Assistive Technology and Alternate Format Materials (e-Text)
Last reviewed: July 24, 2023
Assistive technology (AT) is any item, software, hardware, or equipment used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Assistive technology may be provided as a reasonable accommodation for students whose disabilities affect their ability to access information and products.
Students must register with Disability Services to so staff can determine eligibility for these accommodations.
Who Uses Assistive Technology?
Students with physical, learning, and psychological disabilities, chronic medical conditions, traumatic brain injuries, and ADHD, as well as students who are D/deaf or hard-of hearing, and students who are blind or have low vision all use assistive technology. Additionally, students with temporary injuries may use assistive technology during their recovery.
Registration and Eligibility
Students not registered with Disability Services: If you have a disability and believe that you could benefit from accommodations involving assistive technology or alternative formats or other accommodations, fill out a registration form.
Students registered with Disability Services and approved for accommodations: Once you are approved as eligible for AT accommodations, talk with your coordinator, who will work closely with the Assistive Technology Manager to provide you with any necessary materials.
Students registered with Disability Services but not approved for AT accommodations: If you are interested in using alternative formats or assistive technology, fill out a Request for Supplemental Accommodations form. Your coordinator will review your eligibility for the aforementioned accommodations.
Faculty and Staff: If you are interested in using assistive technology or alternative formats as an accommodation, contact Hana Bloch in Human Resources at [email protected].
Assistive Technology Available Through Disability Services
- Alternate format materials (e-text)
- Reading and writing software
- Audiorecording/note-taking software
- Screen magnification software
- Voice recognition software
- Video magnifiers/monitors
- Audio amplification devices
- Braille translation software
- Screen-reading software
Disability Services often lends assistive technology to students who are approved for such devices. The Assistive Technology Manager can answer questions about how to borrow and train to use the equipment and works with students, faculty, and staff on:
- Assessments, demonstrations, and introductory training for specific technologies
- Trouble-shooting and technology assistance
- Referrals for assistive technology instruction or comprehensive training
Students already registered with Disability Services may schedule an appointment with the Assistive Technology Manager to review their AT accommodations in detail.
Alternate Format Materials (e-Text)
Alternate formats are a form of assistive technology and refers to the conversion of textbooks or other reading materials into a format other than standard print. Such materials may be provided as a reasonable accommodation for students with print-related disabilities, including visual and reading disabilities, or physical disabilities that make it difficult to carry or hold standard reading material.
Alternate formats available through Disability Services include large print, e-Text (accessible PDF or Word format), ), synthetically-voiced audio files, and Braille.
Students who are approved for textbooks and readings in an alternate format are responsible for requesting this accommodation prior to the start of each semester.
Disability Services recommends that students inform the office of their needs at least three weeks in advance of the new semester, as alternate format materials must be requested from publishers.