[games_access] US 508

[hinn at illinois.edu]

The main thing behind 508 for universities in the US is that a "reasonable accommodation" is made. So, say, the instructor has a flash-based online test that someone in the classroom cannot access due to the fact that the assistive tech that they use is not compatible with the test. The instructor must supply an alternative format for this student and this is usually arranged through an office for students with disabilities.

So if an instructor relied on teaching a course in Second Life (not a game but it is a game-like world) and all of the materials were only available in SL and part of the course requires that each student participates in SL, then the law says that an alternative must be provided and/or accommodations. This might mean that the student pairs up with someone in the class or that the office for students with disabilities provides this student with someone who can access the class for them.

It's a little confusing because the question remains -- what is a reasonable accommodation for a rich, immersive environment like a game? Will the student be able to access the content in an acceptable alternative way?

Michelle

Hi Sandra,

Here in the US Section 508 of the rehabilitation act states that all
federal agencies (including universities relying upon federal funding)
make their information accessible.


So if someone wants to use a game in their classroom in theory it has
to comply with this act but I doubt whether that happens a lot. I'm
not sure about the legal issues can you sue a university for not
providing you with an accessible alternative?

Cheers Eelke


On 05/08/2008, Sandra Uhling <sandra_uhling at web.de> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I would like to know,
> in which countries games used in schools require to be accessible.
> And what laws are important.
>
> With this information it will be much easier to discuss about it.
> And to show that this is an important thing for companies that
> are developping games for use in schools.
>
> Regards,
>
> Sandra Uhling
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--
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Eelke Folmer                           Assistant Professor
Department of CS&E/171
University of Nevada              Reno, Nevada 89557
Game interaction design        www.eelke.com
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