Office of Disability Services Teaches Columbians About Assistive Technology

As part of its Food for Thought workshop series, Columbia University's Office of Disability Services recently demonstrated how Assistive Technology may benefit students with certain kinds of disabilities. Assistive Technology is defined as:

Any item, piece of equipment, or system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities --(Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988; Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards 1998 amendment to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973)

Examples of Assitive Technology are Voice Recognition Software, where users can control their computer with verbal commands as well as dictate text, and Screen Reading Software, through with an electronic voice reads content on a computer screen to individuals who are blind or have poor vision. Other forms of Assistive Technology include Screen Magnification Software, Braille Translation Software, Reading Software, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), and Digital Voice Recorders. To learn more about how Assistive Technology can help you, contact The Office of Disability Services at disability@columbia.edu.

Upcoming Food for Thought Workshops:

Deaf with a Capital 'D': An Introduction to ASL & Deaf Culture - March 29
Meeting...The Accessibility Challenge: Hosting Accessible Workshops & Meetings - April 19