of the new LWD doctoral concentration is to educate professionals who can develop integrated approaches to problems that impact the lives and education of individuals with disabilities over multiple environments including home, school, work, and community.
Introduction
WSU is nationally recognized for serving the needs of students with disabilities. This reputation developed in part due to the university’s accessible architecture as well as its historical emphasis on valuing diverse populations, particularly those from the “last minority”. This commitment to equitable educational opportunities has enabled a significant number of students with profound physical disabilities (e.g. quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and including those with conditions requiring 24 hours a day life support) and those with sensory disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, and mental illness to complete degree programs in all majors including Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Some unique capabilities that WSU already has in place are: Physical Support Services: including personal assistance with daily living activities, mobility for students with multiple impairments, and complete access to all areas of the campus via a highly equipped grid of underground tunnels and “talking signs”. Academic Support Services: comprehensive, individualized assistance programs for students with physical and learning disabilities, including assistive technology labs, sign language interpreters, note-takers, scribes, and test-taking accommodations. Technology Center: textbooks and classroom materials in alternative formats that include audiocassette tapes, computer disks, Braille, and image enhancement.
Golshani, F., & Wheatly, M., & Bargerhuff, M. E., & Flach, J., & Vernooy, J. (2007, June), A Multidisciplinary Graduate Program In Technology Based Learning With Disability Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--3048
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