Disability & Learning Resource Center

Accommodations may include but are not limited to:

• Priority registration
• Extended time on exams
• Distraction-reduced testing area 
• Note-taking assistance
• Recording lectures
• Assistive technology
• Furniture modifications
• Housing modifications
• Digital format/text accessibility 
• Sign language interpreters
• Reduced course load
• Preferential seating

Students must take the first step toward receiving reasonable accommodations by disclosing a condition or need to a member of the DLRC staff. During that initial conversation, students are informed about the documentation process—if it is required—and which accommodations are considered reasonable. Once reasonable accommodations have been determined, a DLRC staff member provides a letter to students and faculty that lists and describes the approved accommodations. Students are responsible for requesting an accommodation letter each semester. Instructors are not obligated to provide accommodations if a letter has not been requested.  A timely request is vital as accommodations are not retroactive. Students are under no obligation to disclose their diagnoses or justify their needs for accommodations to their instructors. However, students are encouraged to work collaboratively with their instructors to better address their accommodation needs. Thus, it is often beneficial to talk openly to instructors about the impact of a disability on academic performance.

Using a strengths-based approach, specialists at SAIC’s DLRC provide academic support for students who have documentation of a disability or suspect that they may have a disability, students currently enrolled in the Academic Access Program or are currently on academic warning or probation, or students who have been referred for support by a member of SAIC faculty or staff. Sessions are generally one hour in length and are tailored to each student’s unique learning needs. Eligible students will learn how to more effectively utilize study skill strategies in the areas of reading comprehension and written expression, note-taking, and organization, and time management. DLRC staff may also address stress management and offer guidance for accessing available resources. 

Students may schedule an appointment by calling 312.499.4278 or emailing dlrc@saic.edu. Regular DLRC hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

SAIC is committed to providing students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities equal access to SAIC-sponsored programs and events, such as visiting artist lectures, film screenings, exhibitions, year-end thesis shows, student art sales, symposia, and alum events.

• Students: for academic accommodations and other course-related support, please see below.
• Staff and Faculty: for work-related accommodations, please go to the Human Resources intranet and see the “Employee Relations” page.

Please visit saic.edu/access for access for visitors, including receiving accommodations,  information on gender-neutral restrooms, getting to SAIC, accessibility on campus, and service animals.

Current SAIC faculty and staff seeking workplace accommodations should refer to the information on SAIC's Accommodations and Accessibility Support page.

Students seeking disability accommodations for the first time are advised to schedule a time to meet with DLRC staff to discuss all of your accommodation needs.

Students already registered with the DLRC who want to learn more about requesting a new accommodation should schedule a time to meet with DLRC staff to discuss their accommodation needs.

Renewal Requests
Accommodation letters must be requested for each academic term. If you are a student currently registered with the DLRC and have received accommodation letters for a prior semester, please click the link below to request letters for the present semester.

DLRC Accommodation Letter

Requests for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Accommodations
If you are a student currently registered with the DLRC and require ASL interpreting, CART or RTI services, and/or Assisted Listening Devices, please contact the DLRC at 312.499.4278 or dlrc@saic.edu to make arrangements. 

Service Animals
Animals are not permitted in any SAIC campus building. However, if you are a student with a disability the following exceptions apply.

Service animals are permitted in all SAIC buildings. A service animal is any dog (or in some cases a miniature horse) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.  The work or task that the dog performs must be directly related to the individual’s disability, and can include a wide variety of services, such as assisting those with low vision, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, recognizing an impending seizure, and retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone.

Students who use a service animal are not required to register the animal with SAIC administration.  However, students that intend to bring a service animal to campus are highly encouraged to notify the Disability and Learning Resource Center (DLRC) at 312.499.4278. The DLRC can support the student by clarifying resources, policies, and helping the student navigate any logistical issues raised by the animal’s presence.

SAIC reserves the right to require the student to immediately remove a service animal from any SAIC building if (i) the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, (ii) the owner cannot effectively control the animal, or (iii) the animal is not housebroken.

Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals (ESA) are animals that are necessary to afford people with disabilities with an equal opportunity to use and enjoy on-campus housing. ESAs are only permitted in the individual's assigned residential room and outdoor spaces, if appropriate, under the proper handling. These animals are not permitted in other campus buildings. When the animal is transported outside the private residence areas, it must be in an animal carrier, on a leash or harness, and controlled at all times. 

