Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that may increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Various forms of assistive technology may help a student achieve equal access within a classroom or studio environment.

In Disability Support Services, we make available a wide range of assistive technologies. We work collaboratively with students and faculty to ensure that students with accommodations are provided the best-suited assistive technologies. To secure approved use of assistive technologies, you must submit documentation of a disability and demonstrate how the accommodation will help remove barriers to learning or completing academic work. For info about available assistive technology support resources, see below.

Screen readers

Screen readers are digital products that read text aloud to users and can help visually impaired users navigate digital documents and webpages. Available screen readers include:

• The Kurzweil 3000, which incorporates reading, word processing and note-taking tools  into one program. 
• NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) for Windows, a free screen reader that enables individuals to independently use the Windows operating system.
• VoiceOver for MAC, a screen reader that is integrated into the Mac operating system.

Text-to-speech software

Text-to-speech software reads digital text aloud. Among the text-to-speech software we offer are:

• Read and Write
• Read Speaker
• TTS Reader
• TTS Web App
• Speak It
• One Note Learning Tools

Dictation/transcription resources

Dictation and transcription software allow those with mobility impairments to type or write without the use of an assistive device. Available dictation/transcription software includes:

• Windows Speech Recognition (WSR)
• MAC Dictation 
• Google Docs & Google Slides Dictation
• Microsoft Word Dictation 
• Microsoft Word for the Web Transcription 
• Zoom Audio Transcription 
   

Our office determines and coordinates reasonable alternate format accommodations to ensure materials are accessible for students with disabilities. Those approved for the alternate-format books and readings accommodation should follow the procedure outlined below:

1. Check if you can purchase or rent your book as an e-text, audio book or another alternate-format text that works best for you. If it is available in the correct alternate format, consider purchasing or renting it in the desired format, rather than the printed version.
2. If you cannot find the text in a suitable alternate format, you must complete and submit to our office an alternate-format text request form.
   For individuals with print-based disabilities who qualify for this accommodation, alternate formats for course text materials can be acquired from the publisher or through bookstore, a national nonprofit organization that offers the largest collection of audio textbooks and literature.