Colloquium with Laura Gow-Hogge

A discussion of technology issues faced by visually impaired students

February 23, 2015

Professor Laura Gow-Hogge

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Laura Gow-Hogge, Ph.D., associate professor of business, is working to create greater inclusion for visually impaired students in higher education.

As the guest presenter for the next colloquium at EOU Thursday, Feb. 26, Gow-Hogge hopes to raise awareness of the issue, inspire proactivity and highlight ways to create opportunities.

Her presentation “Moving Towards Inclusion: A Discussion of Technology Issues Faced by Visually Impaired Students” begins at 4 p.m. in Ackerman Hall, Room 210.A reception will follow. Tune in to the colloquium online at https://new.livestream.com/eou/events/3747597.

Gow-Hogge challenges the mindset that the needs of visually impaired students are met fully if access to screen reader software and digital textbooks are provided alone. Rather, the definition of accessibility requires students have the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and integrated manner. Students must also be able to obtain the information as fully, equally and independently as a person without a disability and with the same ease of use.

A list of related resources provided by Pierce Library is available for more in-depth information on this topic. Visit http://library.eou.edu/colloquium. For more information call 541-962-3316.