The A11yThis A11y newsletter highlights educational tools and resources to help you with accessing instructional resources online, taking notes in the classroom, and around Mason campuses!
| |
Tools and Supports for Mason Students
| |
alternative formats are here...
| |
Ally for Blackboard learn
Ally is an accessibility tool that integrates seamlessly with the Blackboard LMS. It creates a more engaging and user-friendly experience by enabling you to select the alternate formats (e.g., electronic braille, PDFs, audio/MP3, etc.) that best support their specific learning needs.
Learn more about alternative formats in the video below...
| |
Keep in mind, Ally alternative formats are available in any course (online, hybrid, face-to-face) where documents are uploaded directly to the Blackboard.
How do I download alternative formats?
What alternative formats are available to me?
Can I use Ally on Blackboard's mobile app?
Select the link below to find out!
| |
Free Reading/Writing TOOLS!
| |
Snap & Read Universal
The Snap & Read Universal Extension for Chrome™ is a text-to-speech tool that reads electronic text aloud (e.g., email, Word docs, PDFs), levels vocabulary, and can translate several languages.
View the quick video demo (2:19) below for more details:
| |
To request your own copy, select the link below!
| |
Co:Writer Universal
The Co:Writer Universal Extension for Chrome™ assists you with using proper grammar and spelling when you write. It integrates with the Chrome™ browser for word prediction and speech recognition just about anywhere you write online including Google Docs™, Microsoft Word, Blackboard, online tests, social media, email, etc. It integrates seamlessly with Snap & Read to provide you with a robust reading and writing solution.
View the quick video demo (2:51) below for more details:
| |
To request your own copy, select the link below!
| |
Read & Write By TextHelp
Read & Write is a FREE literacy software (PC & Mac) available for all Mason students, faculty & staff. Read & Write supports different learning styles (Example: Auditory & Visual), reading comprehension, writing & studying skills, English as a second language (ESL), and research.
Features of Read & Write Include ( Mac/ PC):
- Text-to-Speech (Have PDF/Word read out loud)
- Digital Highlighting (Highlight notes in documents with multiple colors)
- Speech Maker (Create an MP3 audio file from a document)
- Word Prediction (Makes writing papers easier and faster)
- Language Translator
- Scan Hard Copy Documents to Word, PDF or HTML files (scanner required)
| |
To request your own copy, select the link below!
| |
Free Notetaking Resource!
| |
otter.ai
Otter.ai is a free-voice-to-text application that allows you to generate notes for meetings, interviews, lectures, and other important voice conversations. Transcriptions are provided in real-time using Otter's AI-powered assistant.
Features of Otter.ai Include:
- Works on Mac, PC, iOS, Android, etc.
- Real-time speech-to-text generation
- Speech-to-text generation from uploaded audio
- Free Basic account provides up to 600 free minutes of audio transcription per month. That's the equivalent of 10 1-hr lectures per month.
- Summary Keyword generation per transcript
| |
Resources to Minimize Eye strain
Nowadays, we are spending more time on the computer than usual. The following resources should offer some guidance on reducing eye strain and making computer use more efficient. See below:
| |
|
HAVING TROUBLE? Mason is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are afforded equivalent access to all of the university's programs and services. Any member of the Mason community encountering digital (e.g., websites that do not work with your assistive technology) and/or physical accessibility barriers (e.g., automatic doors not working, block walkways/doorways, etc.) can report the issue to the ATI.
Select the link below to report an issue.
| |
ATI VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE, Jan. 21
ATI Staff will be hosting 30-minute open house sessions highlighting the supports and services in place to assist you with creating accessible digital content.
Select the link(s) below to access the sessions:
- Jan. 21, 10:00am - 10:30am (Assistive Technology Supports & Services, Tiffany O'Neal) - Join Meeting
- Jan. 21, 1:00pm - 1:30pm (Accessible Text and Alternative Formats, Nancy Borck and Jen Little Brown) - Join Meeting
| |
The next issue of the A11y newsletter will be published and distributed Monday, May 3rd.
| |
Assistive Technology Initiative
| |
| |
|