Assistive Technology FAQ
This FAQ is provided by Assistive Technology Support in Information Technology Services at the University of Iowa. This FAQ attempts to answer the most common questions regarding Assistive Technology and its implementation at the University of Iowa. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please feel free to e-mail Assistive Technology Support or call 319.335.5651 with your questions.
- What is Assistive Technology?
- What forms of AT are offered by ITS at the University of Iowa? Where are Assistive Technology devices located?
- Who do I need to talk to if I have need a disability accommodation?
- What is voice recognition and how can it be used to benefit persons with disabilities?
- Are text telephones available at the University of Iowa? How do I get one? What about Video-conferencing?
- I've been having wrist pains using my keyboard lately. Is there an AT device which would help me with this?
- What is Accessible Web Design? Do I need to be concerned with designing web pages for persons with disabilities?
- How can I make my web page accessible?
- What online resources are available for AT and disabilities at the University of Iowa?
- I have a class which uses WebCT. Will this work with my screen-reader?
- I am sponsoring a conference/meeting at the U of I and a participant requires an AT solution. What do I do?
Assistive technology is any device, piece of equipment, or software that is used to help a person with a disability or impairment reach full functional capacity. Some examples of high-tech assistive technology include voice recognition systems, voice synthesis, large print display, Braille embossing, and alternative computer input devices (track-balls, switches, etc). The images below show a text telephone, a mousing touchpad, and a switch.
What forms of AT are offered by ITS at the University of Iowa?
ITS Assistive Technology Support offers a variety of AT resources on campus and makes every attempt to accommodate the needs of all U of I community members. In addition to Assistive Technology at the Student Disabilities Services office, there are ATS computers in the following ITCs: Education, Burge, Main Library, Phillips LMC, Hardin Library Information Commons and Med Labs are equipped with:
- Screen Readers
- Scan and Read Software
- Voice Recognition Software
- Screen Enlargers
- Alternative Mousing Equipment
- Braillers
- OCR Scanning Software
For a map of all facilities and a guide to their equipment and hours, please visit the ITC web page .
ITS ATS also works with faculty, staff and departments to implement customized solutions for office use. For more information about faculty and staff solutions, please contact Faculty Staff Disability Services.
Who do I need to talk to if I have need a disability accommodation?
All requests for Assistive Technology implementations at the university originate in one of two campus departments listed below. If you are a disabled community member who requires an AT implementation or has any other accessibility questions please contact one of the departments below for a prompt response.
- Accommodations for Students - Student Disability Services.
- Accommodations for Faculty/Staff/Visitors - Faculty Staff Disability Services.
What is voice recognition and how can it be used to benefit persons with disabilities?
Voice recognition technology allows a user to enter text and control most computer functions using speech. Voice recognition software, such as Dragon Naturally Speaking and IBM ViaVoice allows for individuals with mobility impairments, who might have difficulty with a traditional keyboard or mouse, to effectively use a computer.
Modern voice recognition software operates in a continuous speech mode which allows users to speak in a normal conversational tone and speed. The uses of voice recognition software also extend well beyond assistive technology implementations as the software is being used in medical, legal and other professional avenues for data entry and manipulation.
Are text telephones available at the University of Iowa? How do I get one? What about video conferencing?
Text telephones are widely used at the University of Iowa, and are easy to obtain as well. Simply contact Faculty Staff Disabilities Services and they will begin the referral process.
The University also works closely with Relay Iowa to support realtime video conferencing from via the Iowa Video Relay System.
I've been having wrist pains using my keyboard lately. Is there an AT device which would help me with this?
One of the many implementations of Assistive Technology at the U of I is ergonomically sound devices. ATS is experienced in working with rehabilitation specialists and ergonometrists so that these painful problems can be remedied effectively and efficiently.
What is Accessible Web Design? Do I need to be concerned with designing web pages for persons with disabilities?
Accessible web design involves creating and maintaining web pages that are accessible by people with disabilities, including people who are blind or visually impaired, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, people with learning disabilities, and people with mobility impairments.
The University of Iowa encourages all web designers to incorporate sound, accessible web design in to their sites for several reasons.
- It's the right thing to do.
In many cases, only a small amount of effort is required to make web pages accessible, removing a barrier to information access to people with disabilities. As access to web resources continues to be an integral part of everyday life, accessible web design has become an ethically responsible action. - Many web users have a disability.
According to Georgia Tech's GVU Survey (April 1998), approximately eight percent of web users have a disability. Nearly half of those users are blind or visually impaired. If your page is not accessible, you may be missing the opportunity to distribute your information a sizable potential audience. - In some cases, it's the law.
For certain government organizations, the information on your website may be required to be accessible to people with disabilities under section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
How can I make my web page accessible?
The first step in developing an accessible web site is awareness that there are design considerations that can effect the accessibility of your site. The next step is to take specific steps to remove any barriers to access that exist.
ATS maintains an up to date listing of accessible web design resources at the University of Iowa, as well as a growing list of external resources and guides which can guide even the most novice webmaster through the accessible web design process.
What online resources are available for AT and disabilities at the University of Iowa?
Assistive Technology Support maintains a current listing of campus and external resources on Assistive Technology on this web page.
I have a class which uses WebCT. Will this work with my screen-reader?
WebCT accessibility depends largely on the class instructor's design of their content. In most cases, WebCT web pages will come through a screen reader without errors.
For more information visit WebCT's web site for more information on WebCT and accessibility issues.
I am sponsoring a conference/meeting at the U of I and a participant requires an AT solution. What do I do?
Faculty Staff Disability Services can provide you with the necessary information for making your conference/meeting accessible to all participants. FSDS can provide you with a checklist for your event, and can also refer Assistive Technology Support for specific AT needs.
