Accessibility Services and adaptive technology helps students succeed in college

May 27, 2023

Georgian celebrates National AccessAbility Week May 28 to June 3

Did you know that more than one billion people globally live with a disability?

As the world has become increasingly reliant on digital resources, so has the postsecondary learning environment. For people facing barriers to accessing digital information like webpages, electronic documents and software, it can be a challenging experience.

At Georgian, our Accessibility Services team works hard to ensure students with disabilities have access to adaptive technology, assistive devices, and the digital information they need to complete their academic course work.

Sara-Jane Neid, Operations Manager, Accessibility and Well-Being, says National AccessAbility Week is a great time to talk about different types of disabilities, the barriers faced by some diverse learners on campus, and the importance of creating accessible environments to ensure equitable academic opportunities for all.

Digital and technological tools assist students in their postsecondary journey and make college more accessible and inclusive. Highlighting the types of accessibility services and adaptive technology available to Georgian students is key to raising awareness about disabilities and promoting both understanding and inclusion.

How adaptive technologists can help you learn

Adaptive technologists assist students with reducing learning barriers by providing assessment and training with assistive technology, and may suggest some of the following options:

• text-to-voice software
• voice-to-text software
• digital reading pens
• alternative formal texts
• related bursaries and funding
• the use of adaptive technology in a testing environment

Accessibility advisors and student accommodations

Students can access accommodations based on their experienced disability and documented or disclosed functional limitations. Accessibility advisors may also recommend and help you connect with other supports, including:

• assessment services
• co-operative education and career services
• tutoring services
• other services based on your individual needs

Share your story

Do you have a story about how you’ve connected with Georgian’s Accessibility Services or used adaptive technology that you’d like to share to raise awareness about these services among other students? Reach out to Melissa Smith.