Gerald L. Bepko Student Internship Program
2011-2012
Adaptive Technology Intern
(Internship filled)
Project overview:
The ATAC Internship is a unique opportunity for qualified students to learn about emerging issues of electronic text (e-text) production, distribution of e-text, and accessible user interfaces for utilization of electronic media. The intern will become a key member of the E-Text Production Team at the Adaptive Technology and Accessibility Centers. This unique opportunity affords the selected candidate the chance to learn about issues, technology and current state of e-text initiatives including e-text collections, legal issues, devices and software programs through which e-texts can be accessed, and the issues of the usability and accessibility of e-text for those with disabilities. There will be opportunities to work hands-on with technology used to create and access electronic text with an emphasis on access for individuals with disabilities. The intern will interact with both students with disabilities and adaptive technology experts both at the ATAC as well as at other organizations. Specific areas of focus will include but not be limited to:
- Creation of accessible electronic text.
- Work with devices used for using electronic text.
- Learning about issues of copyright and publisher permissions.
- Learn about laws regarding disabilities and accessibility.
- IU initiatives related to electronic textbooks as well as similar initiatives at other universities exploring issues of electronic textbooks.
- Learning about the issues of accessibility related to electronic text created locally as well as that being created by other universities and
designated e-text entities like Bookshare.org and Learning Ally.
- Learning about the cooperative efforts of the Google Book Search Project and the contributions of universities like Indiana University that are
involved in this project.
Central to the internship will be a strong focus on accessibility issues of electronic text and the means of creating a clearer understanding of these issues for those involved in the process. To accomplish this intern will work with the E-Text Production Team to learn the tools and techniques for accessible electronic text creation. Guided research to gather and create a body of information about creation of accessible e-texts, initiatives and outcomes will enhance work of the Adaptive Technology and Accessibility Center.
Description of duties:
Work closely with the ATAC E-Text Production Team to learn hardware, software and practices used to create accessible electronic text. Assist team as appropriate with creation of accessible electronic text. Research and write reports describing issues related to accessibility of electronic text including sources of information that inform best practices, a review of devices used by the disabled to access electronic text, a review of new products used to provide electronic text including a hands on evaluation of e-text readers such as the Apple iPad. Work in conjunction with users of adaptive technology for determining the accessibility of the e-texts and e-text readers.
Qualifications:
Applicant should possess the ability to effectively use the Web for research and write concise reports. Willingness to learn and try new technology. Excellent communication skills. Juniors or seniors in the School of Library and Information Science, School of Informatics and Computing, or other IT related background a plus. A basic competency in working with MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, scanners, and mobile devices or e-text readers would be very helpful.
This internship will provide someone with an interest in the emerging and highly dynamic field of electronic information access and creation to become familiar with these issues from the perspective of access for those with disabilities. It is a unique opportunity to learn about adaptive technology used for electronic information access.
Project Supervisor: Brian Richwine
Home Campus: Bloomington
Applicants should submit a cover letter indicating "Adaptive Technology Internship", resume including skills relevant to project requirements, and letter of recommendation from a professor supporting your application, to:
