Center for Academic Technologies

Digital Accessibility

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.

Assistive Technology helps individuals with reading, writing, communication, visual, hearing, and mobility challenges to improve their functioning and engagement in the classroom, at work, and in society.

The Center for Academic Technologies works with Student Disability and Accessibility Center (SDAC) and University Personnel (UP) in providing consultations and training with campus-supported assistive technology.

Advisors at Student Disability and Accessibility Center and Human Resources ADA Staff

Please submit your request for consultation and training through our IT ticketing system. 

Submit Request

Campus Supported Assistive Technology

  • Available to instructors and students, ALLY easily transforms your course content into a format that works for you. Options to access your course readings include:

    • MP3 Audio – Learn by listening. 
    • HTML – Create a web version for your mobile devices. 
    • Selectable Text PDF – Turn that scanned PDF into one you can highlight and interact with. 
    • EPub – Read using your eReader or tablet.  
    • BeeLine Reader – Read faster by using color gradients.

    How to Access

    Alternative formats with ALLY are free and available in your Canvas course by selecting the Download Alternative Formats icon. 

    Icon is a wide letter A with a downward arrow to the right of it.

    Tutorials and guides

    Use these resources to help you learn how to create alternative formats in your Canvas course.

  • Kurzweil 3000 is a web license that offers a multisensory approach and multiple means of access to text. It provides the following support:

    • Reading Assistance: Its text-to-speech software can help students who have difficulty reading print materials by reading texts, PDFs, and other types of digital content out loud.
    • Study Aids: It helps students organize their notes, create outlines, and study more efficiently by highlighting important information and providing audio reinforcement.
    • Accessibility: It includes tools that make it easier for students with disabilities to access and use technology, such as keyboard shortcuts and customizable text-to-speech settings.
    • Note-taking: Its OCR software can help students with disabilities take notes by converting written notes into digital text that can be saved, edited, and shared.
    • Exam Accommodations: It can provide exam accommodations for students with disabilities by allowing them to use text-to-speech software during exams.

    How to access

    Follow these steps in the order presented.

    1. Students obtain approval for this assistive technology as an accommodation through Student Disability and Accessibility Center.
    2. Once approved Self Register for a Kurzweil3000.com account. Provide all details except for the external id.
    3. Download the most up-to-date Kurzweil subscription license based on your computers operating system:
    4. Open the downloaded file and install it.
    5. Sign in to Kurzweil 3000 from any web browser to access.

    Tutorials and guides

  • JAWS is a program for Microsoft Windows. It supports individuals with any level of visual impairment with screen reading functionality.  This text-to-speech technology reads out loud to users.

    How to access

    This tool is available on campus computers located in the Library's First Floor Assistive Technology Lab.

    Tutorials and guides

  • Zoom Text provides individuals with any level of visual impairment with screen magnification and visual enhancements for screen viewing ease.

    How to access

    This tool is available on campus computers located in the Library's First Floor Assistive Technology Lab.

    Tutorials and guides

  • Dragon transcribes your words into text and reads them back to you so you can edit until you are satisfied. Use Dragon to read aloud anything from homework instructions to incoming emails.

    How to access

    If you need this accommodation for school or work on our campus:

    Tutorials

    Watch video (27:56) of Dragon Naturally Speaking tutorial.

Campus Locations with Assistive Technology

These locations have open computers for general use.

Location Assistive Technology
Library First Floor Cafe Kurzweil on all computers
Library First Floor Assistive Technology Lab Dragon, JAWS, Zoomtext, Kurzweil, Topaz Desktop Magnifier, Document Scanner

Campus maps

To obtain accommodations for these assistive technologies:

Additional Tools for Access

Individual needs will vary, so it's always a good idea to try out different tools to determine the best match. Below are additional tools you can self-explore to find what fits your needs.