Reader Assistive Technology is an accommodation that provides equitable access to print or digital exam and course materials for students with disabilities who experience barriers to reading standard text. This may include the use of text-to-speech software or other adaptive technologies that convert written content into an alternative format, such as synthesized speech.
Students with Reader Assistive Technology accommodations who submit a test room booking request are asked on the Test Room Booking form whether they plan to use this technology for their upcoming exam. This allows the OARS Testing Staff to prepare appropriately in advance of the test date.
For exams administered in Blackboard, the built-in ReadSpeaker tool is available to all students. For exams outside of Blackboard, OARS testing staff will provide access to Microsoft Word’s built-in Read Aloud function for Word documents, and NaturalReader for PDF documents. A C-Pen handheld reader is also available upon request for students who prefer this option.
Note-Taking Assistance is an accommodation that provides students with approved access to technologies for recording lectures using audio capture software. Students approved for this accommodation will receive a license for a Genio account to record lectures. Students may choose to use an alternative program for note-taking assistance if preferred. Genio offers features such as live closed captioning, lecture transcripts, and a “Quiz Me” study tool.
Students agree to use these files for personal study purposes only and are not permitted to share recordings, transcripts, or any other lecture materials with anyone.
Voice Recognition Software is an accommodation that allows students to dictate their answers for short-answer and essay exams.
Students approved for this accommodation who intend on taking exams in the OARS Testing Center are encouraged to practice using the dictation feature on an OARS testing room computer prior to their exam. All dictation in the OARS Testing Center is conducted using Microsoft Word’s dictation tool.
Screen Reader Assistive Technology is an accommodation that utilizes specialized software to provide auditory access to digital and electronic information.
The OARS Testing Center is equipped with NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access), and OARS testing staff can assist students in gaining access to this tool. Students approved for this accommodation who intend on taking exams in the OARS Testing Center are encouraged to practice using NVDA features on an OARS testing room computer prior to their exam.
Books in Alternative Format is an accommodation where students require an alternative media format, such as enlarged text, audiobooks, or OCR-compliant PDF documents for required textbooks. Students must submit an Alternative Format Textbook Request for each book through the Accommodate Portal. In compliance with Copyright Laws students must provide proof of purchase or rental of each textbook before receiving an alternative format.
You must work with your Accessibility Specialist and/or the Assistive Technology Specialist to determine the best alternative format for your needs.
Textbook information for each class may be accessed through the HPU bookstore web page.
Steps to request an Alternative Format Textbook:
- Log into your Accommodate Portal.
- Select Accommodations on the left. In the drop-down menu select Alternative Format.
- Select the Student Entered tab.
- Select Add New Alternative Format Request and complete Alternative Format Textbooks form.
- Upload a copy of the receipt in the Proof of Purchase section and attribute it the specific class. We cannot process your request without proof of purchase (or rental) of the textbook.
- Select Requested Types of Alternate Text in the drop-down menu.
- Select Submit.