International comparison on accessible technology in higher education

In April and May 2008, Access Technology Higher Education Network (ATHEN) conducted a six-part on-line survey in order to assess practices related to technology accessibility in higher education, including those related to assistive technology, information technology accessibility, web accessibility, multimedia accessibility, alternative format production, and staffing issues. The survey was developed with input from four countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Ireland), and efforts to recruit participants were concentrated in these same countries. Participating institutions included 52 colleges and universities from the United States, 28 from the United Kingdom, 12 from Canada, 9 from the Republic of Ireland, 3 from South Africa, and 1 each from Australia and New Zealand. This paper uses the survey results as a backdrop for engaging in international dialog regarding accessible technology in education. The authors' hope is that such discussion will yield insights and promising practices that will benefit anyone, regardless of country or culture, who seeks to provide educational opportunities that are accessible to students with disabilities.