Accessibility Unit

1. Conversion of educational material into an accessible format by the voluntary network of the University in collaboration with the Library and Information Center

In many academic courses, the provision of notes and slides are the main means of assisting students’ study. If this material is not properly designed, then it is addressed only to a part of the student public and does not cover the needs of the so-called printed students, ie those who are unable to read something in print and their study requires the use of supporting technologies for example voice composers, braille, etc). For this reason, Social Welfare in collaboration with the librarian of the action converts (at the request of the interested parties) educational material of the University of Patras in an accessible format for the disabled users.

2. Accessibility Instructions for Original Educational Material

In order to support the faculty members, Social Welfare in collaboration with the Library and Information Center has the “Accessibility Instructions for Original Educational Material” developed in the project “Support for Social Welfare Interventions of Students of the University of Patras” how teachers with simple and easy settings will make their educational material (such as note texts and presentation slides) accessible to their entire student audience. The instructions are available in two formats, one printable and one fully accessible, and can be found at the link above.

3. AMELib

Λογότυπο AmelibThe Social Welfare Service , through the Library and Information Center, participates in the AMELib (Accessible Multi-modal Electronic Library) action of SEAB, which aims to strengthen the effort to remove barriers for disabled users of Greek academic libraries. The goal is to offer accessible content through an equally accessible web application, which relies on the application of copyright exemption provisions for print-disabled people, as provided for in copyright law.

4. Workstations for People with Disabilities

The Social Welfare service , with the support of the Library and Information Center, has launched three workstations for people with disabilities to access its printed and electronic information material. These three stations are intended for use by visually impaired people (partially or completely blind) and / or with mobility problems. The three workstations, in addition to the special software, are also equipped with the necessary peripheral equipment, such as a color scanner, headphones and speakers. The stations are housed on the 2nd floor of the Library and Information Center in a special area and are available on request.

Workstation Equipment

Equipment and Software for people with mobility problems

  • Tracking sphere
  • Special type keyboard
  • Alternative interface management
  • Pressure switch

Equipment and software for the visually impaired

  • Read and enlarge screen
  • Braille screen
  • Braille printer
  • Character Visual Reading Software (OCR)
  • Closed Circuit Magnifier (CCTV)
  • 3D printer

For more information you can contact Ms. Eugenia Orfanou at eorfanou@upatras.gr.