Access Services
Video communication devices enable sign language users to communicate
Why Make It Accessible?
Most of us take for granted the ability to do simple tasks such as taking a walk on campus, reading a good book, listening to music, watching a movie or using a computer. When the ability to perform everyday tasks has been limited by injury, aging, illness, or any other condition accessibility and assistive technologies can often help. Assistive technologies may be defined as any product, system, or service that is used by an individual to increase, enhance, or maintain functional capabilities.
The most common example of an assistive technology is eyeglasses which are used by millions of Americans to maintain or enhance vision for reading or driving a car. However, technologies such as screen magnification for visual difficulties, synthetic speech for assisted reading, voice recognition products for writing, and adaptive or ergonomic workstations to prevent injury may also be defined as assistive technologies.
Virginia Tech has a number of supports in place to provide access to the widest possible range of users.
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General ItemAccommodation Referrals
Accommodations are used to remove systemic barriers that interfere with learning and working. Individuals can request both classroom and/or workplace accommodations as well as receive training and access to assistive technology.
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General ItemAT Services
Assistive Technologies Services (AT Services) is located in Newman Library and helps ensure that students and employees with disabilities have the appropriate technologies needed to access programs and services of the university.
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General ItemAssistive Technology Software
Accessible Technologies at Virginia Tech provides several tools to ensure that university computers support a variety of disabilities and preferences. Network software can be installed on any university owned machine upon request by any student, faculty, or staff.
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General ItemCaptioning
Captioning benefits a wide variety of users. Accessible Technologies provides some accommodation support services and training on how to create quality captions for those in the Virginia Tech community.
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General ItemAccessibility Consulting and Outreach
Phone consultation and demonstrations of Assistive Technologies are available for all students, faculty, staff and the general public for any university supported Assistive Technology to include related hardware, software, or service.