Adaptive Technology
Adaptive technology (AT), sometimes known as 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 adaptive technology or need help with adaptive technology they already have require a referral from an Accessibility Advisor and so should book an appointment by contacting reception at arrec@ualberta.ca, calling 780-492-3381, or visiting us at 1-80 SUB, North Campus (check the Academic Success Centre for current reception hours). Accessibility Advisors can discuss adaptive technology, academic accommodations, grant funding options and more.
There are two adaptive technology software programs that the University of Alberta offers at no cost to all registered students and current staff: Kurzweil and Read&Write. Both of these programs support features such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, colour modifications, writing tools and dictionaries, and highlighting.
We also offer information on no- and low-cost resources available for changing background colors in documents, screen masking, and more at the webpage Display Color Modifications.