Case study of adapting literature for people with disabilities: Introduction

1. Introduction

Digital technologies opens up new possibilities for adapting teaching content, communication and support to students with different needs, but at the same time they pose several organisational and technical challenges. In online and hybrid contexts, the availability and accessibility of educational materials become key prerequisites for the successful participation of students with disabilities. Creating an inclusive digital environment requires cooperation between different services and departments within the institution and developing awareness of the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Effective inclusion in the higher education environment is not only limited to technical adjustments, but includes changes in the pedagogical approach, communication and activity planning. A key role is played by teachers, but also by administrative and technical services that provide the necessary infrastructure and support. In this context, e-learning systems and digital libraries have an important role in enabling access to content in different formats and through adapted technologies. This topic is particularly prominent in institutions that strive to integrate inclusive practices into their digital strategies and quality policies.

In this activity, you will gain insight into a case study on the topic of introducing a system for adapting printed literature and teaching materials for the needs of students with disabilities, which is being implemented at the level of a large higher education institution in cooperation with several faculty organisational units: the library, the office for students with disabilities and the e-learning support center.

The introduction of a system for adapting printed literature and teaching materials for the needs of students with disabilities at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, has been ongoing since 2015, which will be explained through this case study below. The following topics will be covered in this activity: