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Alternative Media Bootcamp

Two white bootprints on a maroon background, with Accessible Media Bootcamp underneath

The Accessible Media Bootcamp at Virginia Tech will be held this year on Friday, June 21. First hosted in 2017, we’re bringing back this exciting opportunity to learn uncontracted, contracted and Nemeth Braille. We’re also expanding the program to include a second track on accessible educational materials (AEM). It will include up-to-date information on how to create, source or test educational materials for accessibility. Both tracks are appropriate for K-12 and higher ed classroom instructors, disability professionals, and future teachers. Cost is $50 for general admission and $25 for students. Participants will choose from either the Braille track or the AEM track.

The AEM track participants will be provided laptops. Braille participants should bring a device of their choice with one of the following Braille writer applications:

Braille Track

Learn to:

  • read and write grade one (uncontracted) Braille
  • write grade two (contracted) Braille with software assistance
  • write elementary Nemeth (for math and science) code Braille

AEM Track

Learn to:

  • leverage the quality indicators for the provision of accessible materials and accessible technologies
  • use free or low-cost educational technologies that improve student access
  • develop accessibility buy-in and implement targeted outreach around accessibility

Register now or contact Christa Miller (christa.miller@vt.edu, 540-231-2240) for more information.

Lodging and Event Location

An event rate of $139.00 for single occupancy is available at the event site until June 14th.

The Inn at Virginia Tech
Call 540-231-8000 or 877-200-3360 
Ask for Accessible Media Bootcamp

Agenda

AEM

  • 7:00-8:00 AM - Check-in Open
  • 8:00-8:30 AM - Welcome and Introductions
  • 8:30-9:45 AM - Rotation 1: Goals and Fundamentals
  • 10:00-12:00 PM - Rotation 2: Accessibility Checkers, Images, and Contrast
  • 12:00-1:00 PM - Lunch at Preston's
  • 1:00-2:00 PM - Rotation 3: Captioning
  • 2:15-3:00 PM - Rotation 4: Converting to Audio
  • 3:00-3:30 PM- AEM Resource Bonanza
  • 3:30-4:00 PM - Awards and Wrap up

Braille

  • 7:00-8:00 AM - Check-in Open
  • 8:00-8:30 AM - Welcome and Introductions
  • 8:30-10:00 AM - Rotation 1: Braille Alphabet
  • 10:15-11:00 PM - Rotation 2: Braille Numbers
  • 11:15-12:00 PM - Rotation 3: Grammar
  • 12:00-1:00 PM - Lunch at Preston's
  • 1:00-1:45 PM - Rotation 4: Nemeth Numbers and Punctuation
  • 2:00-2:45 PM - Rotation 5: Nemeth Operations & Comparisons
  • 3:00-3:30 PM- Rotation 6: Alphabetic Word Signs and Contractions
  • 3:30-4:00 PM - Awards and Wrap up

Resources 

AEM Track Participant Resources

Braille Track Participant Manual