Microsoft Office 365
CTS offers access to Microsoft Office 365. Please refer to the Microsoft Accessibility site for additional information on how to enable accessibility features on various Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft Teams, and Windows 11. The Microsoft Accessibility site offers tips on how to customize platforms for different types of disabilities including hearing, vision, neurodiversity, etc.
Many Microsoft Apps now include an Immersive Reader, also known as Read Aloud in some apps.
Blackboard Ally - File Transformer
"File Transformer" allows you to upload a course file and download it in an alternative format. This way, you can personalize your learning experience to better fit your needs, devices, and learning preferences. After uploading your file, pick an alternative format that best suits your current task or situation. You can pick and mix formats too.
Available formats include:
Immersive Reader
Aid reading comprehension and grammar skills. Internet required.
Beeline Reader
Enhanced version for faster and more focused on-screen reading.
OCRed PDF
Makes scanned documents searchable and more readable. Reduces file size.
Tagged PDF
Open DOC or PPT files without Microsoft ® Office. Improves use with assistive technology and helps reduce bandwith.
Audio
MP3 version for listening on personal devices, or when you want to take a break from reading.
ePub
For reading and annotating as an e-book on an iPad and other e-book readers.
Electronic braille
BRF version for tactile reading on electronic braille displays.
HTML
Mobile-friendly responsive version for easier reading in browser and on mobile devices.
CTS Class Lectures
Online class lectures can feature live closed captioning. Please be sure to notify your professor if you require closed captioning services in order to ensure that feature is enabled during the live class as well as the recording.
Film Streaming Services
The Learning Commons offers access to a number of film streaming services with either closed captioning or transcription services as follows:
Kanopy - Closed caption and/or transcript
Alexander Street Press Video - Closed caption and/or transcript
CTS Public Lectures
Public events at CTS are recorded and streamed via the CTS YouTube channel. Closed captioning services are available for live events as well as for recordings.
Text-to-Audio Readers
NaturalReader is a text-to-audio reader that offers multiple features. Using their Online Reader you can upload, drag and drop, or paste the text from a file and have it read aloud. Natural Reader can also change a document to dyslexic font. It accepts the following file formats: pdf, txt, doc(x), epub, ods, odt, pages, ppt(x), png, jpeg. An added feature of this service is the ability to download the audio you create as an MP3 to save to listen to later.
Online Databases in the Learning Commons
Check the text-to-audio feature of the database you are exploring in the Learning Commons. A listing of the accessibility features for each database is listed under the Database Accessibility tab above. For example, EBSCO databases have a text-to-audio feature enabled. This feature allows you to convert text to speech for HTML files. You can select the accent, the speed of the reader, as well as text highlighting. EBSCO also allows you to download an MP3 of the HTML file so that you can listen on another device. Here’s more information on how you can use this feature: https://connect.ebsco.com/s/article/Using-the-Text-to-Speech-Feature?language=en_US
Apps or Browser Extension
There are apps or Chrome extensions that can convert PDFs from text to speech on a variety of devices. For example, Speechify is one option.
Google Docs
Google Docs offers accessibility options around screen magnification, braille display, voice typing, keyboard shortcuts etc.
Many of these resources can be helpful to all students, but students with disabilities might pay special attention to these offerings.
Scheduling and organizing tools
Time Management and Organization Tools. Actual student schedules model time management and organization skills. Here is a Sample Study Schedule and here is a Sample Assignment Tracker. Students will have to adapt to their own learning situation and needs. Consider task manager apps like Todoist to keep track of projects, tasks and lists; or productivity trackers like RescueTime to gain insight into personal productivity to boost focus and block distractions.
Reading Tools. Using graphic organizers can help students focus and retain important content. They can also be easily adapted to highlight learning objectives or chunk down assignments. For assistance with reading, students can consider the following reading organizers:
Synthesis Matrix can help you track your notes as you read. As you enter your notes for each reading, a concept map emerges that provides an overview of the literature and makes it easier to see connections between them.
Writing Support at CTS
Make an appointment at the CTS Language & Writing Center for help with different stages of the writing process.
Tips for Surving Grad School
ADHD and Graduate Writing: Tips from The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
CTS has a number of staff members who can help with the emotional needs of our community and assist in finding resources of care. Feel free to reach out to Deneen Collins, the Manager of Student Formation & Community Engagement, Dr. Tina Shelton, the registrar at CTS, or any of our Student Chaplains. Additionally CTS has some funds to support students in crisis or short-term external counseling needs--consult with Rev. Deneen or ask your chaplain to do so.
The Therapist Finder from Psychology Today allows people to search for therapists in their local areas and read profile information about each therapist’s education, certifications, specialties, types of insurance accepted, etc.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Here is an extensive list of accommodations according to disability. Please note that accommodations are unique to students, so please share with your professor any accommodation assessment/recommendation your have from your health care provider.
Ultimate List of IEP Accommodations, Modifications & Strategies (SDIs)
Checklist of possible accommodations: