Assistive Technology Resources
SUNY Brockport provides many assistive technology options to support student learning and promote equal access. These tools benefit not only students with accommodations but also anyone seeking more effective ways to read, write, study, and stay organized.
Available to All Students:
TextAid by ReadSpeaker
TextAid is a web-based reading, writing, and study tool powered by ReadSpeaker. This tool may support students with disabilities, assist English language learners, or benefit anyone who prefers to listen to text while reading along or multitasking. Key features include text‑to‑speech for textbooks, articles, PDFs, and web pages, dictation and word prediction for writing, highlighting and annotation tools, and adjustable reading speed with synchronized text highlighting.
ReadSpeaker also offers TextAid browser extensions for web-based reading and a seamless integration into Brockport’s learning management system. Students can use these text-to-speech tools to listen to course materials right within Brightspace. TextAid is free for SUNY Brockport students with an active account and works on any device with a browser. Students can request a TextAid account to begin using the tool.
Microsoft 365 Applications
SUNY Brockport is a Microsoft 365 campus, so everyone has access to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, OneNote, and other useful Microsoft apps for content creation, collaboration, and organization. Many Microsoft applications also have built-in accessibility features like Immersive Reader (text-to-speech), dictation (speech-to-text), live captioning, spelling and grammar review, and accessibility checkers.
Multi-Purpose Accessibility & Productivity Apps
Several free or low‑cost apps combine multiple accessibility and productivity features in one place. These tools can help students manage time, organize coursework, and create accessible study materials.
Available to Students with Accommodations:
Audio-Notetaking Application
Genio is an audio notetaking tool that records lectures or meetings and organizes them into searchable notes. It helps students capture spoken content accurately and turn it into usable study materials. Genio automatically creates AI summaries and study questions from recordings, making review more efficient. Students with accommodations for notetaking support can request access through SAS to use Genio for class or studying.
Computer Navigation Software
All computers located within the SAS office and campus computer labs are equipped with computer navigation software JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion. These programs allow for real-time auditory output, visual enhancements, keyboard navigation, magnification, color filtering, contrast inversion, and more. Dragon Naturally Speaking speech recognition software is available for speech-to-text dictation or voice navigation.
FM Systems
Assistive listening devices, such as FM systems, deliver audio through a paired microphone and receiver to amplify and/or clarify audio content, reduce background noise, and support auditory processing. Roger FM systems are available for loan and pairing with student-owned hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Magnifiers
Closed‑Circuit TV (CCTV) systems magnify documents up to 24x and include adjustable cameras to switch between printed material and the lecturer. Handheld video magnifiers offer a portable solution to enlarge printed materials or invert color contrast. These devices support students with low vision by making print and classroom content more accessible.
Braille & Tactile Printing
SAS offers braille printing upon request for papers, projects, and class materials, as well as tactile maps and documents for spatial learning. These services provide alternative formats for students who benefit from tactile or non‑visual learning resources. Requests can be made through asc_assistivetech@brockport.edu.
Adaptive Equipment
Adaptive computer equipment (ex. trackball mouse, large-print keyboard, refreshable braille display) is available for accommodation-related technology loans or use within the SAS Testing Center. Course-specific adaptive equipment may be purchased on an as needed basis and loaned to academic departments to support students with accommodations.
Accessibility & Artificial Intelligence
AI is here to help you, not do it for you.
Many of the accessibility tools we have shared use AI in the background, for example:
- Microsoft 365: AI is available as a collaboration tool (Copilot) in many Microsoft applications.
- Otter.ai: AI transcribes speech into text so you can focus on listening, then review later.
- Genio: AI helps organize recordings into summaries and study questions.
- Goblin Tools: AI breaks down tasks or adjusts tone in writing.
Using AI Responsibly
- AI tools should only be utilized in accordance with the University’s Academic Integrity Policy
- When allowed, AI should still be used only as a support, not a substitute. AI can help capture, organize, or re‑format information, but you still need to engage with the learning material.
- AI can make mistakes, so it is important to always review transcripts, captions, or summaries for accuracy. AI may suggest next steps or generate summaries, but you should decide what is important and how to use it.
- AI can help reduce barriers (hearing, vision, focus, processing speed) and save time on repetitive tasks (note‑taking, reading aloud, captioning), but real learning, comprehension, composition, and decision‑making still come from you.
Assistive Technology Training & Consultation
Students with and without accommodations can book an assistive technology training appointment through Accommodate. Please note, students seeking to use assistive technology as an accommodation may be referred to the Student Accessibility Services registration process.
Please email asc_assistivetech@brockport.edu with questions.