What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) includes devices and software designed to help you overcome disability-related barriers in the academic setting.
For more details contact your assistive technology advisor (ATA). If you don’t have an ATA ask your access advisor for a referral
Text-to-Speech (TTS) Software reads electronic files and web pages aloud and assists with grammar & spelling
- Immersive Reader:
Immersive Reader for D2L Ally - Accessible format with text-to-speech for D2L
Download Immersive Reader Browser Extension - to access this tool for websites
Using Immersive Reader on iPad with Microsoft Edge Browser
- Learn how to use Immersive Reader for Microsoft Word on PC, macOS, iPad, or on the Web here.
- Chrome extensions:
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- Sign into Chrome with your MRU account then get these three extensions:
- Read & Write for Google Chrome (reads web and Google Docs)
- OrbitNote PDF Reader
- Texthelp Screenshot Reader
- OrbitNote YouTube tutorial
- Sign into Chrome with your MRU account then get these three extensions:
Dictation Software captures your spoken words as text:
Audio Recording Software and Hardware records lecture audio to help with note taking and studying:
The suggestions below record time-stamped lecture notes that allow you to replay specific portions of the lecture.
- If you handwrite your notes:
- Livescribe recording pens work well for recording in-person classes (may be eligible for grant funding if you have a student loan - speak to your ATA)
- AudioNote2 (free app for iPhone)
- If you type your notes:
- Notability (for Mac or iPad)
- AudioNote (for iPad)
- Microsoft OneNote (Mac or Windows PC). See demonstration
- Glean (Mac, PC, mobile device). 30-day free trial (may be eligible for grant funding)
What to Expect in Your Technology Meeting
If your Access Advisor recommends assistive technology accommodations for you, they refer you to an Assistive Technology Advisor (ATA). Here’s what the meeting with an ATA will look like:
What you need for your meeting
- If meeting in person on campus:
- Bring your laptop, phone, and tablet, if you have one
- Download Google Chrome on your laptop
- If meeting virtually via Google Meet:
- Download Google Chrome
- Join the Google Meet using the Chrome browser
What will be covered:
- Your educational history, the disability-related barriers you experience, and your academic goals
- Recommendations for assistive technology
- Installation and training of AT on your device
- Potential eligibility for technology grants
Afterward, your ATA will send you an email summarizing what was discussed in your meeting, including links to extra resources.
Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities
As a student experiencing a disability, you may be eligible for grant funding to cover the cost of assistive technology.
Note: Funding eligibility is determined by eligibility for Canada Student Loans and based on documentation from a licensed professional.
- Students may be eligible for up to $20,000 per school year for the Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities. This grant covers exceptional education-related costs associated with a student's disability.
- Examples of assistive technology include computers with screen reading software (e.g. Read&Write, JAWS or ZoomText), voice-activated software (e.g. Dragon Naturally Speaking), or audio recording devices (e.g. Livescribe Pen).
| Academic Term 2023/2024 | Start Date | End Date | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole academic year | Sept. 5, 2023 | Apr. 20, 2024 | Jan. 17, 2024 |
| Full-time or Part-time Fall 2023 semester only | Sept. 5, 2023 | Dec. 23, 2023 | Nov. 20, 2023 |
| Full-time or Part-time Winter 2024 semester only | Jan. 4, 2024 | Apr. 20, 2024 | Mar. 18, 2024 |
| Full-time or Part-time Spring 2024 semester only | May 6, 2024 | June 21, 2024 | May 3, 2024 |
| Full-time or Part-time Summer 2024 semester only | July 2, 2024 | Aug. 21, 2024 | June 28, 2024 |
For more information:
Grant Funding Reconciliation Worksheet
Where Can I Find Accessible Computers on Campus?
The Computer Commons area on the first floor of the Riddell Library and Learning Centre has an accessible workstation with Read & Write, Kurzweil, and ZoomText for students to use.
There is also a CCTV (to magnify printed pages on a monitor), a scanner, and adjustable height tables in the same area.
All computers in the Library have Read & Write software installed.
Training
- Upcoming assistive technology workshops can be found on Accommodate. Click on the “Events” tab and then “Workshops” to sign up.
Other Tech Issues
- Assistive Technology Advisors can only help you with assistive technology
- For questions or problems related to your MRU login, Google products, Microsoft 365, Wifi, etc.: