Student AccessAbility Lab


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General information:

The AccessAbility lab is part of the Student AccessAbility Centre. The lab is located in room 2E.15. The lab is equipped with eight computers, height adjustable desks, a SmartBoard, a printer, a scanner, and a number of specialized software packages and devices to address a wide variety of learning needs.

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology includes both hardware (computers, tablets, adapted desks, SmartPens, etc.) and software (screen reader programs, text-to-speech programs, apps, etc.) that allows people with and without disabilities to adapt the way they perform a task. Assistive technology is probably more common than most of us realize. Consider how many people you know that use eyeglasses or contact lenses. These devices adapt or change a person’s ability to see the things around them. There may also be assistive technology that you are less familiar with. For example, some people may benefit from having text read to them. In this case, a text-to-speech program would be useful, as it reads electronic documents out loud. Other people may need assistance to produce written documents. They might use spell or grammar checkers, predictive text tools, or speech-to-text (dictation) software. Essentially, assistive technology allows us to access and share information in an adapted way.

Assistive technology available in the lab:

  • Adapted desks – both the monitor and desk are height adjustable to suit a variety of needs.
  • SmartPen – records audio of lectures as you take notes and then links the audio to the written notes. The SmartPen can be signed out by students for use in-class. You will be provided with digital copies of the notes, including the audio recording.
  • Kurzweil 3000 – a specialized software suite with many tools to support reading and writing. Text-to-speech reads documents to the user. Kurzweil includes dictionaries, word prediction, outline tools, and templates for various types of essays and texts.
  • WordQ – has word prediction capabilities. It is able to guess the next word based on the context of the sentence and the first few letters typed. It works the same way many smartphone texting apps work. Each time you begin typing, WordQ provides a list of words to choose from and allows you to hear the word before you select it. You can also use the reading feature to have your text read back to you – this is an excellent way to begin editing your document. WordQ works within existing word processors, email programs, and web browsers.
  • Dragon Naturally Speaking – a very sophisticated speech-to-text program. This program adapts to your voice to allow you to dictate your writing instead of typing.
  • ZoomText Magnifier – magnifies the computer screen up to 36 times the original size.
  • JAWS – a screen reading software. This is different than text-to speech, as it reads commands, menus, error messages, etc., in addition to text within documents, web browsers, and emails. JAWS is often used to increase accessibility of computers for users with visual impairments. It can be used with refreshable Braille displays.

This list is just a sample of what we have to offer. We discover new tools and programs regularly and would be happy to introduce you to any of these or to help you find another tool that best suits your needs.

How do I know what’s right for me?

We all have different needs, goals, and preferences. Your choice of tool(s) will depend on many different factors: the nature of your disability, the tasks you wish to complete, the type of device you use (smartphone, tablet, computer), the operating system you use (Windows, Mac, Android, etc.), your budget, the usability of the tool, etc. In short, there is no one tool that works for everyone. Make an appointment with the assistive technology specialist to discuss your needs and try out some different tools. Keep in mind that there are many low or no cost tools available on all devices. In fact, some devices already have very powerful accessibility features built into their operating systems. Once you choose a tool, it takes time and practice to implement it into your life and work. The assistive technology specialist can provide on-going support as you integrate the technology into your workflow.

Services offered in the lab:

  • Technology recommendations
  • One-on-one training by appointment (on your device or on our lab computers)
  • Small group workshops – watch your Mio messages for topics and dates
  • Scanning texts for use by text-to-speech software
  • Drop-in appointment times for assistive technology support
  • Access to alternate media for students with verified print disabilities



Last Modified: January 11, 2017