Assistive Technology

At the Accessibility Resources Office (ARO), our goal is to empower students by providing access to a variety of assistive technologies along with the training needed to use them effectively.  We are also committed to partnering with faculty to support the integration of these tools in the classroom, enhancing learning experiences for all students.  Ultimately, our goal is that the skills and strategies developed through these resources will extend beyond the classroom, supporting students in their academic, professional, and personal journeys.

Accessible Text Materials: Accessible text materials provide students with digital versions of textbooks and classroom handouts that are compatible with Text-to-Speech software. This accommodation supports students who benefit from audio access to printed content.

Students approved for this accommodation can request accessible text materials through the Accessibility Resources Office (ARO) by selecting the button below.

Available Hardware and Software

Read & Write: A powerful literacy support tool that reads aloud digital content, including alternate format textbooks, scanned in-class handouts, and web pages. It is especially helpful for students who find it challenging to process complex text.  This software is available campus-wide and can also be downloaded for personal use—free of charge. It’s a great resource for improving reading comprehension, staying focused, and accessing content more independently.

C-Pen Reader : A device that allows the student to scan individual lines of text and have it read aloud.  The C-Pen also has a built-in dictionary that allows students to look up words and have the definition read aloud. This is a great tool to assist with reading comprehension.

Speech to text: Voice recognition software that lets you talk to your computer using a microphone.  As you speak, your words appear on the computer screen.

Equatio: Software that allows a student to have math-based problems and equations read aloud, and allows professors to create accessible math materials online. This software is compatible with most STEM-based curriculum, including chemistry and engineering.

Notetaking

Genio (Formerly Glean): A web based notetaking platform that allows students to type notes and record lectures.  The student then can play the lecture back and review the notes they typed.

Messenger Pigeon: A web based notetaking platform that allows students to record lectures & type notes.  The student then can play the recording back and record notes afterwards. Messenger Pigeon also has an AI study assistant that can create quizzes based off of the lecture that was recorded.

Smartpens: The Echo Smartpen is a “pen-like” device using a special notebook that digitizes handwriting while recording audio, including classes & lectures. Audio can then be played back with just a touch of the pen tip. Students can upload the notes from the pen to the Livescribe desktop software. Smartpens are helpful for students who benefit from both visual & auditory learning styles, and/or prefer taking handwritten notes to digital.

Technology for Students with Visual Disabilities

Zoom Text: This is a magnification and screen reading software program for the visually impaired. ZoomText can help people who need text enlarged on computer screens. It is located in L005 of the Library building and on several computers in the ARO.

Jaws: Screen reading software that allows a visually impaired student to navigate the computer and the internet using a keyboard.

Optelec Enlarger: This device allows visually impaired individuals to enlarge reading materials. It has an adjustable platform to hold a book, handout or other item. The device enlarges the text and displays it. It is located in L005 of the Library Building.

Technology for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students

Personal Audio Amplification system: Amplifies voices by use of a microphone and transmitter worn by the speaker to transmit spoken information to a listener via headphones.

Sorenson Video Relay:  Facilitates communication between non-hearing and hearing individuals through remote interpreters or on-screen sign language.  This device is located in the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing room L-206 in the Library building.

If you believe any of these services could support your learning, we encourage you to contact our office. We’re here to help you explore the tools and strategies that can enhance your academic success.

Email: aro@sunybroome.edu

Phone: 607-778-5150.

Links to Video Tutorials:

Read & Write for Windows:

Read & Write for Mac: