The Multimedia Job Accommodation Curriculum Project will produce and disseminate a multimedia curriculum designed to empower workers who are deaf, hard of hearing or late deafened with the skills to effectively identify and request appropriate on-the-job accommodations. The need and content for the curriculum was identified through surveys of consumers, employers and vocational rehabilitation professionals conducted during RT-31's 1991-1996 grant cycle. These surveys led to the development of the Job Accommodations Curriculum (Scherich and Berkay, 1996), which is the prototype for this project. Based upon consumers feedback, this text-based prototype is being enhanced by adding graphics, sound, and video designed to illustrate accommodations and the issues related to obtaining accommodations in specific work settings. When completed, this package, AcCOMModate! Communication Accommodations at Work, will empower users with the knowledge and skills required to identify, request and obtain on-the-job accommodations.

AcCOMModate! is designed to accommodate a wide range of learning styles and approaches. All necessary information is presented in both visual (pictures and text) and auditory formats. The setting of this project is that of a teleconference.  All tutorials are accompanied by digital movies (visual images and narration) and a printed text of the narration. All movies in the curriculum are bi-directionally synched with the text so as the movie plays the text changes. Also, scrolling the text resets the movie. Movies can be easily paused to read the text, and played again with VCR-like on-screen controls. Movie segments or entire movies can be easily replayed or reviewed at any time. The audio/visual redundancy of information is designed to meet the needs of persons with different learning styles, i.e., audio learner or visual learner. In general, text and audio information are presented at an 8th grade reading level in a conversational style. These features should facilitate use by persons with learning disabilities. 

Key Features

• Provides guided learning path while encouraging exploration
• Modular design allows updates and enhancements 
• Digital video provides high quality multimedia instruction 
• Moderator periodically appears to provide instructions or guidance 
• Program designed to be self-motivating and maintain interest 
• Access program via a wide range of alternative input strategies
• Supports alternative learning styles and persons with sensory impairments
• Integrated multimedia glossary and resources staffing, finalizing subcontracts, and purchasing of necessary computer hardware and software.

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