ESA Accommodation Request Procedures 

Once an ESA accommodation has been approved through the DLRC, students will be referred to Residence Life staff to finalize the process.

Emotional Support Animal Guidelines Acknowledgement and Information Form

Once a student submits documentation of a disability to the Disability and Learning Resource Center (DLRC), appropriate accommodations specific to the student's individual needs will be provided upon request. However, in some instances, a request for an accommodation may be denied. If a student disagrees with DLRC's decision regarding the denial of an accommodation request, the student has the right to file a grievance.

Grievance Procedure Concerning Accommodations‌ 

Documenting a Learning Disability
Documentation of a Learning Disability must be in the form of a Comprehensive Psychoeducational Evaluation conducted within the past three years, although exceptions may be made if the evaluation was conducted when the student was 18 years of age or older. This documentation should be faxed to the DLRC at 312.499.4290 or mailed to:

Disability and Learning Resource Center
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Lakeview Building
116 S. Michigan Ave., 13th floor 
Chicago, IL 60603

The evaluation must address the following three areas:

1. Aptitude: A complete intellectual assessment with all sub-tests and standard scores reported. 
2. Achievement: A comprehensive academic achievement battery with all sub-tests and standard scores reported. The assessment should address current levels of academic achievement with regard to reading, mathematics, and oral and written language.
3. Information processing: Specific areas of information processing should be assessed, including short- and long-term memory, auditory and visual processing, and processing speed.

Documenting ADHD
Documentation of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder must also be comprehensive. Examples of appropriate forms of assessment include, but are not limited to: Clinical Interview, WAIS-III, Woodcock-Johnson III, Test of Variables of Attention, and ADHD Rating Scales. Present treatment and functional impact of the disability on the student's daily activities and academic performance must also be documented. Documentation forms should be completed by a qualified professional.

ADHD Documentation Form

Documenting a Physical Disability
Documentation of physical disabilities must include a formal diagnosis, current symptoms, expected duration, and progression of the disability, as well as present treatment. In addition, the current functional impact of the disability on the student's daily activities and academic performance must be documented so that necessary accommodations can be determined. Documentation forms should be completed by a qualified professional.

Physical Documentation Form 

Documenting a Sensory Disability
Documentation of sensory disability, such as Blind or Visually Impaired and Deaf or Hard of Hearing, should include a formal diagnosis, current symptoms, expected duration, and progression of the disability and should be completed by a qualified professional. In addition, documentation of specific information regarding the current functional impact of the disability on the student's daily activities and academic performance is preferred as it facilitates the determination of reasonable accommodations.

Physical and Sensory Documentation Form 

Documenting a Psychological Disability
Documentation of psychological disabilities must include a formal diagnosis, current symptoms, expected duration and progression of the disability, as well as present treatment. In addition, the current functional impact of the disability on the student's daily activities and academic performance must be documented so that necessary accommodations can be determined. Documentation forms should be completed by a qualified professional.

Psychological Documentation Form 

Understanding the power mechanisms behind language and oppression are essential to understanding a disability justice framework. Part I of the Disability Justice workshop series provides a foundation for understanding disability as a social justice issue by exploring access needs, language, and the many insidious forms of ableism and the ways they tie into other forms of oppression.

Disabled people have existed forever. Part II of the Disability Justice workshop series explores common models of understanding disability and analyzes how oppressive historical movements have impacted the legacy of the disability community leading up to the disability rights movement. The workshop will also outline the struggle of passing disability-centered legislation in the US, the role of the Independent Living movement in building local disability communities, and the concept of disability pride.

Disability justice transcends beyond the disability community. Part III of the Disability Justice workshop series will scrutinize the missing elements from the disability rights movement, dig into the ten principles of disability justice, and analyze case studies of contemporary disability justice-centered organizations and projects, providing insight into what disability justice looks like in practice, both within and apart from the disability community itself.

The DLRC is committed to identifying the latest assistive technology for students to use at little to no cost. This page includes technology, software, or mobile apps that may be used to help students excel academically and/or in the workforce. Our recommendations include technology that is compatible with Mac, Windows PC, iOS devices, and Android Devices. We strive to find assistive technology that can be obtained at a minimal cost for students. Majority of these recommendations have free versions or trials that can be upgraded if the student likes it. Please note that some of the suggestions are only available to students with the proper accommodations.

Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock: Mobile App Available on Android and iOS devices

Alarm clock and sleep tracker: Waking up made easy.

• Analyzes your sleep patterns in order to wake you up when you are in your lightest phase of sleep.
• Waking up during light sleep feels like waking up naturally, so you feel more rested

Learn more about Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock

MyFitnessPal: Web and Mobile App Available on Android, iOS devices and online

MyFitnessPal is a calorie counter, diet, and exercise journal app.

• Large database, making tracking food and exercise a breeze.

Learn more about MyFitnessPal

Headspace: Mobile App Available on Android and iOS devices

Meditation made simple.

• Learn to meditate and live mindfully.
• Provides guided meditation sessions as well as mindfulness training.

Learn more about Headspace

Breathe2Relax: Mobile App Available on Android and iOS devices

Breathe2Relax is a stress management tool that utilizes the "belly breathing" technique which has proven benefits for overall health. 

• Uses hands-on diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
• Benefits overall health by lowering stress, reducing anxiety, increasing energy reserve, controlling anger, stabilizing mood, and focusing the mind.

Learn more about Breathe2Relax

Glean Audio Notetaker: Software and Mobile App Available on: Mac, Windows PC, Android, and iOS devices

Capture all the important information simply and efficiently. 

• Work with audio recordings taken on your laptop or with the free mobile app. It’s easy to go back to the key moments - audio is visualized, phrase-by-phrase.
• Type your notes, add photos, and add lecture slides alongside your recording.
• Annotate by highlighting typed notes and color-coding audio.
• Listen back to the key moments of your recording at your own pace, or search for keywords in your typed notes when reviewing.

Learn more about Glean Audio Notetaker

Microsoft OneNote: Software/Web/Mobile App Available on: Mac, Windows PC, Android, iOS, and Online

Microsoft OneNote is a note-taking program that allows you to take notes, draw, keep to-do lists, and collaborate with other users.

• Easily access your notes from a computer and mobile device at any time.
• Record your lectures or meetings as you type your notes.
• Keep all your information in one place by importing your PowerPoint lectures into your notes or adding images/drawings.

Learn more about OneNote

Livescribe Echo Smartpen: Equipment available for purchase online or contact DLRC for more information

The Livescribe Echo Smartpen synchronizes audio to written notes allowing you to replay your lectures by simply tapping on your notes. Notes can be transferred to your computer and saved for fast and easy access to what's important

Learn more about Livescribe

AudioNote: Program Available on iOS,Android, Mac, Windows PC

AudioNote combines the functionality of a notepad and voice recorder to create a powerful tool that will save you time while improving the quality of your notes. By synchronizing notes and audio, AudioNote automatically indexes your meetings, lectures, interviews, or study sessions. 

Learn more about AudioNote

Noteability: Available on iOS and Mac

Notability is a powerful note-taker to annotate documents, sketch ideas, record lectures, and more on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Notability is the one place to create, share and manage your notes. It combines handwriting, typing, audio recordings, and photos so you can create notes that fit your needs. 

Learn more about Noteability

GoodNotes: Available on iOS and Mac

GoodNotes transforms your iPad into digital paper. It's a single place for all your handwritten notes and formerly paper-based information.

• Write and sketch with your finger or a stylus on digital paper & imported documents. You can add images, typed text and perfect shapes to the page and reorder and resize them as you wish.
• Quickly import PDF, Word, and PowerPoint files to annotate them or create a new blank notebook to take notes.

​Learn more about GoodNotes

PresentPal: Mobile App Available on Android and iOS devices

Presentation Support

• Prepare for presentations with more confidence
• Connects to PowerPoint

​Learn more about PresentPal

BibMe: Online Resource

BibMe is an online automatic bibliography maker on the web.

• Search for the citation information or manually enter it into the site
• Add citations to your work cited list
• When your research is over download your bibliography in one of the formats: MLA, APA and Chicago
• Offers a Plus account for $9.95 a month 

Learn more about BibMe

CitationGenerator: Online Resource

CitationGenerator makes citing easy and enjoyable.

• This tool helps to create citations for APA, MLA and Chicago
• Add Free

Learn more about CitationGenerator

Citation Machine: Online Resource

Citation Machine creates citations, work cited and bibliographies.

