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Text-to-speech (TTS) aids, e-readers, and audiobooks improve reading fluency and comprehension by allowing students with reading challenges to focus more on the content and less on the actual mechanics of reading.
The ATI offers a number of options to support students with challenges related to reading. The most commonly used solutions are as follows:
TTS Resources
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Immersive Reader
Free TTS tool built into Word, OneNote, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and the Edge browser.Natural Reader
Cloud-based TTS solution supports auditory learners, students with learning disabilities, students with autism, and those where English is a second language.Read&Write (Texthelp)
Supports different learning styles (Example: Auditory & Visual), reading comprehension, writing & studying skills, English as a second language (ESL), and research. -
Organize notes, record lectures, type or write notes, to improve note taking skills, retention, and comprehension by allowing students to focus more on the course lecture content and less time taking notes.
The ATI offers a number of options to support students with notetaking. The most commonly used solutions are as follows:
Notetaking & Organizational Resources
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Writing aids assist students with planning and organizing tasks that support the writing process. Students with executive functioning challenges may struggle with sequencing of tasks, organization, planning, and cognitive flexibility. Deficits in these areas can oftentimes lead to paralysis when it comes to writing.
The ATI offers some options to support students with challenges related to writing. The most commonly used solutions are as follows:
Writing Aids
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The ATI offers a number of options to support students with visual impairments. This includes, but is not limited to, screen readers, screen magnification software, CCTVS, etc.
The most commonly used solutions are as follows:
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Screen Readers
Screen readers support students, faculty, and staff who are blind or have low vision.Magnification/CCTVs
CCTV’s or video magnifiers are devices with a camera and video display used to increase the reading size of documents or objects.Tactile Graphics
Tactile graphics are raised surface representations of non-textual information, such as graphs, maps, or diagrams, allowing those who are visually impaired to better understand the content.e-Readers
Portable devices that read electronic documents (i.e., ePUB, Word, PDF, etc.). -
The ATI offers a number of options to support deaf and hard of hearing students. This includes, but is not limited to, FM amplification tools, live captioning support, and post-production captioning and transcription for public-facing and instructional video content.
Additional information can be accessed below:
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FM Systems
Personal FM systems are completely battery-powered and can be taken anywhere. The user simply gives the wireless transmitter to any presenter, instructor, work associate, or friend who they wish to hear.Live Captioning/CART Services
Live captioning/CART services support deaf/hard of hearing individuals with participation in live meetings and events.Closed Captioning for Videos
ATI provides post-production captioning and transcription services for instructional videos and videos hosted on public-facing websites. -
The Mason CARES guide offers instructors assistance with creating accessible instructional content. This resource provides guidance on making the learning platform more accessible, creating accessible instructional resources (i.e., documents, audio, video), making web conferencing sessions more user-friendly, and posting accessible social media content.
Consider the following resources in your course development process:
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Blackboard Resources
Tips and resources to make your Blackboard courses more accessible.Blackboard Ally for Instructors
Blackboard Ally is a tool that is built into Blackboard. It automatically checks your course for accessibility issues.Web Conferences (i.e., Zoom, Bb Collaborate)
Tips and resources for making your Zoom and Bb Collaborate sessions more accessibleAccessible Documents
Learn how to make your Word, PPT, and PDF docs more accessible.Instructional Videos
Learn how to make your video and audio content more accessible.Social Media Accessibility
Learn how to make your social media posts more accessible.Web Accessibility Standards
Learn how to make your websites and web-based apps more accessible.Canvas Resources
Tips and resources to make your Canvas courses more accessible. -
ATI offers resources for students, faculty, and staff to create and ensure equal access inside the classroom, on campus, and at home. One-on-one and group training on AT may be requested using our Request Services Form.
Choose from the options below to learn more about the different types of AT solutions available:
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What is Assistive Technology?
