Technology Resources

Technology includes a broad range of software, hardware, and web-based tools and is an easy and effective way of implementing Universal Design in the classroom. Please refer to the Faculty & Staff Guidelines section for more information on Universal Design. COCC has the following accessible technology to assist with a variety of learning needs in your classroom environment. Please contact our e-learning team (extension 7785) for help in aligning technologies with your instructional goals, evaluating the accessibility of technologies, and providing training on supported technologies. Some require approval through e-learning before receiving access or visit the webpage: COCC eLearning

1. ReadSpeaker- A text to speech program that uses technology to speech enable websites and online documents and forms. Our license specifically integrates with Canvas for student and faculty use. See the separate tab under technology resources menu for more information. 

2.  CaptiVoice is an affordable text to speech program for personal use (emails, documents, etc) outside of Canvas, with rates such as $20/year. 

3.  Speech to Text is free and readily available through google docs!  Watch this short video and then scroll down for the visual direction.

4.  Check out this trello board for lists of accessible technology and software based on your need.  Are you looking for an app for reminders or schedule planning?  Do you need access to text to speech or note taking? Find out about what each app offers, watch demonstration videos, and read reviews from other users. Make sure to scroll around to see all of the options available. 

5.  Balabolka is a text to speech program.  It is freeware that converts PDF's to plain text and has functionality to convert to an MP3 file

6. Assignment Calculator- Plug in your due date for an assignment and this website from the University of Minnesota will plan out your timeline and the steps for completion.  If you create a log in, you can even receive text message reminders for each step. 

7. Access Technologies- Provides equipment and training to people with significant combined hearing and vision loss so they can stay connected to friends and family. 

8. Laptops/Personal Devices- Windows, Macs, Androids, and iOS mobile devices all have common accessibility features:

Window for Accessibility Tools:

Most tools and features can be accessed via the Settings window. There are several different methods for accessing this window.

1. The easiest way is to go to the bottom left corner of the screen and select the Start button, then select the Settings button which will appear just above the Start and Power buttons.
2. The Settings window can also be accessed from the Application list under S.
3. You can also type the word Settings in the Windows search pane (Type here to search).

Ease of Access (Windows Accessibility Settings):

Windows 10 places the majority of their accessibility tools within the Ease of Access area located in the main Windows Settings window. Knowing how to locate these settings will allow you to access the majority of the accessibility tools we will be discussing in this guide.

To access the Ease of Access window, go to Start/The Windows Logo Key then Settings > Ease of Access

Access on a Mac:

The accessibility tools and features can be accessed via the System Preferences window on a Mac. To access this menu window, click on the System Preferences icon. This icon may be located in the dock or you can choose System Preferences from the Apple menu. Depending on the version of the Mac OS you are on, you will see either an option called Universal Access or one called Accessibility. Regardless of which option you see, clicking on it will bring up the window for accessing most of the accessibility tools for a Mac