This petition is specifically designed for those who have a documented disability, are blind, or visually impaired.

Background:

Liberty University is the largest Christian institution in the world, training champions for Christ. Currently, Liberty University has a relatively small assistive technology lab (this is isolated from all other social interactions.) It is located in a room in the library, and only two computers are equipped with Jaws, ZoomText is not prevalent, and most of all, students can't use screen readers on any Windows computers in the computer lab because there are hundreds of PCS and desktops. However, this problem can be resolved without much intervention and quite simply. The purpose of this petition is to instruct Liberty University that blind students or otherwise would like equal access to hundreds of computers with a screen reader installed or on a USB flash drive. By ensuring that students can use any of the computers, they can be as productive as their sighted counterparts, further leveling the playing field. This helpts the blind and others with disabilities feel more socially included, instead of isolated. Other issues include:

1. Purchasing a Braille display (sometimes referred to as a refreshable display) for at least for use on one computer;

2. Establishing a technology loan program, whereby the school buys a couple of note-taking devices for students to use over the semester to be returned at the end. Any damage that results from improper use of equipment will be charged directly to the student's account;

3. Purchasing a Braille printer or embosser, so that students have access to mathematical materials and an option to have any test in Braille. This would also eliminate complex navigation of PDF documents that often result from textbooks;

4. Have the ability to be accommodated in tests( this means that students can take their exams using a screen reader, which is not accessible at the time of writing, because it isn't installed) to being able to take tests in the normal classroom with extended time.

We urge Liberty University to seriously consider these changes. Less than 10% of the blind are literate, and many do not read Braille. For the ones who do, however, it is important, even at the college level, to have access to materials in a manner comparable to that of our sighted peers. For instance, if students who were blind had access to Braille tests, they would not be reliant on a reader, as they could read the material independently. The goal is to make members of society, even those who operate a little differently and require accommodations to be successful, and as independent as possible. By ensuring that these alterations are put into place, the blind and others with disabilities will have access to technology. Liberty's disability population will continue to grow, and it is the duty of this institution to provide them with as much support as possible to ensure their academic achievements.

Issues for Deaf or Hard-of-hearing Students:

1. Currently, Liberty University only has one FM System (sometimes called an ADL or assistive listening device.) This unit can be borrowed, but for users of hearing aids with a t-coil switch (basically, this allows the hearing aids to pick up FM signals, similar to a radio tuner for listening to speakers.)there is no neck loop present. To resolve this issue:

1. We need to instruct Liberty University's disability office to purchase more FM Systems, potentially four, along with proper equipment for users of t-coil hearing aids. This is essential, because without this equipment, students do not have equal access to educational opportunities.

2. At the time of writing, there are no loop systems present; this allows a user to have an FM receiver, which the individual would buy that enables him or her to walk into a room, switch their hearing aids to the t-coil setting, turn the FM receiver on, and instantly receive the speakers words. These systems are ideal for large rooms such as lecture halls, auditoriums, or in other environments where there are competing sounds. Liberty University should purchase a loop system for Towns auditorium, as FM Systems are often very staticky. Also, to enable equal access when listening to convocation services, or when going to campus church at TRBC, Liberty should have a loop system in the Vines Center and TRBC to enable better hearing.

If Liberty makes these changes, they will not only be helping future students, but prospective ones and others in generations to come.

Thank you, and with your help, I hope we can reach our objective.

Thanks!