Adaptive Technology Services

Adaptive Technology (AT) is the use of technology to provide equal access to information. Adaptive Technology Services (ATS) is an office in the Department of Disability Services that offers adaptive support services for students with disabilities such as audio books, adaptive software/hardware, alternative format materials, and equipment loan along with AT consultation and support.

Eligibility for extended AT Services

If you think you may benefit from a technology accommodation, ask your Accommodations Counselor for a referral for an AT Assessment. If you don't know who your Accommodations Counselor is, contact Disability Services. A full-time professional staff member can advise you on technologies that may work for you based on disability need and abilities. If you qualify for disability services, the equipment and/or software you need may be loaned or made available to you at no charge.

• ATS supports and provides training for adaptive hardware and software used to accommodate disabilities. The ATS staff may be able to answer general questions regarding student computers and adaptive software.
• Although any registered student may use the open access computer workstations and printers, only students who are currently registered with Disability Services may use ATS extended services which include audio books, textbook scanning, adaptive hardware and software checkout, accommodation consultation, and adaptive equipment training.
• Students that wish to take advantage of extended services such as audio books, scanning, etc.,  need to register with the main Disability Services office located in Cain Hall, Suite B118 EVERY SEMESTER they wish to use services and/or equipment.

Cain Hall Open Access Lab: Cain B109

ATS also manages an Open Access Lab in Cain B109 that includes additional hardware, software to make the lab more accessible to individuals with disabilities.  Although ATS exists primarily to serve students with disabilities at Texas A&M, any current registered student, staff or faculty member who has an OAL login account may use the computer lab resources. In fact, many students (disabled and non-disabled) have found that ATS lab not only offers excellent accessibility to campus resources, but also offers an outstanding study environment.

• The ATS Open Access Lab is staffed by Disability Services staff and not Computing and Information Systems (CIS) staff. 
  
  • Cain Open Access Lab Hours
  • Fall & Spring Semesters
  • Monday - Thursday, 8am - 8pm
  • Friday, 8am - 5pm
  • Sunday, 2pm - 8pm
  • Summer Semester
  • Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm
  • Intersession time periods
  • Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
    
    
  • General Information about Open Access labs, Lab Hours, Accounts and more
    
• Questions regarding the use of your NET ID, Open Access Labs, VPN, campus wireless should be directed to the Computer Information Systems help desk at 979-845-8300.   You can also go to the  Aggie Computing Gateway or the Computing and Information Services (CIS) website.

Alternative Format Materials

Students with documented print disabilities that preclude the student from using standard print, may be eligible to request required course materials in alternative formats such as:

• Large print
• Audio books
• Electronic text
• Braille

Adaptive Software and Hardware

Adaptive software and hardware is obtained and installed in various campus computer labs and made available for exam administration based on disability need.  Common software and hardware available includes:

• Screen Reader software (JAWS)
• Screen Magnification software (ZoomText)
• Voice Recognition software (Dragon NaturallySpeaking)
• Text-to-Speech software (Read & Write Gold, Kurzweil)
• Video Magnifiers/CCTVs
• Adaptive mice and keyboards
• Refreshable Braille display
• Braille writer
• Adjustable height desks

Additional software and hardware is obtained and installed on a case-by-case basis.

Equipment Loan

Qualified students with disabilities may be able to borrow equipment on a semester basis including items such as:

• FM system, assistive listening device (Comtek AT-216)
• Audio book player (Learning Ally format, Victor Vibe or Wave)
• Audio recorder