Technology Resources
Technology includes a broad range of software, hardware, and web-based tools and is an easy and effective way of accessing course content.
Faculty - please refer to the Faculty & Staff Guidelines section and our intranet page for more information on ways how incorporating technology promotes Universal Design. COCC has the following accessible technology to assist with a variety of learning needs in accessing your course materials. Please contact our e-learning team (extension 7785) for any help or questions about Readspeaker.
The eLearning department at COCC has an instructional webpage that outlines the use of Panorama, ReadSpeaker, and Canvas Immersive Reader. These tools are availible when working through Canvas for all students.
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.
CaptiVoice is an affordable text to speech program for personal use (emails, documents, etc) outside of Canvas, with rates such as $20/year.
Speech to Text is free and readily available through google docs! Watch this short video and then scroll down for the visual direction.
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.
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.
Provides equipment and training to people with significant combined hearing and vision loss so they can stay connected to friends and family.
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.
- 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 under the Pinned section.
- Right-click the Start button, and select Settings from the list.
- The Settings window can also be accessed from the Application list under S.
- You can also type the word Settings in the Windows search pane (Type here to search).
Accessibility (Windows Accessibility Settings):
Windows 11 places the majority of their accessibility tools within the Accessibility area located in the main Windows Settings window.
To access the Accessibility window, go to Start/The Windows Logo Key then Settings > Accessibility
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.