Students with disabilities who plan to attend NIU should visit the Center for Access-Ability Resources (CAAR) in the Health Services building as soon as possible. CAAR coordinators are available to discuss accommodations and services that are available to students with disabilities. For more information, visit the CAAR web site.
The CAAR office is home to an assistive technology (AT) Chamber, a unique technology environment developed at NIU especially for students with learning difficulties. CAAR also features a testing environment and assistive technology for students who are blind or have low-vision.
The Founders Memorial Library features a special resource room with a wealth of assistive technologies. The library is also home to a second AT Chamber for students with learning disabilities.
Information Technology Services and ResTech (residence halls) feature assistive technology in most public computing labs. The Computer Science lab in the Psych/Math building is home to an Alva Refreshable Braille display.
For a more detailed description of technology offerings for NIU students with disabiltiies, please see the Everything Technology Online Resource. In the left navigation "Table of Contents" you will find "Special Resources for Students With Disabilities," or use "Search the Handbook" to locate desired terms.
ACT is a grassroots initiative formed in 2000 by six representatives from Information Technology Services, Center for Access-Ability Resources, Housing and Dining Services, University Libraries, and the Illinois Dept. of Health and Human Services. Several student representatives have participated over the years, as well as interested faculty.
ACT meets on the first Wednesday of every month in the Holmes Student Center Blackhawk East room in the lower level cafeteria (or other location to be determined). The group meets at 11:30 for a brownbag lunch, and an informal meeting begins at 12:00 noon. There is no agenda, no minutes are recorded, and no official roster exists. The opportunity is set aside each month to promote an open dialogue about technology needs and available resources. Members from all service and academic divisions are encouraged to participate. Attendance is not required, but is guaranteed to make participants feel part of a very worthwhile endeavor.
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