• Formatting options for MLA, APA and Chicago
• Fill in the web form with the information from your resource and click "Make Citation"
• Citation will show up on your screen to easily copy into your document
• Offers a Plus account for $9.95 a month

Learn more about Citation Machine 

Diigo: Available as a Chrome Extension and on iOS and Android

Diigo collects annotations, highlights and bookmarks for webpages.

• Available as a Chrome extension and a mobile app browser
• Add Sticky notes to webpages to review later
• Offers Upgraded Version for $40 a year

Learn more about Diigo

EasyBib: Online Resource

Description:

EasyBib is a free online bibliography and citation generator. 

• Provides MLA, APA, and Chicago citations for virtually any research source
• Manually input publication information for non-electronic sources or copy URL addresses into the website to create your citation
• Offers a Plus account for $9.95 a month

Learn more about EasyBib

Evernote Web Clipper: Chrome Extension 

Evernote Web Clipper lets you with a single click, clip part of any webpage including images, text and or links.

• Clippings get saved to your Evernote account for access later
• Collect research or items of interest in one place for easy organized information collection 
• Read and access your research from any computer or device

Learn more about Evernote Web Clipper

LiquidText: Available on iOS, Mac and Windows

LiquidText allows you to add articles and documents into one space.

• Link all of your notes and highlights next to the article for review later
• Pinch search and highlight mode allows for condensing an article or document to view your selected content together
• Additional features are available with the Pro version for a one-time purchase of $30

Learn more about LiquidText

Pearltrees: Available on iOS and Android

Prealtrees allows you to organize, explore and share resources when using the app.

• Add files, web pages, and photos and organize them according to project, assignment or collection
• Sync across computer, tablet and mobile device

Learn more about Pearltrees

Pocket: Online Resource and on iOS and Android

Pocket allows you to save interesting stories and read them whenever.

• Save articles, videos, webpages, photos or anything you find online to read later using this app
• Content syncs across all devices for easy access, anywhere, anytime
• Simple, easy-to-use interface for great viewing
• Share your clippings with others
• Premium version available for $4.99 a month

Learn more about Pocket

Scrible: Online Resource

Scrible lets you annotate, highlight and type right into your web browser.

• Capture thoughts and share your comments in the web page
• Share your annotation in a variety of formats with others via email or anywhere
• Pro Plan is available for $35 a year 

Learn more about Scrible

Windows Narrator: Built-in Software Available on: Windows PC

Hear text read aloud with Windows built-in text-to-speech feature.

• Narrator lets you use your PC without a display or mouse to complete common tasks if you're visually impaired.
• It reads and interacts with things on the screen, like text and buttons. Use Narrator to read and write and email, browse the internet, and work with documents.

Learn more about Windows Narrator

Apple VoiceOver: Built-in Software Available on: Mac and iOS devices

VoiceOver does more than tell you what's happening on your Mac or iPhone. It helps you make things happen. 

• For Macs, VoiceOver gives you auditory descriptions of each onscreen element and provides helpful hints along the way - whether you prefer using gestures, a keyboard, or a braille display. And it supports more than 35 languages, including multiple voice options. 
• For iPhones, VoiceOver allows you to hear a description of everything happening on your screen, from battery level to who's calling to which app your finger is on. You can also adjust the speaking rate and pitch to suit you. 
• VoiceOver works with any built-in apps on your Mac or iPhone.

Learn more about VoiceOver for Macs and for iPhones

BeeLine Reader: Google Chrome Extension

BeeLine Reader makes reading on-screen easier, faster, and more enjoyable. It uses a simple cognitive trick - an eye-guiding color gradient to pull your eyes from one line to the next. This technique increases reading speed and enhances focus.

• BeeLine facilitates visual tracking and enables the reader to focus on other aspects of reading, such as decoding and comprehension.
• The technology facilitates a higher degree of reading comprehension among all students, but is particularly helpful for students with attention deficits, vision impairments and dyslexia. 

Learn more about BeeLine Reader

Otter.AI: Phone or Web Browser

Record and review in real-time. Search, play, edit, organize, and share your conversations from any device.

• Record conversations using Otter on your phone or web browser. Import or sync recordings from other services. Integrate with Zoom.
• Get real-time streaming transcripts and, within minutes, rich, searchable notes with text, audio, images, speaker ID, and key phrases.
• Share or export voice notes to inform others and get on the same page. Create groups to invite collaborators and keep organized.

