Develop Content for Assistive Learning Devices at WICR

Description

OVERVIEW, RECIPIENT AND NPS SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT Background and objectives, Scope of work New visitor center exhibits were installed in March, 2015 at Wilson’s Creek NB. The new exhibits, however, did not include audio description of the exhibit as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This partnership will engage students and faculty at Evangel University to develop the text for 29 unique audio messages. Visitors with visual impairments will benefit by having an audio description of the objects and interpretive messages on display. All visitors will benefit with the availability of digital devices with expanded exhibit content, or downloading the content to their personal device. Unique Qualifications Dr. Larry Toll, History professor at Evangel University in Springfield, MO is uniquely qualified for this project. Dr. Toll possesses extraordinary knowledge of Wilson’s Creek NB, and has a particular passion for civil war history. See his profile below from the Evangel University website. Dr. Toll engages his students through a living history course he developed around the battle of Wilson’s Creek (see link below). He has the unique ability to use this course and other internship opportunities through Evangel to engage students in this project. Dr. Toll also volunteers and has served as a seasonal park ranger at the Battlefield. This combination of academic training and hands-on work experience uniquely qualify him to translate the words and images of visitor exhibits into compelling audio messages. Evangel University profile: Dr. Larry Toll 7 When Dr. Larry Toll is not in an Evangel University classroom teaching history, he is out in the community living it. In the summer months you might find him working as a national park ranger at nearby Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, participating in a Civil War reenactment, doing a live demonstration of historic weapons, or leading tours at living history encampments around the region. Students in his Living History class have the opportunity to join him. They have portrayed soldiers at Fort Gibson, officers’ wives and laundresses at Fort Scott National Historic Site, and Civil War soldiers at Wilson’s Creek. Several of his students have received jobs as national park rangers through his contacts. http://www.evangel.edu/2012/09/26/evangel-prof-encourages-students-to-take-part-in-hands-on-history/ Substantial Involvement NPS is involved with the Recipient in describing the goals, jointly developing the scope and the activities to be accomplished. NPS staff will assist the Recipient in selecting projects, providing orientation to park resources, as needed, overseeing assignments, and providing technical assistance and input the development of the project content.

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