About Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology support:
- Assistance in selecting appropriate technology to maximise productivity and independence.
- Training in assistive technology to students registered with the service.
- Technical support – software installation on laptops/PCs supplied and repairs/maintenance of equipment.
Assistive Technology hardware and software available to students:
- Literacy support software
- Mind mapping software
- Audio software (text-to-speech)
- Note taking software
- Magnification software
- Online File Conversion Tool – SensusAccess
Facilities throughout the Athlone Campus:
- AT enabled computers in various locations, such as the Assistive Technology Centre, Open Access, the Library and computer rooms.
- Adaptive software such as text enlargement, mind mapping, voice recognition, read/write scanning, screen reading and word predictive software installed, as well as college-wide availability of “ClaroRead”.
- Portable devices such as laptops, adaptive keyboards, alternative mouse controls, digital dictaphones, MP3 players and fixed and portable Induction Loop Systems.
- Fixed Induction Loops are installed at the information desk, reception, Student’s Union and in the library.
- A screen magnifier is available for use in the library.
For information or advice about AT please contact disability.midlands@tus.ie
Useful Resources:
AHEAD AT HIVE: Visit the AHEAD AT HIVE about AT and helping you find technology easily.
The Patricia Kearney Assistive Technology Centre (ATC)
The ATC offers students:
- Ground floor location.
- Thirteen workstations, including three specifically designed for powered wheelchairs.
- High-end PCs are all housed on adjustable electronic tables, capable of running every programme in the college.
- Book scanner and book edge scanners.
- Stereo headphones connected to all PCs and available on loan to students.
- Printer and photocopier.
- One touchscreen computer.
- 32” monitors for visually impaired students.
- Dedicated Dragon booth.
- Students using laptops can connect to the Eduroam wireless connection.
Patricia Kearney, Disability Officer 1999-2013
In 2014 the ATC was renamed and dedicated to the memory of Patricia Kearney. Patricia was a pioneer in establishing and developing services for students with disabilities. When the Disability Support Service was established at AIT, there were only 20 students with disabilities registered with the college. Reflecting the tremendous range of supports devised and provided by the service, today the service has grown exponentially. Patricia championed the introduction of Assistive Technology (AT) at AIT and pioneered AT outreach activities for schools in the catchment area through the REACH project.
She progressed the standardisation of needs assessment through the Ascent project in collaboration with other third level institutions. As a member of the Disability Advisors Working Network (DAWN), she played a key role in the development of national policies on disability in third level education. Notably, AIT was the first institute of technology to implement the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) scheme, which offers college places at reduced points to students with disabilities.
Patricia’s ethos was to treat each student as an individual and focus on them developing their own strengths in pursuit of their studies. She encouraged students to draw on their own abilities and resources to carve out successful academic careers. Her incredible work ethic and commitment to her role inspired both the students who knew her and the staff who worked alongside her, both in AIT and nationally. She will be sadly missed, but her valuable legacy will never be forgotten.
Assistive Technology Camp
Each year Athlone Disability Support Service host an Assistive Technology camp in late June. The camp is aimed at second-level students who have Specific Learning Difficulties such as Dyslexia or Dyspraxia. It offers participants the opportunity to get hands-on experience and training in the use of various forms of Assistive Technology. Over the two days, participants also get to test out Windows accessibility feature
For more information contact disability.midlands@tus.ie
The dates and application form for the June 2024 camp will be available in March 2024.