The Accessible Media and Technology (AcMe) program in the Office of Disability Services (ODS) supports students with accommodations for accessible formats and assistive technologies. What we do includes:

• Working with students who are registered with ODS to personalize their accommodations and producing a wide variety of accessible formats.
  • Students without accommodations from ODS are also welcome to contact AcMe to learn about freely available accessibility tools such as text-to-speech, dictation, hands-free computer controls, DIY captions, etc.
• Consulting with faculty and staff regarding accessible course materials, online content, and technology.
• Managing the Accessible Technology Labs, which are available to any student registered with ODS.
• Providing resources to foster accessibility and universal design via projects like ODS’s Keep C.A.L.M. campaign and the JMU Accessibility Portal, as well as contributing our expertise to the JMU Digital Accessibility initiative.

Please contact AcMe with any questions or to schedule a conversation. We are available to support students with any questions or difficulties regarding their assistive technology or their accessible media accommodations.

What are accessible formats and assistive technology?

Accessible formats are used by people with and without disabilities to access information. Examples of accessible formats used by JMU students include:

• Electronic text, text-to-speech technology, and audiobooks
• Captioned or transcribed audio/visual content
• Large print
• Accessible Word docs
• Braille & Tactile graphics
• Audio described videos
• 3D models

Assistive technology is used by individuals with disabilities to improve access. Examples of assistive technology used by JMU students include:

• Enlargers, CCTVs, and enlargement software
• Speech-to-text and voice control software
• Refreshable Braille displays
• Screenreader software
• Text-to-speech software
• Assistive Listening Devices (formerly known as FM systems)