Learn more about assistive technology and how it helps individuals with disabilities.AT Assessments & Referrals
The ATI provides informal assistive technology (AT) assessments for faculty, staff, and students who may need the use of assistive technology.Library AT Labs
Assistive technology can be accessed at any of Mason's campus library locations.Blackboard Ally for Students
Blackboard Ally allows students to download document formats that fit their individual needs...learn more!Tools for Reading
AT tools and resources to support your reading needs.Tools for Notetaking
Audio-recording tools and smartpens to support your note-taking needs.Tools for Writing
AT tools to support your writing needs.Options for Typing with your Voice
AT tools to assist you converting voice dictation into text.Tools for Individuals with Visual Impairments
More information on screen readers, screen magnification, and tactile graphics.Tools for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Individuals
Learn more about FM systems, post-production captions, and CART servicesAccessibility Tools for Mac & iOS
Learn more about Apple's built-in accessibility options.Accessibility Tools for Windows
Learn more about the accessibility options built into Windows and Microsoft 365. -
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Accessibility Standards include guidelines to ensure that all electronic information, resources and services provided by Mason are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes, websites, online learning systems, software and hardware applications, telecommunications, desktop and portable computers.
The following information provides guidance on how to create accessible components for web and software applications in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act opens a new window and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 opens a new window. For additional information about meeting accessibility requirements, please contact the IT Accessibility Coordinator.
Major components included in accessibility guidelines include:
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Creating Accessible Images
Learn how to add alternative text descriptions for meaningful images.Creating Accessible Hyperlinks
Learning how to create accessible hyperlinks.Creating Accessible Navigation
Learn how to add accessible navigational elements like headings, breadcrumbs, and skip navigation links.Creating Accessible Form Fields
Learn how to make form fields accessible.Creating Accessible Tables
Learn how to make HTML tables accessible.Creating Accessible Video & Multimedia
Learn how to create accessible audio and video content.Creating Accessible Documents
Learn how to create accessible Word, PPT, and PDF documents.Making Text Content Accessible
Learn about text content considerations like color contrast and page language.
The following formats are available through Ally:
- OCR’d PDF
- Unlike image-only PDFs, OCR’d versions can be searched by text making them more user-friendly for a lot of readers. They also allow those individuals who use text-to-speech or screen reading applications to listen to their readings.
- Tagged PDF
- Tagged or Structured PDFs improved upon OCR’d versions by adding markup for tables, headings, table of contents, links, etc. These additions are very beneficial to users of assistive technology. Tagged PDFs also allow users to reflow the document content to improve readability.
- HTML
- For viewing in a web browser and on mobile devices
- ePub
- For reading as an e-book on an iPad or other reading device
- Electronic Braille
- BRF version for consumption on electronic braille displays
- Audio
- MP3 version for listening
- BeeLine Reader
- Enhanced version for easier and faster on-screen reading
For more detail regarding the alternate formats available and what would work best for you, visit Ally for Students – Alternative Formats*.
Please Note: The “Translated Version” is not available at this time.
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Meet your 2023-2024 Trusted Testers!
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Meet your 2022-2023 Trusted Testers!
Aikwan Chong, College of Science
Aikwon Chong, Webmaster, College of ScienceAndrew J Schappert, SCHAR School
Andrew J Schappert, Web Specialist, SCHAR School of Policy and GovernmentAndrew Stevens, University Libraries
Andrew Stevens, Web Services and Applications Librarian, University LibrariesAshley Byrum, Human Resources and Payroll
Ashley Byrum, Senior Communications Specialist, HRAudra Meckstroth, University Branding
Audra Meckstroth, Executive Director (Creative and Brand)Boris Gafurov, CEHD
Boris Gafurov, Webmaster, CEHDCraig Zaccaro, CHSS
Craig Zaccario, Associate Director of IT and Applications Development, CHSSJacquelyn Krehbiel, SEERM
Jacquelyn Krehbiel, Administrative Specialist III, SEERMJan Macario, Web Admin ITS
Jan Macario, Senior CMS Developer/Analyst, Web Admin ITSRyan Lebreton, Web Admin ITS
Ryan Lebreton, Web Admin ITSSamantha Kayla Hill, University Libraries
Samantha Kayla Hill, University LibrariesTerri Ann Guingab, CHHS
Terri Ann Guingab, Instructional Designer, CHHS