The ATATC was established by teh Office of Disability Services (ODS) to perform two vital functions for students with disabilities and the faculty of UNO. The first is to provide a centralized facility for the provision of academic accommodations by the ODS staff. The second is to provide a centralized location for adaptive technology for use by students.
The Office of Disability Services (ODS) coordinates services and programs for students with disabilities. Direct assistance is given to students with a physical or mental impairment, learning disability, chronic illness, or a temporary disability. ODS encourages student independence, program accessibility, and a psychologically supportive environment, so students may achieve their educational objectives. ODS also seeks to educate the campus community about disability issues.
ODS is actively engaged in efforts to modify both attitudinal and structural barriers to allow students full advantage of their right to an education.
Our goal is to provide the means for otherwise qualified students to overcome the consequences of their disability. Our efforts are directed toward enabling students to achieve their academic goals by augmenting their existing strengths and abilities to succeed at UNO.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508, specifically requires that all federally funded agencies and their contractors provide access to computers for all employees with disabilities who need it, and specifies the types of access that need to be provided:
- Input accessibility includes: Braille keyboards, modified keyboards controls, voice recognition, keyguards, tactile overlays; the capacity for serial rather than combination keystroke commands (i.e.: CTRL-C); fully adjustable repeat tolerances and functions; fully adjustable audible feedback.
- Output accessibility includes: Braille printers, voice synthesis, large print screen display and printers, etc.
- Technical support, equipment maintenance/servicing and training must be provided as necessary.
- Telecommunications accessibility is required for all hearing and speech impaired individuals by either installing TDDs/TTYs and publicizing the numbers or using the Relay System.
- Documentation accessibility includes: Grade II Braille; audiocassettes; large print.
Accessible computer stations are found in most student labs on campus and are also located in the ODS Accommodative Testing and Adaptive Technology Center. These stations may consist of the following equipment/software:
- A large monitor serves to allow for better viewing of enlarged text on the screen.
- ZoomText7: ZoomText is software which combines magnification and screen reading which allows access to Microsoft7 Windows7 programs and printed materials. ZoomText will enlarge the text on the screen in various applications.
- JAWS7(Job Access With Speech) for Windows7: The most popular screen reader worldwide, JAWS® for Windows® works with your PC to provide access to today’s software applications and the Internet. With its internal software speech synthesizer and the computer’s sound card, information from the screen is read aloud, providing technology to access a wide variety of information, education and job related applications.
- An OpenBook Unbound: OpenBook™ allows you to convert printed documents or graphic based text into an electronic text format using accurate optical character recognition and quality speech. OpenBook's many powerful low vision tools allow you to customize how the document appears on your screen, while other features provide portability.
- Duxbury© Braille Translator (DBT): DBT provides translation and formatting facilities to automate the process of conversion from regular print to Braille (and vice versa), and also provides word-processing facilities for working directly in the Braille as well as the print.
- Dragon Naturally Speaking®: This software allows dictation, instead of typing, in a word processing format.
- WYNN™: WYNN is the innovative literacy software tool designed to enhance success for individuals with reading challenges and writing difficulties. WYNN was developed with the help of special educators and individuals with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and aphasia. By using a bi-modal approach (simultaneous highlighting of the text as it is spoken), WYNN transforms printed text into understandable information.
Other accessible stations may only consist of a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV). The CCTV allows for enlarged document viewing.
Office of Disability Services staff is responsible for training UNO students with disabilities in the use of the adaptive software/equipment at the student’s request. Most of this training is done with audio tutorials provided by the software vendors. Students must make appointments for training.
These stations have been designated for priority use by students with disabilities. These stations may be designated with the following sign or similar:
"This computer station is designated for priority use by students with disabilities. Should you be working at this station and a student with a disability identifies him/herself to the lab, you will be allocated 15 minutes to finish your work and then relinquish this computer station. Thank you for your consideration and cooperation."
Accommodative Testing & Adaptive Technology Center (ATATC)
Sciences Building, Room 1046 (Campus Map #34)
504-280-7284
504-280-3998 fax
atatc@uno.edu
ATATC Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
During final exams, the ATATC may open additional hours.
Students wishing to receive testing accommodations outside of the ATATC operation hours may pursue the option of negotiating alternative accommodations with their faculty members.
Office of Disability Services
2000 Lakeshore Dr.
Milneburg Hall (MH), Room 159 (Campus Map #24)
New Orleans, LA 70148
Phone: (504) 280-6222
Voice/TDD: 504-280-7284
FAX: (504) 280-3998
Amy A. King
Interim Associate Dean & Director of Disability Services
Milneburg Hall (MH), Room 159 (Campus Map #24)
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