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What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology (AT) helps individuals with disabilities perform tasks which might otherwise pose challenges or not be possible. In higher education this could include accessible text-to-speech support for reading materials, speech-to-text for writing support, braille transcription, closed captioning, audio description for visual media, Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART), note taking solutions, and utilization of mobile devices to assist with memory retention and organization.

Assistive technology services consults are available to all American University students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The use of assistive technology as an accommodation for a disability in the classroom or for testing may also be requested. If you wish to request such accommodations, please follow the procedures for documenting a disability found at Registering for Accommodations.

Students

  • Meet with an Academic Support and Access Center (ASAC) advisor. To schedule an appointment, call 202-885-3360 or visit our office in Butler Pavilion 300.

Faculty & Staff

For questions regarding assistive technology at AU, please contact the Assistant Director of Disability Support and Assistive Technology at 202-885-2392 or by email at ATspecialist@american.edu.

Academic Support and Access Center, Butler Pavilion 300

  • These computers are only available for testing accommodations. Speak with the ASAC Accommodations Coordinators for more information. They can be reached at  202.885.3489 or by e-mail at exams@american.edu.

Bender Library

  • There is one adaptive technology (AT) room on the 3rd floor. To gain access to this room, you will need to be added to the access list by the Assistive Technology Specialist. Once you are on the list, you can check in at the Information Desk to use the adaptive technology room.

  • The AT room has a Mac and PC computer. Both computers are programmed with Kurzweil, Dragon Naturally Speaking, screen reading, and screen magnification technology.
  • An UbiDuo communication device for Deaf/hard of hearing individuals is located at Media Services on the lower level.
  • A CCTV is available on the 2nd floor.
  • Accessible self-service book scanning is located on the lower level.
  • Contact the library’s information desk staff at 202-885-3232 for additional assistance.

Career Center, Butler Pavilion, Room 5th Floor

  • A computer with assistive technology is available to assist with searching for jobs.
  • Contact the Career Center at 202-885-1804 or by e-mail at careercenter@american.edu for additional assistance.

Washington College of Law

  • A computer with assistive technology is available in the Pence Law Library. Please contact the WCL Office of Student Affairs to gain access to the room. Please note: Access to this room is only allowed as an accommodation. If you wish to document a disability, please follow the registration instructions found on the ASAC's Registering for Accommodations page.