Access & Technology Center
Resources:
Reasonable Accommodations·A Faculty Guide to Teaching Students with Disabilities·and other resources for faculty are available on·the CUNY IT Accessibility·section of·CUNY.edu.·
The CUNY SPS Office of Faculty Development and Instructional Technology maintains an Accessibility and Universal Design in Learning·site on the CUNY Academic Commons with many useful links, quick guides, and video tutorials for faculty, including resources specifically for the Blackboard LMS.·
Technology in the Classroom and for Online Courses
http://cats.cuny.edu/reasonableaccommodations/TechnologyintheClassroom.html
Alternative Text for Students with Disabilities
http://cats.cuny.edu/reasonableaccommodations/AlternativeText.html
This non-CUNY resource may be useful as well:https://www.mapping-access.com/blog-1/2020/3/10/accessible-teaching-in-the-time-of-covid-19.
Document Accessibility (Includes video tutorial)
http://cats.cuny.edu/special-projects/media-accessibilties-project/map-resources/pdf-accessibility/
Blackboard Accessibility
https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student/Accessibility
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/it/blackboard/repository/files/blackboard-9.1-documents/BBAccessibility.pdf
Blackboard (Collaborate Accessibility)
https://help.blackboard.com/Collaborate/Ultra/Administrator/Accessibility
Blackboard (Designing Accessible Content)
https://help.blackboard.com/Accessibility/Write_Accessible_Content
Zoom Conference Accessibility
https://kb.iu.edu/d/aoee - Video and Audio Accessibility
https://kb.iu.edu/d/aodz- Closed Captioning Tutorial
https://kb.iu.edu/d/bfcq- Screen Reader Tutorial
Under the auspices of the Office of AccessABILITY, the Access & Technology Center (A&TC or Access Center) offers individualized adaptive technology training for our students with disabilities. At the Access Center, our students also receive Testing Accommodations and related services and the staff provide faculty and staff trainings and tour of our facilities upon request.
For more information or assistance, please call the Access Center at (212) 772-5478.
Adaptive Equipment
Windows and Mac computers offer a range of basic accessibility features and advanced assistive technologies designed to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
Software
ZoomText Magnifier/Screen Reader (Win): software designed specifically to meet the needs of the visually impaired. The ZoomText family includes two adaptive technologies—screen magnification and screen reading—providing complete access to all Windows applications.
Jaws (Win): screen-reading software that provides access to today’s software applications and the Internet. Please note that as of Summer 2017, ZoomText and JAWS will be collectively known as Fusion and is available for students registered with the Office of AccessABILITY.
Kurzweil 1000: an advanced scanning and reading solution for the blind or visually impaired.
Kurzweil 3000 (Mac / Win): a scanning, reading and writing solution for people with learning disabilities or reading impairments.
Dragon Naturally Speaking (Win): speech recognition software that converts spoken words into text.
Hardware Devices for Blind and Visually Impaired Students
(Please note that photos used (left column) may vary from actual item)
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Braille Embosser: allows computerized text to be reproduced in hard-copy braille format. |
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Perkins Braille Writer: typewriter that blind and visually impaired individuals use to type in braille. |
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ClearView computer-compatible CCTV: allows a student to use a CCTV and a computer at the same time. |
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LCD CCTV (Various Screen Sizes): color flat screen CCTV with an adjustable monitor arm that allows a student to move the screen for optimal visibility and comfort. |
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P.I.A.F (Picture in a Flash): produces high quality tactile graphics for blind and visually impaired individuals. |
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Magic Wand: hand held scanner for scanning printed materials, class notes and handouts as well as photos. The materials are saved as either PDF or JPEG format. This device is ideal for scanning class notes and research materials. |
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Livescribe Echo Smartpen: digital audio recorder device which synchronizes text to audio as it is being written on a special notebook. It is ideal for the classroom setting. |
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Large Sized Touch Screen Monitor : is used for workshops, presentations, as well as other center-related events. |
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FM Systems: these devices are used by individuals with hearing difficulties, to amplify sound in classrooms and at events. |
Other Assistive Devices
- Talking calculators
- BrailleNote Touch allows for digital content to be read aloud or via physical braille output.
- Visual Relay Service (VRS) device for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Large print dictionaries
Special thanks to the University of Washington DO-IT Program.