Assistive Technologies
Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. Students approved for certain assistive technology accommodations may be eligible to loan equipment from the StAAR Center.
StAAR equipment is loaned on either a yearly or semesterly basis, depending on the nature and expected use of the items. Students must first sign an Equipment Contract before they can pick up the equipment, and all equipment must be returned by the date indicated on the contract. Failure to return equipment by the indicated due date may delay a student’s ability to register for classes or pick up their graduation packet.
Accessible Software for All
Users without disabilities can also benefit from a broader application of accessible software.
SensusAccess
SensusAccess can change the format of files into accessible PDFs, Word documents, or even MP3s. Anyone with a Tufts email address can use this free service. For additional information and instructions, please view the SensusAccess Guide or the SensusAccess Instructional Video.
Classroom Technology
More information coming soon! Feel free to visit the Classroom Technology and A/V Support landing page in the meantime.
Digital Accessibility
More information coming soon! Feel free to visit the Tufts Digital Accessibility landing page in the meantime.
Tisch Library Resources
Visit the Tisch Library to borrow equipment, use technology, find electronic texts, and more.
Assistive Technology Accommodations
If you are approved for assistive technology accommodations, the StAAR Center can work with you to identify technologies that can assist with access to courses and programs. Some technologies require that you get training before they are loaned to you. You will be asked to sign a loan agreement upon receipt of the technology.
Screen Readers
NVDA is a free screen reader that makes the text on a computer screen accessible to individuals who are blind or have visual impairments. The text is read aloud by a computerized voice, and users are able to navigate around their screen with keyboard commands or a mouse.
VoiceOver is a screen reader feature specific to Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Speechify is a text-to-speech software that gives users audio access to digital content. The StAAR Center has licenses for students who qualify for this assistive technology.
Smartpens
Livescribe smartpen is a pen with a built-in camera and microphone that captures everything written by the pen and spoken near the pen at the same time. It can be used with Livescribe Paper, which comes in varying notebooks and sizes.
Neo smartpen is a pen that digitizes writing on Neo Smartpen compatible notebooks and syncs to connected mobile devices.
The StAAR Center has Livescribe and Neo smartpens for students who qualify for this assistive technology.
Audio Amplification / Assistive Listening Devices
Audio amplification (including RedCat and FM systems) and assistive listening devices (including mirophone and transmitters) are available as an accommodation to assist with communication in the classroom. The StAAR Center will work with students who qualify for this assistive technology, along with the Audio/Visual Team at Tufts, to determine the best system.
Built-In Technology
The StAAR Center can also work with students to discover and use assistive technology already built into their devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and more.