Tips for Using Accommodations During Online Learning

Alternative Textbooks (electronic book files)

These are usually digital files of printed copies of a textbook, such as a PDF, so the text can be listened to using text-to-speech software. If this is a new accommodation you will need to meet with the Assistive Technology Specialist for a review of this accommodation.

 

Audio Recording Options

If your instructor uses live lectures, such as Zoom, you may want to audio record. Some options are;

• You can use a regular recording device to record the class lecture.
• Ask instructor to record lecture which can be emailed to you after the lecture has finished.
• Genio Notes may also be used to record and take notes during the lecture. If this is an approved accommodation a license will be provided.

 

Breaks

Email your instructor to ask how breaks can best work in the format they are using. If on Zoom, you can send your professor a private chat message.

 

Extended Time for Online Testing

Faculty are responsible for initiating and extending all text times for online test in Brightspace. Extended test time applies to the time once the test is opened and the timer starts.

The Center for Accessibility Resources & Services is available to proctor accommodated tests by appointment.

 

Note-Taking

A peer note taker is not usually provided for students enrolled in online courses. You may want to email your instructor to ask about receiving copies of the notes or the PowerPoint presentation used during the online lecture. A note taking support application, Genio Notes, may be used. This allows students to record lectures and take notes simultaneously and upload slides (if applicable). Genio Notes also provides a transcript of the audio recording. A license will be provided if this is an approved accommodation.

 

 

Reduced Distractions

During remote testing, some accommodations, including “reduced distractions,” are not administered by the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services since the testing environment is controlled by the student test taker. If you need quiet to concentrate during test taking, consider the noise and distraction level of where you are testing. Consider wearing headphones or earplugs to block out noise.

The Center for Accessibility Resources & Services is available to proctor accommodated tests by appointment.

 

Screen Readers

If using screen reader software such as JAWS, NVDA or Voiceover, communicate with your instructor/s to remind them of the technology you are using and what works best with your screen reader software. There are accessibility settings available in Zoom and Brightspace that may make online lectures work smoother.

 

Text-to-Speech

Text-to-Speech is where the computer/table/phone reads the words on the screen out loud to the user. There are free software and apps available. NaturalReader is a very popular one and offers a free online or downloadable version. 

 

If you have any questions, contact the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services at centerforaccess@necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3654.

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