SDS Assistive Technology
Students may use a variety of different assistive technologies and text formats to access their course materials and the DU experience. We are here to support students in learning about these tools!
Alternate Format Text
About Alternate Format Text
Alternate Format Text (AFT) is text that can be read aloud with text-to-speech technology or a screen reader, is in braille, or similar formats.
SDS's AFT department supports students with the AFT accommodation. Students can request Alternate Format Textbooks or Canvas content for their courses using the Alternate Format Request Form.
Faculty needing support with creating accessible Canvas content should the Office of Teaching and Learning.
Request Textbooks or Course Content in Alternate Formats
Students with the Alternate Format Text accommodation can request their textbooks and course materials in alternate formats. Remember, you need to purchase your textbook and provide a receipt when you request! Make your request as soon as possible! While we move as fast as we can, it can take up to 3 weeks to procure alternate format copies. If you have any questions, please contact us at DSP@du.edu.
Students, please have the following information available when completing this form:
For Textbook Requests
- Book title, author, edition (if applicable), and ISBN
- Course number
- Proof of Purchase
For Canvas Content Requests
- Course number and section
- Instructor name
- Information about the specific content needed (Week, name of assignment, etc.)
Assistive Technology Quick Links
About Assistive Technology
Depending on your accommodations and needs, you may use a variety of different assistive technologies (AT). At the LAARK Assistive Technology Lab you can learn about and explore a variety of different technologies that may support you including:
- Kurzweil 3000
- Glean for Education (Audio Recordings)
- Built-in dictation software
- Dragon Naturally Speaking
- JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver
- Livescribe Pulse Pens
- Duxbury
- Tiger Designer
- Juliet Pro Braille Embosser
- ViewPlus Rogue Embosser
Make an appointment with our Assistive Technology Specialist, Caroline Newcomb, or come by AT office hours Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30am-12:30pm in DSP Suite 13.
**SDS does not provide hardware or software for personal use. For students who need access to assistive software on personal devices, several options for download or purchase are available. Remember to always ensure that any software you purchase is compatible with your specific hardware and software. There are many variables and sometimes restrictions on files from certain vendors.
Text-to-Speech (Read Aloud) Software
Kurzweil 3000
Kurzweil 3000 is FREE for all DU students, faculty, and staff to use!
- Kurzweil 3000 is a screen reader for the Windows and macOS operating systems.
- To sign up for Kurzweil
- Go to: Kurzweil log in page
- Click “sign in with Microsoft”
- Sign in using your DU email and password
- Opening a PDF in Kurzweil
- Add the Chrome browser extension for Kurzweil to read webpages
Speech-to-Text (Dictation) Software
Built-in Dictation Features
Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Apple Pages all have built in dictation features.
Dragon Speaking Naturally
If you require more specialized dictation software, reach out to us about Dragon Speaking Naturally (available for PCs only)
Audio Recording Technologies
Glean for Education
Glean for Education is an audio recording notetaking platform that will allow you to record alongside your notes. If you are approved for audio recordings in class as an accommodation, reach out to us to request an account and to learn more.
Livescribe Pulse Pen
Livescribe Pens record audio while you take notes on paper. If you prefer to take notes on paper, this option is for you. If you are approved for audio recordings in class as an accommodation, reach out to us to request a pen for loan and to learn more.
Other options
We provide Glean for Education and Livescribe Smart Pens for students with an audio recording accommodation. However, there are other technologies out there that you may wish to peruse on your own.
Executive Functioning Tools
Some individuals with disabilities struggle with executive functioning. There are a wealth of resources out there to support you, but sometimes it can be hard to narrow them down! Most of these tools are free, and you are welcome to purchase a subscription to any you might wish. Play around and find what is best for you!
Magic ToDo: Goblin Tools
Goblin tools can is a collection of tools designed to help neurodivergent folx with tasks they find overwhelming or difficult:
- break down any task into manageable steps
- detect the tone of an email
- make your emails more formal
- estimate how long a task will take you.
Habitica
Habitica is a productivity app that helps you form habits and increases productivity by gamifying your tasks.
Forest
Forest is an app that supports your focus. Whenever you want to stay focused, you plant a tree. Staying focused for the amount of time you set allows your tree and forest to grow.
Tomato Timer or Pomofocus
Both of these web apps use the Pomodoro method of time management.
I-Connect
I-Connect is system that supports self-monitoring for self-advocacy, academic engagement, and pro-social behaviors.
Mindfulness Apps
There are a variety of mindfulness apps out there! Here are a few popular ones: