Help with school - making a presentation accessible

[Nalla]

I have to do a project and presentation for history class, and we're going to use powerpoint to show the maps, and the the different boats.
However, we have five visually impaired/blind students in the class, and the powerpoint wouldn't let them know what's going on very well.
So how could I make it accessible to them? We all get tested on the material from everyone's presentations, so I don't want them to miss our part of this whole thing.
I was thinking I could do large print handouts of the main points, and for the maps I could make raised line drawings.
Any other suggestions? I'm kind of worried that they might get offended, I know they're with the blind student group, but who knows what sort of vision they have. That's too personal for me to ask them (so I'd know what sort of large print stuff etc to use), but I don't want them to miss parts of the presentation either.
Thanks if anyone has any ideas.

 

[LMC]

Check with your school to see if they have a large table top magnifying glass that the group could share IF they WANT to utilize it. Some may opt to grab it and use it and some may not. Ask your professor if this would be an acceptable option or if they have a person assisting them, check with them. This way the option is available if they want to move to the table where it is set up but no pressure to use it.

 

[Eeyore5]

I think it would be ok to approach the students and ask what would help them. You don't need to ask when their vision issues are just what they need. Most likely, they will be happy to let you know and glad you asked. As a person with a physical disability, I always prefer that people ask me what I need instead of guessing or asking someone else. It is wonderful that you want to make sure everyone can access the materials.

 

[Nalla]

Well, I know my school doesn't have the magnifying thing. I worked with a visually impaired girl last year, and my school has almost no accessible tech.

I'll try to ask the group what would be best for them, I'm nervous to ask though.

 

[LittleMissDisney]

What does your instructor use during his/her presentations? If you felt uncomfortable approaching the students I would speak to their para or the special education teacher in your building, they would be able to help you modify your presentation and possibly put you in contact with technology that your district has (but not located in each school).

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Nalla, I know that in their place I'd really appreciate being asked what accommodations I need directly. Since I know you're college age, I'd say it makes the most sense to ask them. As well, any disability coordinator or other professional may not legally be able to tell you anything due to confidentiality rules.

If you're feeling shy about asking in person, do you have e-mail addresses for the students? Then you can e-mail each one and it means they can think about what they need before responding, as well.

 

[Minniemama350]

I think it would be ok to approach the students and ask what would help them. You don't need to ask when their vision issues are just what they need. Most likely, they will be happy to let you know and glad you asked. As a person with a physical disability, I always prefer that people ask me what I need instead of guessing or asking someone else. It is wonderful that you want to make sure everyone can access the materials.

Definitely OK to ask what sort of things those folks need for the info to be accessible. I wouldn't feel bad about this at all. It shows caring for them without being nosey. I doubt they would expect you to just know.

 

[Nalla]

Nalla, I know that in their place I'd really appreciate being asked what accommodations I need directly. Since I know you're college age, I'd say it makes the most sense to ask them. As well, any disability coordinator or other professional may not legally be able to tell you anything due to confidentiality rules.

If you're feeling shy about asking in person, do you have e-mail addresses for the students? Then you can e-mail each one and it means they can think about what they need before responding, as well.

Perfect! All the email addresses are on the class site, that will be much easier.

LittleMissDisney - My teacher doesn't do anything special or different in class. He doesn't even spell out the names of people/places he writes on the board. Which is annoying because I can't see the board either.

 

[Eeyore5]

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Nalla]

One of the students came up to me to ask about my service dog, and we got talking and I got to ask in person. Two want raised line, all want large print notes.

 

[Eeyore5]

That's great. I am sure they appreciated you asking. Good look on the presentation.