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Technology FAQs

A selection of captioned videos and step-by-step instructions on some of the most common assistive technology, web-based tools, and services utilized by students, staff and faculty at Sonoma State University are listed on this page. For details on each technology, click on the topical links below. 

Computer Labs and Stations

  • AsTECH Lab, Schulz 1058C, a dedicated lab for the use of assistive technology, will be moving to the 3rd floor of the library (Schulz 3046) during Summer 2024. Date to be determined.
  • CAASE lounge and computer lab, located in Schulz 1106
  • Labs, Tech Classrooms (opens in new window)

Assistive Technologies

The letter A. Ally icon
Ally

Students use Ally to convert files from Canvas courses to more accessible formats including audio MP3s, ePubs, eBraille, tagged PDFs, and more.

 A rectangle above a vertical line  and a horizontal line. It is a display screen and the stand.
Captioning

Closed captioning allows individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing to access the content of your videos.

 A rectangle above a vertical line  and a horizontal line. It is a display screen and the stand.
CCTV

Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) magnify and enhance the contrast of text pages and images placed under a built-in video camera.

A square on the side, ,ade with thin black lines. Equatio icon
Equatio

Take screenshots of math equations and use EquatIO to convert them into accessible math, which will automatically be read aloud.

A single black line shaped like a flame.  Dragon Naturally Speaking icon
Dragon Natural Speaking

Students use this speech-recognition software to control computer operations, input data, and compose text-based files with their voice.

 Black and white image of a shark.
Jaws

Visually impaired students use this screen reader software that reads aloud the contents of a computer screen including text, forms, navigation menus, and links on web pages.

A blend of the letter "N", "D", "V" and "A".  NVDA icon
NVDA

NVDA, is a free screen reader for blind and vision-impaired students to access and interact with operating systems and common applications.

Black and white graphic with a human figure with stretched out arms and legs.
PC/Mac Accessibility Features

Windows 10 and macOS have accessibility features such as narration, magnification, contrast adjustments, closed captions, keyboard, and mouse options.

The number 8 on its side.  Zoomtext icon.
Zoomtext Magnifier Reader

ZoomText enlarges and enhances everything on computer screens and also reads aloud documents, web pages, and email.

A square jigsaw puzzle piece with to top and left side extension. Read & Write icon
Read & Write (R&W)

Students use R&W to have digital books read aloud, annotate, and highlight sections from articles to transfer onto Google docs in preparation for tests or research papers.

Top half of a bird
Messenger Pigeon

 Messenger Pigeon allows you to not only capture and organize content but also engage with it.

Other SSU Technologies

A large stylized "A".
Adobe Creative Cloud

Use Adobe Creative Cloud to create graphics, posters, videos, and more with Acrobat DC, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, Dimension 3D, and Spark.

Canvas icon, black circle with white 8 pointed star in the middle.  A circle of black dots are inside the white star.
Canvas

Canvas is SSU's Learning Management System (LMS). Students use Canvas to access course syllabi, assignment details, online quizzes, announcements, and readings.

The letter G
G Suite (Google Apps)

Create, collaborate, and share documents, slides, and spreadsheets in Google Drive then use Read& Write with these files. Boost productivity with Gchat, meet, email, and calendar.

An arrow descending upon a rectangle.
Kivuto Software Downloads

Sign into Kivuto with your Seawolf account to browse through available software, and download for free or at a discounted rate.

3 black squares, 1 black rectangle, organized to look like a T.
Top Hat

Top Hat is a web-based tool instructors use to take student attendance and administer (in-class and online) polls, quizzes, and tournament games. Students use mobile devices to participate.

Black circle with a smaller black circle inside.
Universal Access Hub

The Universal Access Hub (UAH) provides resources and assistance to SSU faculty, staff, and students to improve the accessibility of course content and campus webpages.

2 black lines stacked shaped like a "C", one facing right, the other facing left. Yuja icon.
Yuja Video

Yuja is SSU's lecture and online video recording management system. Videos may include editable captions, embedded quiz questions, and linked supplementary files for students to download.

a black square and sloped rectangle.  Icon depicts a camera
Zoom Web Conferencing

Zoom is a web conferencing tool that allows instructors to host an entire class meeting online with webcam, screen-sharing and annotation, voice, and text-based chat.

A bar chart with the line going up, down and then up with an arrow.
Qualtrics

Faculty and students create surveys and share results to further inform project development or complete written assignments based on research data and analysis.