FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact Dr. Norman Coombs Phone 949-855-4852 EASI believes faculty want to create accessible course content but need help to do it without having to learn new technologies. There will be a follow-up announcement later in the fall pointing to some examples of how the course can provide tips and tools to enable faculty to achieve their educational goals better and easier. EASI, Equal Access to Software and Information, the premier leader in distance learning classes focusing on accessible information technology for persons with disabilities, expands its stable of online courses. EASIs latest course, Designing Accessible Course Content Using Familiar Softwareis intended for anyone needing to create and provide accessible information content for students, employees, presentations, Web posting, and much more. According to Dr. Norman Coombs, EASI CEO, Our new course is directly aimed to assist faculty and other staff to easily and efficiently create accessible course content for individuals with disabilities. Were very proud of our reputation for making complex technology understandable and accessible. If youre a faculty member at a college or university, you probably dont have the time to become an expert in assistive technology, while trying to stay current and relevant in your field of expertise. Thats why we put together this course, to make it easy for our students to find most of the information they need in a small space. Designing Accessible Course Contentis suited for teachers, Webmasters, librarians, rehabilitation professionals, instructional design staff, and individuals with disabilities. The course supports those who may not possess great technical know-how, and who have little time to become experts in accessibility issues, yet are mandated to provide accessible information content for their students or employees with disabilities. Designing Accessible Course Content,teaches best practices using standard software applications like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Internet Explorer, and other mainstream software without having to learn specialized applications or spending endless hours trying to become an assistive technology guru. Designing Accessible Course Contentis not a theoretical or principles class, but is practical and hands-on, using interactive Web conferences that provide detailed demonstrations and examples of how to create successful and accessible information content. Students will learn solid techniques to make information content more accessible for persons with disabilities, and for everyone! What do you need to participate in the class? You will require a computer with a recent version of Windows and Internet Explorer, an Internet connection, speakers, and a microphone. The class will be conducted using a combination of interactive voice chat conferencing software, e-mail and the Web. All course content is accessible for persons with disabilities using adaptive equipment. Course Schedule (2004) Jan. 5, Feb. 2, April 5, July 5, Oct. 4, Dec. 6. Syllabi and online registration at: <http://easi.cc/workshops/dacc.htm>http://easi.cc/workshops/dacc.htm Course Instructors Norman Coombs and Dick Banks Everyone completing the course receives a certificate of completion from EASI. Those requesting it will receive 3 continuing education units for completing the course work, and this course is an optional course for those working for the EASI/USM Certificate In Accessible Information Technology. Course Tuition Course registration is $350 with a 20% discount for students and participants from outside the United States. There is also a 20% discount for groups of four or more. Other EASI courses can be seen at <http://easi.cc/workshop.htm>http://easi.cc/workshop.htm EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) is a non-profit organization, whose mission is to make information technologies more accessible for users with disabilities. EASI also offers courses on barrier-free information technology, accessible Web design, technology for persons with learning disabilities, and more. EASI maintains a Web site containing course syllabi and other information at http//www.easi.cc. ------------------------------ EASI's October, month-long online courses: Beginner Barrier-free Web Design: http://easi.cc/workshops/easiweb.htm Train the Trainer: http://easi.cc/workshops/train.htm Learning Disabilities and Information Technology http://easi.cc/workshops/ld.htm (a package of five courses will earn the Certificate in Accessible Information Technology) http://easi.cc/workshop.htm Norman Coombs, Ph.D. CEO EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) 22196 Caminito Tasquillo Laguna Hills CA 92653 home: (949) 855-4852 Cell: (949) 922-5992 E-mail: [log in to unmask] http://www.rit.edu/~nrcgsh