EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) has a pamphlet discussing the transitions students have to pass through in moving all the way from elementary school through college. You can get a copy of this seven-page booklet by sending email to easi1@easi.cc. Below is an excerpt that relates mainly to colleges and universities. As you'll see in this section of the document, schools need to be ready to provide adaptive computers and properly designed information technology to provide adequate support for these students.

In December, EASI has a month-long, online course called "Train the Trainer". Yes, besides having equipment, colleges need staff who are familiar with it and capable of providing training on it for students. Read about Train the Trainer and register online at: http://easi.cc/workshop.htm

Sometimes faculty and service providers are thrust in the role of advocating for equipment and support services for their students with disabilities. These tips are aimed at service providers who lobby for the adaptive computing equipment and support that disabled students may need.

1. If no one at your school is particularly knowledgeable or interested in adaptive computer technology, bring the information to your school. Research it yourself. Find a computer resource center in your area, and bring brochures and other information on adaptive computer technology to the IEP team, Disabled Student Services Office or Academic Computing Office.
2. Research and share success stories about other students with disabilities who have benefited by using adaptive computer technology. See what other schools and universities are doing and suggest that your school can follow the same path.
3. Discuss assistive technology with teachers, campus computing center directors and professors, and give them information on picking accessible software and integrating the computer into the classroom curriculum.
4. Invite faculty and staff to your lab and show them how adaptive technology works.
5. Encourage school administrators and service providers to check out federal, state and private agencies for help in paying for adaptive equipment and training on the equipment.
6. Most importantly, keep informed of assessment and funding sources that are available to help obtain the best possible education students with disabilities. Outreach and Awareness Programs

All schools -- from elementary to university -- can improve the services offered to students with disabilities by coordinating their services and providing links between elementary schools, middle schools, secondary schools, and colleges. Both community and four-year colleges should create outreach and awareness programs to link up with feeder schools so they can coordinate technology and other support services. Early identification of incoming disabled students and early, coordinated planning for their educational support will help smooth transitions and ensure that each student gets the best possible education.

How to Establish Links
There are several ways for colleges and universities to establish links with feeder schools. Disabled Student Services offices and Offices of Adaptive Computing Technology can set up open houses during the year to bring in students with disabilities, teachers, guidance counselors, and transfer center staff for tours and demonstrations. Outreach strategies should focus on the role of assistive technology in college and should highlight using assistive technology to do class and home assignments, for research, and as an all-around aid for students with disabilities. It is also a good policy to incorporate adaptive computing technology service information and demonstrations into regularly scheduled campus tours and orientations and publications.”

Again, to obtain the electronic pamphlet send email to easi1@easi.cc
To read the syllabus and register for Train the Trainer, go to http://easi.cc/workshop.htm Norm Coombs norm.coombs@gmail.com
Check out EASI's New Synchronous Clinics: http://easi.cc/clinic.htm
EASI Home Page http://www.rit.edu/~easi
Online Courses and Clinics http://easi.cc/workshop.htm

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