Assistive Technology Support
Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. The PMC can provide information and support regarding the use of AT to minimize disability-related educational barriers and promote independence among students with disabilities.
The PMC encourages the use of AT by students with disabilities in a variety of ways, including:
- Coordinating bursary applications for funds available to OSAP-eligible students to purchase their own AT equipment (Bursary for Students with Disabilities)
- Providing technology or technical solutions and support as needed for disability-related requests.
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Assistive Technology support involves exploring devices and/or software designed to mitigate the impact of your disability throughout your studies. Examples of types of AT offered at PMC include:
- Reading software (ex. Read&Write, Natural Reader)
- Writing software (ex. Grammarly, Microsoft Editor)
- Dictation software (ex. Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Microsoft Dictate)
- Notetaking software and devices (ex. LiveScribe smart pens, OneNote)
- Mind-mapping/organizational software (ex. Inspiration, Diagrams.net)
When you meet with a PMC Assistive Technologist, they will guide you through the AT selection process and show you how to incorporate the chosen technology with learning strategies. For example, how to seamlessly integrate your current notetaking process and strategies into a new software like OneNote.
To meet with an Assistive Technologist, PMC students must request a referral from their PMC Coordinator.
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Are you curious about how Assistive Technology (AT) can enhance your learning experience?
PMC’s assistive technologists host AT Drop-In Hours at the MacOdrum Library during the fall term!
Stop by and explore a variety of assistive tools, ask questions, and get hands-on troubleshooting assistance. Whether you’re new to assistive tech or looking to optimize your current setup, we are here to help!
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Students referred by the Paul Menton Centre can access a wide range of assistive equipment, facilities, and services at the New Sun Joy Maclaren Adaptive Technology Centre (JMC). The JMC has ten individual workstations with a variety of assistive hardware and software available in each.
To access the JMC, PMC students must request a referral from their PMC Coordinator.
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Read&Write is a literacy software available to all Carleton students that supports everyday tasks like reading text aloud, understanding unfamiliar words, researching assignments, proofreading written work, and more.
Visit our Installing and Using Read&Write webpage for instructions on how to access and use the software. Registration with the Paul Menton Centre is not required to access Read&Write.