Hadley_Centennial_011620

16 | January 16, 2020 | 22nd century media Hadley at 100
22ndCenturyMedia.com
Distance education has always been
Hadley’s model of learning. This approach
worked well 100 years ago because the blind
and visually impaired individuals that William
Hadley set out to teach did not need to
travel or disrupt their lives to access education
Braille was initially the primary means for
communication between students and teachers
and later large print, audio and online
formats were added. More recently, digital
technologies have given rise to exciting new
mediums including podcasts, videos and webinars.
While the way we deliver learning has
evolved, Hadley’s philosophy has remained
constant. “Distance learning is still our focus,
although technology is proving to be the
biggest game changer,” Chief Program Officer
Ed Haines explains. “Back in the day,
we started sending out our audio courses on
vinyl records as part of the talking book program.
That morphed into cassette tape, then
digital talking books. The future is definitely
pointing towards people getting their audio
How Distance Learning Sets Hadley Apart
Blind and visually impaired individuals
and their families access Hadley learning
from their home.
workshops on devices like Alexa.”
What does distance learning mean to
Hadley learners today? It means studying
in a convenient location, with materials and
teachers’ comments arriving by mail or via
email; allowing students to study on their
own time and at their own pace; and the ability
to receive specially designed course materials
in the medium of choice.
However, Hadley’s distance learning approach
is also personal. It’s the one-on-one
attention from Hadley’s instructors that sets
us apart. Hadley’s licensed educators check
and respond to completed assignments individually.
Help is always available via phone
or email when someone has questions or
needs assistance.
Today, Hadley offers hundreds of workshops
in four main categories: Braille, Technology,
Employment, and Adjustment, Independent
Living and Recreation. “All four go
together,” explains Haines. “You can’t really
adjust emotionally or psychosocially unless
you have attained some level of independence;
or level of independence unless you
have some level of adjustment. They are just
very interrelated.”
For the past century, Hadley has been developing
new distance learning programs
to improve our offerings and adapt to the
needs of people who are blind and visually
impaired. In 2020 we will take a bold new
step in this direction with the launch of a new
format to deliver content.
To increase our reach and impact, we’re
broadening our virtual platform and transforming
traditional courses and seminars into
bite-sized 10- to 20-minute experiences,”
explains Charmaine Martin, learning expert
and practice leader for the Adjustment, Independent
Living, and Recreation Team.
“Learners will also be able to customize
their experience when on our newly-designed
online platform, and choose the font
style and size, page color and contrast that
work best for their individual needs. And as
they move through content, Hadley’s system
will retain preferences, tailoring subsequent
visits to match preferred user experience and
interest.”
Martin assures that individuals who prefer
offline learning will still have access to
printed materials, newly delivered in a series
of short booklets and audio clips with on-demand
production and shipping powered by
an upgraded and integrated database.
Hadley learners are striving for independence.
Martin explains, “being able to help
them makes all the difference in the world.
Experience the
Magic of Hadley
Saturday, May 30, 2020
10:00am – 1:00pm
Come enjoy this FREE, family-friendly event
including two performances by magician
Giancarlo Bernini!
Hot dogs • Ice cream • Balloon animals
Learn to write your name in braille
hadley.edu
Magic of Hadley AD 22ndCentM.indd 1
Hadley greatly appreciates 22nd Century Media’s support as a media sponsor of this event.
1/8/20 10:16 AM