The Accessible Technology (AT) Labs are adaptive computer labs geared toward providing equal access to electronic information for students, faculty, and staff with documented disabilities.
To explore options and solutions for your specific needs, or to receive training on AT Lab resources, please schedule an appointment with the Office of Disability Services by calling (540) 568-6705.
Locations
Student Success Center Accessible Technology Lab - (Office of Disability Services, Suite 1202)
Rose Library Accessible Technology Lab (Room 1204)
Carrier Library Accessible Technology Lab (Room 119) - Carrier Library will close on May 11th at 5pm for a major renovation and expansion. The library is expected to re-open in Fall 2026.
Hours of Operation
The lab located in the SSC is open during the Office of Disability Services' hours.
The Carrier & Rose AT labs are available during the libraries' regular hours of operation. Since these labs are small, interior rooms with limited air circulation, we encourage limiting occupancy due to COVID-19 concerns.
Please support your fellow Dukes and give priority to students who need to use the assistive software on the computers.
Contact the Accessible Media team in Disability Services with any questions.
Student Use of the AT Labs
- After getting started with ODS, your JAC card will be activated to allow you access to the AT Labs.
- AT Labs are not designed for group work. If you need accessible technology for a group project, please contact ODS to make arrangements.
- Please keep noise to a minimum. The labs are small.
- Some of the computers have specialized software installed that is specific to those with visual impairments, mobility challenges, and/or learning disabilities. Please be considerate of others needing to use computers.
- Please remove your belongings and trash when you leave.
Please note: Abuse or disregard of the above conditions may result in loss of access to the lab.
Faculty & Staff Use of the AT Labs
Faculty and staff with an interest in using the Accessible Technology Labs should contact the Office of Disability Services. Depending upon the need, access or other resources may be provided.
Resources in each Accessible Technology Lab
Adaptive Equipment in each Lab- Low-vision desktop magnifier
- Height adjustable computer tables
- Ergonomic chairs
- Flatbed scanner
Specialized Software on PCs
Screen Reader & Low Vision Software
Fusion – This software includes the JAWS screenreader and ZoomText enlargement software. Fusion allows the two programs to run in combination. The programs can also be used separately. Fusion training
- JAWS - Designed for blind or visually impaired users, JAWS will read aloud whatever text is visible on the computer screen. JAWS tutorial
- ZoomText – Screen magnification software that can enlarge everything on the computer screen. Works in all applications. ZoomText training
Text-to-Speech and Learning Software
Kurzweil – Reading, writing, and learning software. Kurzweil is helpful for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and other reading and learning disabilities as well as those who are blind or vision impaired. View the Kurzweil tutorials.
Voice Recognition
Dragon NaturallySpeaking – Users can dictate materials and operate their computer hands-free. Dragon is helpful for students with mobility challenges and some learning disabilities. Please contact ODS at 540-568-6705 if you need access to Dragon on a frequent or long-term basis. Some features may not be available in the labs. View the Dragon resources.
In addition to specialized assistive technology, many accessibility tools come standard with Apple and Windows operating systems. Contact the Office of Disability Services for more information.
Apple Accessibility Tools
iMacs in the AT Labs have wide screens for easier viewing. In addition, all Apple products include numerous built-in accessibility features:
- VoiceOver – screenreader
- Zoom – magnifier
- Dictation – dictate text in any Apple application
- Voice Control – allows user to verbally control computer functions
- Speak – reads text selected by user out loud
- and much more
Lab Hardware
In the Carrier & Rose ATLabs:
- 2 Dell PCs
- 1 Apple iMac
In the Student Success Center Lab:
- 8 Dell PCs
- 2 Apple iMacs
Please visit JMU Computing Support & Lab Services for general information regarding labs on campus.
