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Access Technology Center

IT Connect > Accessibility > ATC

• On This Page
• Technology Resources to Improve Access
• ATC Services
• Quick Starts
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact Information

ATC Links

• Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
• Hearing Impairments
• Learning Difficulty
• Physical Impairments
• Visual Impairments
• Braille Embossing

Technology Resources to Improve Access

The Access Technology Center (ATC) provides resources to improve access to computing resources for University of Washington students, faculty, and staff. The computers, software, and special equipment in the center provide

• Access for blind users via speech output or Braille
• Magnification of the screen for people with low vision
• Alternatives to the standard keyboard and mouse
• Use of speech recognition software as a writing tool
• Tools to make the reading and writing process easier
• Accessories to make computer use more comfortable
• The capability to create and produce documents in alternative formats such as e-text, Braille, large print, etc. (see more information about Braille services)

In addition to the technology described above, the center staff can provide:

• An introduction to access technology
• Advice on how best to meet an individual's particular needs
• Basic training and documentation on the hardware and software available in the center
• Accessible electronic resource design consulting and testing

The ATC is located in Mary Gates Hall . There are also machines with specialized hardware and software located on the second floor of the Odegaard Undergraduate Library (OUGL). Accessible workstations are also located in other locations.

ATC Services

Below is a description of services offered by the ATC. Please let us know if you have any suggestions as to how we can improve our services.

ATC tours

We have a large variety of equipment at the ATC. Questions about Access Technology options for specific disabilities may be answered during a tour of our facility. Demonstration and discussion of hardware and software are available. To arrange for an overview of the Access Technology Center, please call (206) 685-4144 or email atcenter@uw.edu to schedule an appointment.

Training class

P375: Introduction to Access Technology for Computer Users

Consulting and Testing

Ensure that electronic resources are accessible to all by assessing their clarity and ease-of-use when accessed through a variety of adaptive hardware and software.

Braille Translation

The ATC has a Braille embosser capable of single or double-sided Brailling. Any electronic text may easily be translated into Braille. Printed materials may be scanned and converted using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software available in the center.

• Options for Brailling Electronic Information
  • Send the information as either Microsoft Word or HTML format to the Braille Embossing Service
  • Bring an electronic copy of the text to the ATC and we can help you create it. See Braille Embossing FAQ for more information on preparing material for Braille.
• How to Braille Print Materials
  1. Scan the material with Openbook or other OCR software.
  2. Proofread and edit the file.
  3. Send the file to the Braille embosser. See Braille Embossing for more info.

Equipment

The ATC has a variety of equipment that provides access to computers for almost any disability. See Resources in the Access Technology Center for a list of hardware and software at the ATC.

Accessible workstations are located in other departmental labs on campus as well. See Other Accessible Computing Locations on Campus.

For specific details about hardware and software, or if you have questions about accessible technology options for specific disabilities, please schedule an appointment with an ATC Assistant by calling (206) 685-4144 or email atcenter@uw.edu.

Quick Starts

Please contact the ATC for a print or alternate format copy of these documents.

OUGL ATC PCs

Two PCs are located in Odegaard Undergraduate Library in the north-central main alcove along the West brick wall of the second floor and are reserved for use by students with disabilities. All other Windows computers in OUGL have AT available.

• OUGL PC 1
• OUGL PC 2

Suzzallo DRS Study Room

Disability Resources for Students (DRS) has reserved a room in Suzzallo Library for quiet study and work for students with disabilities. Contact DRS staff for information on accessing this room.

• Suzzallo PC 1

Program Quick Starts

• Keyboard Shortcuts guide
• ABBYY FineReader
• ClaroRead
• Duxbury Braille Translator
• Dragon Naturally Speaking
• Inspiration for Windows
• Jaws for Windows
• Kurzweil 3000
• Microsoft Magnifier
• NaturalReader
• OpenBook
• Read & Write
• ScreenDoors II
• TextAloud
• ZoomText

Hardware Quick Starts

• ALVA Braille Display
• OpticBook scanner

Frequently Asked Questions

What is access technology and why is it important at the UW?

Access technology, also known as adaptive or assistive technology, provides an accommodation to a person with a disability that makes it possible for them to succeed in a certain task. While it can encompass many areas such as architecture and daily living, in this context it's technology that provides access to a computer and relevant productivity software. All students and faculty , regardless of disability, should have free and equal access to the resources at UW. Through access technology, the Access Technology Center hopes to make this ideal a reality.

What does the Access Technology Center do?

We provide a 10-computer accessible technology center within Mary Gates Hall in addition to other satellite workstations throughout the UW campus. Stations are outfitted with a wide variety of hardware and software designed to meet individual needs. In addition, we are equipped with a full service Braille production facility. The ATC also advocates IT accessibility across campus through educational outreach and accessibility testing.

Who uses the ATC?

Along with students and faculty requiring adaptive technology, the ATC serves UW departments, consulting with them on ways to make their web sites, electronic resources, and computer facilities more accessible.

What is the difference between Disability Resources for Students (DRS) and the ATC?

DRS is a campus office that provides various academic accommodations for students with disabilities that include non-computer based needs such as notetaking, alternative text, exam proctoring, etc. DRS may refer students to the ATC for specific technology needs. The ATC does not provide academic accommodations.

Are the ATC's services free?

We provide no-cost service to the University of Washington community for anyone requiring the use of access technology. Initial web accessibility consultation is also free for those departments interested in making their computing resources more accessible to others.

I want to get involved with the ATC, where do I start?

Start by making an appointment with us. We will discuss your individual needs and help you find the right tools to meet them. Call us at 206-685-4144 or send an email to atcenter@uw.edu. The center's manager is Dan Comden and we are staffed by knowledgeable student employees who are here to help you.

When can I use the ATC's resources?

We are staffed Monday to Friday 9-5 pm at MGH ATC, however the computers in our main lab are open according to the hours of the CRC, and our work stations are open during the hours of their respective facilities.

Contact Information