Accessible technology (AT) is any product, process or service that enables a person to work around a disability related limitation. AT helps students take effective notes, increase understanding and perform well on exams. Some examples of accessible technology include the use of:
The Center for Accessibility houses many accessible technology products and software licenses to make available to CAS students to check out for a limited time. This enables students to try different technologies to determine if the product will be an effective tool.
Expectations for Checking Out Equipment from the Center for Accessibility Services
Any physical technology checked out from the Center must be returned to the Center for Accessibility Services at the conclusion of each semester—December 15 (Fall) or May 15 (Spring). Any technology not returned to the Center for Accessibility Services will be assumed lost. A hold may be placed on the student's request for official transcripts until the device is returned or the department is reimbursed for the cost of the technology.
Students must apply for services with the Center for Accessibility Services (CAS) and work with their CAS Access Specialist to determine if they qualify for accessible technology accommodations and equipment. Length of loan for equipment is determined on a case by case basis.
Focus and paying attention are an important element for studying and learning. Often students can become distracted or are not able to focus on the important material in front of them.
Audio recording lectures is an accommodation available to students who qualify through the interactive process with their access specialist. Built-in voice recorders are often available on iPhone and Android products.
Resources that assist with increasing comprehension, studying for assessments (tests and quizzes) and, improve memory:
The purpose of note taking is to capture lecture or reading information effectively. Keeping effective notes helps you remember and retain what you learned.
Read and Write is literacy software with tools designed for reading, writing, study, and research support. It has reader software that works with our library articles, websites, and alternate format textbooks. It is a software that allows the reader to listen to text while reading.
Tools included with Read and Write:
Read and Write is available on Google Chrome, Windows, Microsoft Edge, Apple and Android products.
Speech to Text technology enables users to operate applications and devices by voice through dictation. Dictation built in tools, applications and software enable users to use their voice to speak their papers, notes, reminders, and more.
Text to speech, also called reading software, reads computer text out loud. This tool assists in increasing comprehension and decreasing time spent reading.
Create a plan for prioritizing your time. Get those assignments completed before the due date and be prepared for your tests.