What is the Accessible Media and Technology program?

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

• AcMe works with students to personalize their accommodations and produces 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.
  
  
• AcMe manages the Accessible Technology Labs, which are available to any student registered with ODS.
  
  
• AcMe consults with faculty and staff regarding accessible course materials, online content, and technology.
  
  
• We provide resources to foster accessibility and universal design via projects like ODS’s Keep C.A.L.M. campaign and the JMU Accessibility Portal.

Students with accessible media accommodations can learn more from the AcMe Student Guide.

The AcMe Faculty Guide has information for faculty teaching students with 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 audio books
• 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)

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.