Track 13. Technology Supported Education for People with Disabilities

Technology-supported education offers a unique opportunity for equal access to learning applications and services for all learners of the knowledge society, including people with disabilities. Educational software offers a predictable and safe learning environment which can increase motivation and collaboration and can improve learning especially in 3D environments. The recent developments in multi-touch devices (tablets, smartphones, etc) create a new potential for educational applications which can benefit especially learners with disabilities. Interactive software, augmented reality and robotic technologies support new constructive learning practices. E-learning systems and learning (content) management systems offer open access to life-long learning content and services independent of time and location barriers. These services are increasingly accessible through mobile technologies and devices, offering new opportunities for learning experiences especially for people with disabilities. In general, the trend to embed ICT in everyday life (ubiquitous computing, ambient intelligence) changes the very essence of accessibility, since disability is defined according to the capability of the learning environment to adapt to the requirements of each individual learner, including people with disabilities. At the same time, people with disabilities still face barriers in accessing and using educational services due to technical, organizational, social, and economical reasons.