Assistive Technology Guide

Some AT software and equipment is available in publicly accessible labs, and anyone is free to use the software if the computer is available. However, to receive specific accommodations (such as extra time for test taking) you must present documentation of special needs and arrange for accommodations with the Director of the Academic Development Center. Typically, reauthorization of resources is not needed although in some cases it may be required.

Although Albertus does not have a designated AT staff member, a coordinated effort between the student, the Director of the Academic Development Center and the ITS department is usually enough to ensure that you get the tools you need in a timely manner.

The opportunity to use AT tools for exams is handled on a case by case basis. Arrangements can be made with Faculty member in advance if a special testing situation is required.

The College has the capability to access many textbooks in digital format from the publishers and can also digitize texts for students who have a proven need. It is important that the student purchase a copy of the book prior to digitization and that students sign a consent form indicating that they understand the issues with copyright law before being given digitized material.

The ITS department is able to make some multimedia content accessible in limited capacity. This will be handled on a case by case basis.

Much of the College’s web content is accessible and able to be used with screen reader software. In some cases, certain web parts may not be as easily accessed, but the majority of them are available. The College has taken steps to install specific accessibility plugins into the eLearning site (Moodle) to help ensure accessible content on the eLearning site.

The College works to make reasonable accommodations for students. The College may not purchase an additional AT tool if an equivalent tool is already available in a campus lab. However, in cases where needs cannot be addressed by readily available software or hardware, the school is able to purchase specific items as needed.

Once you register your needs with the Director of the Academic Development Center, you will meet with the Director and fill out a faculty contact sheet. You, the student, always initiate contact with the instructor once the student has the completed, signed faculty contact sheet. You will then approach your instructors with your sheet to discuss accommodations which are stipulated on the sheet.

The AT tools are currently concentrated in the Rosary Hall library, in a computer lab on the second floor. There is one fully accessible workstation that is available 7 days a week, during the hours that the library is open. There is no need to sign up in advance, although the station is available for all students to use on a first come, first served basis. It is possible to reserve the workstation for a specific day and time if you contact ITS to make arrangements in advance.

All campus computers are equipped with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat reader – both of which offer built-in “read aloud” features. The Albertus ITS department has adaptive tools can be provided depending on individual student needs.

ITS updates and maintains all equipment as necessary. The help desk team is able to provide assistance when the equipment fails to function properly and most repairs can occur within 24-48 hours, although replacement purchases may take longer than this.

The ITS department is able to provide some support for learning to use AT tools, although some responsibility is placed on the student to learn how best to operate the tools. All software and hardware reference manuals are available for students to learn to use the equipment. Since confidentiality is essential, Albertus is not able to refer you to other students who have used the equipment.

Currently the AT resources are concentrated in the computer lab on the second floor of Rosary Hall (library). Some software may be able to be installed on other computer locations, if requested.

Some (but not all) equipment is loaned out – usually for 3 months (or 1 semester) at a time. You will need a current, active Falcon Card to borrow any equipment from ITS through the library.

In situations where content is not accessible or a student is having trouble, the student should contact the ITS department. They will be able to advise the student or assist with making additional accommodations to ensure access to the instructor’s content.