Tom Hwang Media Access Specialist (517) 884-1910

Biography

Tom Hwang has served as the Media Access Specialist at the RCPD since 2006 and brings specific expertise in increasing access for students with print-related disabilities. His primary responsibility is to oversee and coordinate alternative format production for students with disabilities. He enables students to access course-related material in formats such as electronic text (E-text), Braille, and books in audio and tactile format. As a team member, Tom works closely with RCPD Specialists, Information Technology Professional Al Puzzuoli, and Assistive Technology Specialist Steven Blosser. Prior to working at the RCPD, Tom was a teacher for physically and visually impaired students. He is also a certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS). Given his teaching experience, he understands students' needs in accessing study material in various formats. He brings to his position expertise in literal Braille, Nemeth (math) Braille and tactile graphic format. In addition to the ongoing production of textbooks in E-text, audio, and Braille format, Tom seeks to enhance course material accessibility by adopting newly-developed technology, and is especially excited about the following: 

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) material access for students with learning disabilities. His goal is to make math material accessible through the use of MathType program, MathML and math player in order for math content to be accessed through auditory output.
• Books to be produced in the most universal accessible DAISY format (Digital Accessible Information SYstem) to meet multiple format needs requested by students with different disabilities.

Tom came from Taiwan with Mandarin Chinese as his second language.  His wife is a faculty member in special education at Eastern Michigan University, and they have two teenage daughters in high school. Tom and his family enjoy living in the MSU hometown East Lansing for its natural green beauty, and also for its diverse international resources.

Please feel free to contact Tom if you have any questions regarding accessing course material in alternative formats!

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