Alternate media provides individuals access to print material through different methods. Eligibility for this service is determined through The Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services (CASAS).  

Request Process

Step 1: Submit the CEAT Textbook Request Form
Before submitting the form, you must provide proof of purchase. Accepted forms include:

• A digital receipt for a purchase or rental
• A scanned copy or photo of a physical receipt for a purchase or rental

Step 2: Complete the Textbook Agreement Form
After submitting the request form and proof of purchase, students must fill out the Textbook Agreement Form.

Once both forms are completed and proof of purchase is verified, a Google Drive link to the requested textbook will be sent to your CAT email.

The Center for Educational and Assistive Technology (CEAT) provides in-service training for schools and other service providers in the following adaptive technology programs.

We are also available for other workshops not included in the list (e.g., on-screen keyboards). If you have any specific needs, please contact us.

All workshops can be run either at the CEAT or the school requesting them.

Read&Write for Google Chrome

A cloud based text-to-speech solution available as a Chrome Web browser extension for all computer operating systems.  The program allows access to e-text materials anywhere that a student has a computer with an internet connection.

Word Prediction (Co:Writer, WordQ)

These programs work in conjunction with word processing programs. They make typing faster and easier for people who have physical or learning disabilities, reading deficits and/or word retrieval problems. In addition Co:Writer offers flexible spelling which helps students with spelling deficits.

Writing/Organization (Inspiration/Kidspiration, Draft:Builder, Write:OutLoud)

Inspiration, Kidspiration and Draft:Builder are visual learning and thinking tools for writing and studying. They allow users to create a visual representation of ideas which convey the organization and relationships of those ideas. The outlines can then be imported into any word processing program (e.g.,  Microsoft Word).

Write:OutLoud is a talking word processing program. It can be set up to speak letters, words, or sentences as they are typed or to speak completed text after it has been written. Speech can also be used to hear word choices in the spell checker. The background and text colors can also be changed to accommodate visual preferences.

Visual Disabilities (ZoomText, MAGic, Home Page Reader, various hardware)

ZoomText and MAGic are designed specifically to meet the needs of visually impaired persons. They combine screen magnification with low vision screen reading.

Home Page Reader is a talking Web browser that helps people who are blind or visually impaired read from the Web. The CEAT has numerous portable magnifiers that we can demonstrate. The list includes: Liberty Plus, Telesensory's Miniviewer, Enhanced Vision Systems' Jordy, Pulse Data's Pocket Viewer, and others.

New Tools 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of machines to simulate human intelligence. In education, AI enhances accessibility by supporting students with disabilities in various ways: 

• Speech-to-Text & Transcription: Converts spoken language into written text for students with hearing impairments or processing difficulties. 
• Text-to-Speech: Reads aloud text-based content for students with visual impairments or reading disabilities. 
• Predictive Writing & Organization Tools: Helps students with dyslexia, ADHD, or executive functioning challenges by suggesting words, correcting grammar, and organizing ideas. 
• Personalized Learning: Adapts content based on students' needs, offering tailored assistance and reducing barriers to learning. 

Examples of AI programs we can assist with:  

• Apple Notes Recording 
• Google Recorder 
• Google Live Transcribe 
• Apple AI Writing Tools 
• Microsoft Copilot 
• Google NotebookLM 

OneNote 

Microsoft OneNote is a software that gathers notes, drawings, screen clippings, and audio commentaries. The notes can be typed or written using a tablet, and can also include tables, charts, and equations. This program allows different notebooks to be created, with different sections and pages within each notebook, to allow notes to be organized in a personalized way. 

Echo Smartpen 

The Echo Smartpen allows users to take notes in class while recording the lecture. The audio is synced with the notes as they’re being written. The user can tap a section of their notes with their pen to replay the corresponding audio that corresponds to that section of notes. The synced audio and notes can be transferred to the user’s computer for easy review, sorting, and searchability. 

Virtual Reality (VR) 

Virtual Reality (VR) is a completely immersive experience that can be used for life skills practice. By simulating real-world environments, VR allows individuals to practice tasks and scenarios in a safe, controlled space. This technology can be especially beneficial for students with disabilities, as it offers opportunities for skill development in areas such as social interaction, communication, daily living activities, and problem-solving. With the ability to tailor scenarios to specific needs, VR provides a unique and engaging way to enhance learning and build confidence.

Request to Use Virtual Reality Equipment

The Loan Program at the Center for Educational and Assistive Technology runs the outreach and service of Assistive Technology Demonstrations and Device Loans for the Connecticut Tech Act Project. The Loan Program is a grant-funded program that serves two communities with different adaptive technology needs: teachers of technology and special education in Connecticut's school districts who would like to assess student needs and opportunities for assistive technology to be used in schools, and SCSU students registered with The Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services (CASAS).

The Loan Program offers laptops or iPads with assistive technology software. With each loan, the Loan Program provides instructional support at our facility on the SCSU campus, as well as technical support for all computer hardware and software provided. Laptops can be loaned out to CASAS-registered students and to representatives from Connecticut's public school districts. Some of the software available for installation on a loaned laptop is listed below.  We do not currently offer iPad loans to SCSU students.  For school representatives, we are only able to offer a limited number of paid apps; however, many of the app developers offer "lite" free versions for evaluation purposes, and any free apps can be installed by the Loan Program.  School representatives can also use their own accounts to download apps on the iPads.  Because apps are user-specific and not device-specific, those apps will be erased when the iPad is returned to the Loan Program, and the user will be able to install any purchased apps on other devices.

School District Loan Application (.doc) 

Available Software for Use on Loaned Computers

• Clicker 7
• Inspiration
• Solo
• Word Q/ Speak Q
• ZoomText
• JAWS

Technology Request

• Technology Request Form
• Tech Loan Agreement Form

CEAT provides assistive technology evaluations to Connecticut school districts. The assistive technology evaluations are performed on a fee-for-service basis and are performed by CEAT's staff at Southern Connecticut State University. For more information, please contact the Center at (203) 392-5799 or by email at ceat@southernct.edu.

Download Intake Form (pdf)

Evaluations

If you are interested in having a student from your school district evaluated by the Center for Educational and Assistive Technology, please contact us for scheduling. All evaluations are conducted by the Center for Educational and Assistive Technology.

An evaluation costs $1000. The party responsible for payment varies. Generally, if a school system requests the evaluation, they are responsible for payment. If an individual makes the request, s/he will be billed directly.

We make every effort to make our evaluations accessible to everyone who needs one.  If you cannot afford an evaluation, please contact us.