Assistive Technology in Higher Education


COVID-19 microsite

Georgia Tech Microsite Provides Accessible COVID-19 Info

A new resource from Georgia Tech's Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation, developed with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and CDC Foundation, provides COVID-19 information in accessible formats for people with disabilities.

Unizin Partners with Blackboard to Offer Ally Across Member Institutions

Unizin's 14 member institutions can now tap into Blackboard's Ally accessibility solution. The higher education consortium recently announced a partnership with Blackboard to help "create a more inclusive and data-informed learning environment" for its members, according to a news announcement.

SAS Intros Free Tool for Creating and Sharing Non-Visual Digital Maps

Analytics company SAS has introduced a free browser extension that converts graphs and charts into sound, allowing users to create digital maps that can be explored using non-visual methods.

Otter for Education

CSU Chico Adopts Speech-to-Text Tech for Faculty

California State University, Chico is offering Otter for Education from Otter.ai to teaching faculty for the upcoming fall semester. The software allows instructors to share live comments and embed education material into online lectures.

laptop on desk

COVID-19 Intensifies Need to Tackle Digital Accessibility

More learning content than ever before has migrated online, bringing accessibility concerns to the forefront. Here's how higher ed institutions are making progress toward equitable access.

file transformer

Free Blackboard Tool Converts Files to Accessible Formats

Blackboard has launched a free tool for boosting the accessibility of digital course content. File Transformer, Powered by Blackboard Ally, allows students to convert files into a variety of alternative formats, such as HTML, audio MP3, ePub, electronic Braille or Beeline Reader.

wheelchair wayfinding

Concept3D Adds Wheelchair Wayfinding to Interactive Map Platform

A new feature of Concept3D's interactive map and tour platform enables wheelchair users to find the easiest and most efficient route to their destination, factoring in accessibility considerations like stairs and wheelchair-accessible entrances.

Luminous 2020 year numbers and network above man

6 Ed Tech Trends to Watch in 2020

This year's top issues in education technology reflect the bigger picture of a student's pathway from individual course all the way to graduation and career.

Harvard Ramping Up Captioning Efforts with NAD Settlement

After four years of fighting in court, Harvard University and the National Association of the Deaf have come to agreement on captioning of videos and online broadcasts — a decision that could have ramifications for all colleges and universities producing and publishing video and audio content.

FlatWorld Boosts Grading Capabilities, Accessibility and More

Learning materials publisher FlatWorld has introduced a range of new capabilities for its digital platform, including enhanced accessibility for its digital titles as well as improved functionality for instructors.