Assistive Technology
Assistive technology refers to devices, software, and hardware intended to support and assist people with learning, physical, mental, and processing disabilities.
Examples of assistive technology include:
- text-to-speech (reading text aloud)
- speech-to-text (voice recognition)
- ergonomic chairs/tables
- braille displays for a computer
- specialized keyboards and mice
- digital recorders
Students who need assistive technology or need help with assistive technology they already have are required to register in Accommodate. Within one week of submitting your registration form, the Accommodations & Accessibility office will be in touch via email. We may ask questions about the information you submitted and/or request to book an appointment. Accessibility Advisors can discuss assistive technology, academic accommodations, grant funding options and more.
There are two assistive technology software programs that the University of Alberta offers at no cost to all registered students and current staff: Kurzweil and Read&Write. Both programs support text-to-speech, speech-to-text, colour modifications, writing tools, dictionaries, and highlighting.
We also offer information on no- and low-cost resources for changing background colors in documents, screen masking, and more on the Display Color Modifications webpage.