Learn more about Otter.AI

• Overview of how to use Otter Software
• Otter Demo and Features
• How to transcribe audio/video with Otter
• Using Otter with Zoom

Apple Voice Control: Built-in Software and Mobile Feature App Available on: Mac and iOS devices

Apple Voice Control is an accessibility feature that lets you speak commands to your Mac, iPhone, or iPad to do many tasks. 

• Voice Control allows you to launch apps, adjust volume, edit text, reboot your devices and more.
• Voice Control uses the Siri speech-recognition engine to improve on the enhanced dictation feature. 

Learn more about Apple Dictation 

• How to dictate with Voice Control on a Mac
• How to control your Mac using Voice Controls
• How to create custom Voice Control Commands for your Mac

Windows Speech Recognition: Built-in Software Available on: Windows PC

Windows Speech Recognition is a feature built into Windows PCs.

• Converts speech to text and allows you to control your device with your voice. 
• Works with Microsoft Word.

Learn more about Windows Speech Recognition

Microsoft Office Dictation: Feature Available in Microsoft Office

Dictation allows you to use speech-to-text to author content in Office with a microphone and reliable internet connection.

• It is a quick and easy way to get your thoughts out, create drafts or outlines, and capture notes. 

Learn More about Microsoft Office Dictation 

• How to use Microsoft Dictation
• How to use Voice Commands with Microsoft Dictation
• How to use Microsoft Dictation on the web

Google Voice Typing: Web Feature Available online in Google Docs when using Google Chrome.

Google Docs Voice Typing is a feature that can be used in Google Docs when using Google Chrome as a web browser.

• Write and edit papers using your voice.
• Select, format, and move text around a document with a few phrases and voice commands.
• To use it, you must be connected to the internet with the Google Chrome Browser on Windows, MacOS or Chromebook devices.

Learn more about Google Voice Typing

• How to use Voice Typing on Google Docs
• Voice Commands for Voice Typing on Google Docs

LinkedIn Learning: Online Learning Provider

Provides video courses that are taught by industry experts in software, creative and business skills.

• All SAIC Students have access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Choose from thousands of video tutorials covering software, creative and technology topics. 
• Explore the most in-demand skills based on your experience
• Learn from industry leaders all in one place.
• Access courses on your schedule, from any desktop or mobile device.
• Reinforce new knowledge with quizzes, exercise files and coding practice windows.

Learn more about LinkedIn Learning  

• New Students can activate their account here. 
• LinkedIn Learning Help Center
• Contact the CRIT Help Desk with other questions 

Quizlet: Web and Mobile App Available on Android, iOS, Chrome Extension and Online

Description: 

Improve your grades by studying with flashcards, games and more.

• A study resource that allows you to create and study your own flashcards.
• Flashcards that have been created by other users can also be used as resources.
• Great for all learning styles, as it can be used to study visually and auditorily.

Learn more about Quizlet

Khan Academy: Online Resource Available

You can learn anything. Expert-created content and resources for every subject and level. Always free.

• A collection of informational videos teaching about various subjects, ranging from math and science to history, economics, and more.
• Video tutorials can be found on the Khan Academy website or on YouTube.
• Offers practice exercises and a personalized learning dashboard to empower students to study at their own pace.

Learn more about Khan Academy 

Equatio: Software and Web App Available on: Mac, Windows PC, Google Chrome, and Web Resource

Easily add equations, formulas, graphs and more to your notes on Google Docs and Microsoft Word.

• Predicts what math expression you’re trying to write, transforms your handwriting into text, and ignores  ‘umms’ and ‘errs’ when you dictate aloud.
• Type, handwrite, or dictate any expression, with no tricky coding or math languages to master.
• When you’re done, just add the math to your document with a click.
• Works with Read&Write

Learn more about Equatio

MindMeister: Available on Mac, Windows, PC, iOS Devices, Android and online

MindMeister is a mind-mapping program

• You start with a central idea of theme, then draw lines that branch out into new "nodes", each with a new word or idea that is related to the first.
• Not only can you embed images and live videos inside your nodes, but you can also add team members to your mind map, upvote and downvote ideas and leave comments. 

