"Toolbelt Theory" is based around the idea that as humans we are tool users, and that we choose tools most effectively when that choice begins with the Task at hand, and then considers the Environment in which that task must be performed, the Skill set of the individual (the tool chooser), and the Tools which are available." --Ira Socol
The goal may well be to "allow students to build their own toolbelts of appropriate solutions to their life challenges", but operating an exam centre necessitates somewhat of a "top down" approach. While we can offer options to access user education on assistive technology tools we are limited by what is available and approved for use during exams. Therefore, I've compiled the "menu" below that highlights resources to support instructors and students to meet with success in accessing assessment content and expressing their learning on an assessment.
A Toolbelt for Accommodated Exams
Assistive technology for students with exam accommodations An accommodation is an adjustment in teaching, learning, or evaluation processes that removes or reduces disability-related barriers. Accommodations improve access to the opportunity to learn; they do not guaranty success. Accommodations are determined individually for each student, and are linked to the disability-related functional limitations (barriers) identified in the student's documentation. Accommodations do not lower academic standards; all students must meet the required learning outcomes for their courses, with or without accommodation.
To reduce the need for individual accommodation, course design from a Universal Design for Learning perspective can maximize access for all types of learners. This includes assessment! Providing multiple means of action and expression is key to designing assessments that follow UDL principles. Especially in light of remote delivery, assessing student products that have broad timeframes for completion and are individualized responses to the learning experience support students with exam accommodations requiring assistive technology.
Common Exam Accommodations Students provide documentation which Access Specialists review to determine reasonable accommodations. Approved exam accommodations are communicated from the student to the instructor. Instructors can design access to assessment with these common exam accommodations in mind: Reader: Text-to-speech Scribe: Speech-to-text Extra Time: Time-and-a-half
University pays for access for all staff and student use;
Requires student login;
Both desktop version and browser plugin available;
PDF files need to be uploaded to account and then read aloud;
Functions within Brightspace.
Chrome is a highly accessible web browser, with many accessibility supports built in as well as available as free extensions created for the Chrome browser. Click here for help with installing and managing Chrome extensions. Here are some additional free options: