Technology and Accommodations

In-Semester Hours (summer hours vary):

PAL Assistive Technology (AT) Center
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Proctoring hours for students with approved exam accommodations
All exam requests must be submitted 5 days in advance using our online system.
Mon. - Thurs., 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Fri., 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

PAL Computer Lab
Mon. - Thurs., 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Learning Lab (Levin Library)
Mon. - Thur., 8:00 a.m. to midnight
Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sat., 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sun., 12:00 p.m. to midnight

Student AT Training Times
By appointment

The Technology

Every incoming student in PAL will have access to specialized instruction in web-based educational applications to aid in their learning as part of their PAL curriculum.

Students receive training on adaptive technology features and educational apps with their preferred mobile device to facilitate learning in the areas of reading, writing, organization, study strategies, and stress management.

Through customizable, portable, and accessible assistive technology and educational apps, the Assistive Technology Center in PAL provides individualized technology tools to guide students to access their course content and best work with their strengths and challenges.

Learning Outcomes

1. METACOGNITIVE MOBILE LEARNING - Use the App Wheel and Peer Mobile Learning Tutors to identify technology tools that will facilitate college learning based on the student’s individual learning profile.
2. TECHNOLOGICAL FLUENCY - Knowing how to choose appropriate web-based technological tools using a preferred mobile device and have the ability to shift appropriately between applications and tasks.

• Extended time on exams
• Ability to take exam in a reduced distraction environment
• Ability to use word processing software for tests for students whose essay writing is improved with the use of spell check and grammar check
• Kurzweil 3000 for tests for students who need to listen to exams read aloud
• Students may be approved for additional exam accommodations, e.g., use of text-to-speech software for tests

All current and former students in PAL are able to take advantage of exam accommodations throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. Students are encouraged to discuss with their professors what tests they may need to take with accommodations in the PAL AT Center.  A test session at the AT Center is easily requested by students using a simple sign-up in advance. In the AT Center, students are able to take their exams in a reduced distraction environment where Kurzweil readers and use word processing programs are available.  Normally, students are allowed to sit for tests and exams for a period not to exceed twice the length of the test. For example: if a student has a test in a class that meets for 75 minutes, then the extended time for the test would normally be 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.

Students are encouraged to register for individual memberships in Bookshare, a free program tailored to support students with diverse learning needs. For those requiring alternative formats of textbooks, please contact the Assistive Technology Center for assistance in setting up an account. Additionally, students can request training on any aspect of our alternative text services.

Regarding the purchase of digital textbooks from the bookstore, students are advised to explore this option when applicable.

Kurzweil Reader

Kurzweil 3000 is web-based software that reads text out loud, providing audio support for college reading materials. Kurzweil 3000 firefly allows for text to be either scanned from hard copy or "virtually scanned" from PDF. The program will also read many web pages. Features include highlight text as the material is read, dictionary look up of unfamiliar words, ability to control the reader's voice type and speed, and saving text as an audio file (MP3 or WAV). Training is available by appointment. Many students find that a brief introductory session is all that is required before successfully using this important tool.

PLEASE NOTE: Since operating systems and personal configurations vary, it is not possible to provide extensive individualized support to each student. For books not available in Bookshare or other publishers, PAL can direct students to sources of materials but we can provide only limited technical assistance due to the increasing variety of audiobook providers, player software, and devices. For students needing in depth technical assistance, we suggest contacting technical support for the computer or for the specific software.

PAL has Kurzweil 3000 firefly installed on all workstations. Kurzweil 3000 is software that reads text out loud, providing audio support for college reading materials. Kurzweil 3000 firefly allows for text to be either scanned from hard copy or "virtually scanned" from PDF. The program will also read many web pages. Features include highlight text as the material is read, dictionary look up of unfamiliar words, ability to control the reader's voice type and speed, and saving text as an audio file (MP3 or WAV). Training is available by appointment. Many students find that a brief introductory session is all that is required before successfully using this important tool.