Learn more about MindMeister

Faculty are encouraged to contact DLRC anytime to discuss the following:

• Concerns about specific students with disabilities
• Assistance in determining whether and how to provide recommended accommodations such as attendance flexibility and flexibility with deadlines
• General questions about disabilities
• General questions about resources for students with disabilities at SAIC and in the community
• Clarification of procedures for providing disability accommodations to SAIC students
• Assistance in communicating more effectively with students with disabilities
• Information about the Americans with Disabilities Act and other legal requirements related to students with disabilities in Higher Education

DLRC staff is available to give presentations at departmental or other meetings, on a wide range of topics related to supporting students with disabilities at SAIC. Presentations can vary in length and the topic(s) can be tailored to the needs of the department. A few examples of presentation topics include:

• Overview of Disability and Learning Resource Center Process, Policies, and Services
• Overview of Disability Laws applying to Higher Education in the United States 
• Overview of Laws and Policies related to Disability and Attendance/Grading
• Suggested Strategies for working with students with Learning Disabilities and ADD/ADHD
• Suggested Strategies for working with students with Physical Disabilities
• Suggested Strategies for working with students with Psychological Disabilities
• How to Create an Exhibition or Program Accessible for Students with Disabilities.

About Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

In order to ensure that students with disabilities are aware of the process by which they should request and receive disability accommodations, the Disability and Learning Resource Center (DLRC) recommends that faculty include the following statement on their course syllabi. The statement emphasizes that a student's first step in discussing or requesting disability accommodations should be contacting the DLRC. Once students have initiated contact with the DLRC, their disability documentation will be reviewed and a plan for reasonable accommodations/adjustments will be made. Once accommodations are approved through DLRC and students have requested faculty letters, the DLRC will send the accommodation letters directly to both students and faculty. The DLRC will work with instructors as needed to implement the approved accommodations. Instructors should encourage students who report disabilities to come to the DLRC and should not approve, deny, or provide accommodations/adjustments themselves. Instructors are encouraged to contact staff at the DLRC at any time (see contact info below) with questions about these statements or about the provision of accommodations to students with disabilities.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

SAIC is committed to full compliance with all laws regarding equal opportunities for students with disabilities. Students with known or suspected disabilities, such as a Reading/Writing Disorder, ADHD, and/or a mental health condition who think they would benefit from assistance or accommodations should first contact the Disability and Learning Resource Center (DLRC) by phone at 312.499.4278 or email at dlrc@saic.edu. DLRC staff will review your disability documentation and work with you to determine reasonable accommodations. They will then provide both you and your instructor with a letter outlining your approved accommodations. You should contact the DLRC as early in the semester as possible. The DLRC is located on the 13th floor of the Lakeview Building, 116 South Michigan Avenue.

Read&Write: Software and Web App Available on: Mac, Windows PC, and Google Chrome 

An easy-to-use toolbar that makes documents, files and web pages more accessible. 

• Read&Write integrates reading, writing, studying, and research support tools with common applications. 
• Offers a variety of features, like reading out loud, built-in dictionaries, summary highlighters, and turning text to audio files. 

Learn more about Read&Write

Voice Dream Reader: Mobile App Available on: iOS and Android

Read just about anything that contains text using Voice Dream Reader.

• With advanced text-to-speech and customizable reading layout, it can be tailored to suit every reading style from completely auditory to completely visual, plus a synchronized combination of both.
• Designed for people with dyslexia, visually impaired, and other learning styles. 

Learn more about Voice Dream Reader

myHomework: Available on Mac, Windows PC, Android, Kindle and iOS devices

myHomework is an easy way to manage school life.

• Virtual Planner to track your homework, tests, projects and lessons
• Set and receive reminders when assignments are due or tests are coming up
• Set up your class schedule within the app
• Synch your information with any of the available devices
• Integrates and works with Teachers.io
• Offers Premium for $4.99 a year

Learn more about myHomework

Agenda: Available on iOS

Agenda is a task and note-taking app with date/time markers.

• Create to-do lists for present and future dates
• Track to-do list items in a timeline format and add new detailed notes
• Offers Premium features to be purchased 

Learn more about Agenda 

Any.do: Available on iOS, Mac, Android, Chrome Extension and Windows with Free and Premium Options :

Any.do lets you stay organized and get more done.

• Manage your life in a simple, clever, and fun way using this to-do list app
• Synch your tasks on your mobile device and computer or use the Chrome extension to sync with Gmail
• Use the reminder feature so you never forget what you need to do or where you need to be
• Premium option offered

Learn more about Any.do

Bullet Journal App: Available on iOS and Android for $4.99

The Bullet Journal App lets you utilize the Bullet Journal method to log tasks and to-do's.

