What is Assistive Technology?
Any device, software, or equipment that helps people with disabilities, health conditions, or age-related challenges interact with the world. Assistive technology can help people gain and maintain independence by assisting in daily life.
What data is there on Assistive Technology in Universities?
21% of undergraduate and 11% of graduate students report having one or more disabilities. 10-25% of these students utilize assistive technology, with the two most common technologies being text-to-speech and screen magnification. Click here for the research article!
Questions to keep in mind when requesting Assistive Technology accommodations:
Is there a history of using assistive technology?
Is there documentation showing a need for using assistive technology?
What has and has not worked in the past?
What would help specifically in the Testing Center?
What would help specifically in the classroom and / or lab?
Talking blood pressure cuffs and / or thermometers
Text-to-speech software (JAWS / Dragon / Natural Reader)
Wispr Notetaking Transcription
Claude AI Transcriptions
- Free browser extension & app
- Customizable AI automation options (transcribing, action items, etc.)
- Compatible with Google Meet, Zoom, and Teams
- Audio recording and transcribing
- Free plan allows for 300 minutes per month, with a cap of 30 minutes per recording (changes per payment plan)
- Free audio recording app
- Connect to meetings or record separate voice notes, option for subtitling videos
- Free plan allows for 45 minutes of recording per file (3 hours for paid)
- Record in-platform or upload a file
- Share recordings with others
- Recording and transcribing
- Captioning videos, can import outside links
- Free plan allows for 30 minutes of recording per file (unlimited for paid)
- Note taking platform with audio recording option
- Can connect your calendar, keep written notes and to-do lists
- Add recordings and has an option for AI transcription
- Record up to 2 hours of audio (storage limited by payment plan)
Apple Voice Memos Phone / Laptop
- Learning Ally
- Non-profit organization providing thousands of textbooks, read by volunteers.
- Students with print-related disabilities can contact Learning Ally for more information about becoming a member
- Bookshare
- Non-profit organization with thousands of books available in different electronic formats.
- Membership is free.
- LibreCommons
- An adaptable, user-friendly non-profit open education resource platform.
- Many books and textbooks are available in varying formats.
Alternative formatting of books / exams like braille or large print
Specialized keyboards / mice
Smart Pen (Livescribe)
Canes
Crutches
Wheelchairs
Note-Taking
- Evernote
- Comprehensive note-taking app that can sync across devices
- Calendar connection, notes, recordings, AI transcription, to-do lists
- Notion
- Comprehensive note-taking app with notes, tasks, databases, calendar
- Highly customizable, Free Plus plan for students with .edu email
- GoodNotes
- Note-taking app best for online handwritten notes
- Documents, whiteboard, PDF annotation, upload class resources
- Google Keep
- Simple note-taking that syncs across Google platforms
- Reminders, notes, voice memos, color coding
- Mind Mapping: organize information and ideas visually
Time Management
- Google Calendar
- Visual calendar that can sync across Google platforms
- Customizable reminders and formatting
- Focus Keeper
- Timer platform
- Customize focus sessions, track productivity, set daily goals, customize alarm sounds
- Tiimo
- Task manager that can sync across devices
- To-do lists sorted by priority, visual planner, focus timer
Task Management/To-Do Lists
- ToDoist
- Online task manager with visual schedule
- Google Tasks
- Task manager that can sync across Google platforms
- Tasks appear on Google calendar
Memory/Studying
"A service animal is generally permitted to be on university property in any place where the animal’s handler has access. In certain limited situations, the presence of a service animal may require access restrictions or safety precautions to protect the safety and health of the animal or members of the university community. In such cases, the university will determine appropriate safeguards on a case-by-case basis through cooperation of the appropriate department representative(s) and Accessibility Support Personnel. No person may interfere in any way with a service animal, or the duties it performs."
Virginia Commonwealth University recognizes the valuable contributions of service and emotional support animals and is committed to creating a campus environment where individuals may benefit from the assistance of such animals as needed to participate in university programs, services and activities. The university is also committed to engaging in a proactive and interactive process with individuals with disabilities to ensure reasonable accommodations. VCU recognizes that certain standards governing animals on university property are necessary to protect the safety and security of members of the university community and the animals present on university property, as well as to prevent disruption to university functions and operations and damage to university property.
The university is committed to compliance with state and federal laws, and the restrictions of this policy are designed to comply with Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504),The Fair Housing Act, Virginia law governing access for service dogs, Va. Code § 51.5-44, and other applicable law or policy. Further, in accordance with VCU’s Space Use Regulation, 8 VAC 90-70-10 et seq., entry upon and use of university property must be in accord with university policy. Any person who violates these restrictions may be excluded from university property, subject to criminal penalties for trespass, or subject to university action under applicable policy, such as the Student Code of Conduct or employee conduct policies.
A Service Animal is a dog, or in certain circumstances a miniature horse, that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, which may include a physical, sensory, psychological, intellectual or other cognitive disability. The task(s) performed by the service animal must be directly related to the person’s disability.
A service dog in training is not considered a qualified service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but is granted modified access to university property subject to state law criteria. The dog must be a minimum of six months old and wearing at all times an appropriate harness, leash, vest, or other identifying marking indicating that it is in continuous training to become a service dog. Socialization and obedience training do not constitute continuous training, as all animals permitted inside VCU buildings or in areas requiring special access must be controlled at all times, and as appropriate. The handler and dog must meet the requirements as set forth by Code of Virginia Section 51.5-44 (E).