• Offers a searchable log and reflection tracker to organize and prioritize tasks 
• Includes guides and articles to help you get started

Learn more about the Bullet Journal App

Dynalist: Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Linux

Dynalist helps with task breakdown and organization.

• Connect tasks to one another for easy navigation 
• Trackable and searchable options for your to-dos
• Offers Pro for $7.99 a month 

Learn more about Dynalist

Google Keep: An Online Resource and on Android and iOS

Google Keep is a visual bulletin board of Post-it notes with reminders, tasks and lists.

• Ability to color code your notes, add reminders, and add photos and pictures to your notes
• Use your Google account to sync this on your computer, tablet, phone and other Google Suite apps

Learn more about Google Keep

iStudiez Pro: Available on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android 

iStudiez Pro lets you stay organized and on top of all your schoolwork.

• Using the built-in planner you can get alerts and reminders about homework, deadlines and meetings
• Sync on all your devices so you're never without this tool
• Offers in-app purchases

Learn more about iStudiez Pro

MyStudyLife: Available on iOS and Android

MyStudyLife helps you keep track of school work, assignments, courses and exams.

• Use the dashboard to schedule all your school-related work
• Cross platform allows for access to your organizer wherever, whenever
• Set reminders to help ensure all your work is done on time

Learn more about MyStudyLife

Notion: Available as a Web application as well as on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android

Notion is a one-stop shop for organizational planning to keep track of all of your daily tasks and schedules.

• Customizable pages or pre-fabricated organizing templates
• Notion pages can be shared with others for collaboration or team planning
• Offered as a desktop, mobile, and web application so you can access Notion anywhere
• Offers Pro for $4.00 a month 

Learn more about Notion

Priority Matrix: Available as Online Resource as well as on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android

Priority Matrix is a simple interface task management app.

• Uses methods of time management to help manage priorities
• Divide your tasks into one of four categories: Critical - Do Now, Critical but Not Urgent, Urgent but Can Be Delegated and Uncategorized 
• App includes visual icons, email reports, master list of daily or weekly action items and more
• Ability to sync between devices and track your progress
• Offers Basic for free, an Essential Version for $8.00 a month and Pro for $12.00 a month

Learn more about Priority Matrix

Remember the Milk: Online Resource and Available on iOS, Android, Windows and Mac

Remember the Milk is a task and to-do list tracker so you 'never forget the milk'.

• Organize your tasks with priorities, subtasks, due dates, time estimates, tags, repeating tasks and more
• Sync tasks on multiple devices and with calendars such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCal
• Get email, text or Instant Message Reminders to yourself using the website reminder feature
• Offers a pro feature

Learn more about Remember the Milk

Station: Available as a Chrome Extension

Station is a browser to organize all applications you have.

• Includes a smart dock for quick access to your applications
• Searchable across applications
• Enable focus mode to toggle application notifications on and off

Learn more about Station

Todoist: Available on Windows Mac, iOS, Android, and as an Online Resource

Todoist allows you to have notifications, prioritization, reminders, notes and filters in this all-in-one to-do list.

• Access tasks from anywhere, collaborate on shared tasks, and linked with other apps
• Streamlined, intuitive design makes it easy to use with templates to get you started
• Offers Premium for $4.00 a month

Learn more about Todoist

Trello: Available as a Web Application as well as on iOS and Android 

Trello is a visual tool to help manage any type of project, workflow and task tracking.

• Displays tasks and priorities in a creative and collaborative way
• Customizable boards, lists, and templates to help you organize your to-do lists
• Ability to track progress for tasks

Learn more about Trello 

Workflowy: Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android

Workflowy is an organizational tool used to help manage to-do lists.

• Allows you to collaborate on projects, take notes, write research papers, journal and plan
• Free version allows for 500 items per month
• Nested layouts, lists, bullets, ability to add dates and other format and layout options
• Sync between phone, tablet and computer
• Offers Pro version for $4.99 a month

Learn more about Workflowy

Reminders: Software and Mobile App Available on Mac and iOS devices

Reminders is a feature built into iOS and Mac products.

• Allows you to create and manage to-do items to organize any aspect of your life.

Learn more about Reminders

Google Calendar: Available on Android, iOS devices and online

Google Calendar lets you keep track of your own events and share your calendars with others.

• It will send you reminders as emails, text messages, or notifications directly on your phone.
• Link your calendar with your email account and any email about an event will add your calendar automatically.
• It is a great way to keep track of and balance your school, work and/or social life.

Learn more about Google Calendar

Aira: Available on iOS and Android

Aira is a visual interpreting application for people who are blind or have low vision. 

• Delivers instant access to visual information in the touch of a button that enhances everyday efficiency, engagement and independence
• Connects customers to trained agents to support visual access
• 5 minutes of free use daily with prices plans available 

Learn more about Aira

Be My Eyes: Available on iOS and Android

Be My Eyes is a free mobile app for blind and low vision individuals for visual assistance.

• Sets up a video call with the user and a sighted volunteer
• Through the live video call, you and a volunteer can communicate directly and solve a problem

Learn more about Be My Eyes

NVDA Screen Reader: Available on Windows

NVDA, NonVisual Desktop Access is a free, open source screen reader built for Windows based operating system computers

• Download to your computer directly or to a USB drive and run on any computer without installation
• Works with many popular applications such as web browsers, email and Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to convert text into Braille using Refreshable Braille Display 

Learn more about NVDA Screen Reader 

Can You See Me: Available on Windows (Compatible with NVDA, Dolphin Screen Reader and JAWS)

Can You See Me checks for camera position to ensure that the camera is positioned correctly in front of the user.

• Tells the user where they are located in the camera frame
• Useful for online meetings such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams
• Gives simple verbal feedback
• The tool uses on-device computer vision
• If using NVDA, Dophin Screen Reader or JAWS prompts will be spoken through your screen reader, if not using a compatible screen reader the tool will speak its prompts itself 

Learn more about Can Your See Me

Color Enhancer: Chrome Extension

Color Enhancer is Google's accessibility extension for color adjustment on webpages.

• Customizable settings to help with color perception

Learn more about Color Enhancer

Fokus: Chrome Extension and Firefox Add-On

Fokus highlights only the text you want to read while dimming and darkening the rest of the Chrome or Firefox window with an overlay.

• Highlights the paragraph you are reading with the ability to change the opacity of the background overlay
• Easy to install extension with the ability to turn the feature on and off

Learn more about Fokus

High Contrast: Chrome Extension

High Contrast is Google's accessible extension that allows you to change or invert the color scheme to make webpages easier to read.

• Contains various options for default color schemes for user's preference
• Keyboard shortcut to enable and disable extension 

Learn more about High Contrast

Lookout - Assisted Vision: Available on Android

Lookout - Assisted Vision is Google's vision assistance app that utilizes a phone camera

• Available modes include: text, explore, food labes, documents and currency
• Contains optical character recognition (OCR)

Learn more about Lookout  - Assisted Vision

Microsoft Soundscape: Available on iPhone

Microsoft Soundscape is a spatial audio app that provides audio cues for navigation.

• Customizable audio beacons
• Describes your location, nearby marker, things around you and ahead of you

Learn more about Microsoft Soundscape

TapTapSee: Available on iOS and Android devices

TapTapSee helps you identify everyday objects and is for anyone with a visual impairment or blind.

• Double tap the screen, take a picture of the object, and hear what the object is spoken out loud
• Turn VoiceOver on to have the object description read out loud
• The app can accurately analyze and identify any two or three-dimensional object at any angle within seconds. 

Learn more about TapTapSee

Read&Write: Software and Web App Available on: Mac, Windows PC, and Google Chrome 

An easy-to-use toolbar that makes documents, files and web pages more accessible. 

• Read&Write integrates reading, writing, studying, and research support tools with common applications. 
• Offers a variety of features, like reading out loud, built-in dictionaries, speech-input and mind mapping (visual organization of ideas).

Learn more about Read&Write

Ginger: Software/Web/Mobile App Available on: Mac, Windows PC, Android, iOS, Google Chrome Extension, Safari Extension, and Online Web page 

Ginger is a spelling, grammar, and punctuation-checking program that provides valuable writing support.

• Go beyond the basic spell check and grammar check, get quick access to complementary writing tools like translation, definition, contextual synonyms and sentence rephraser.
• Ginger corrects all grammatical mistakes including punctuation, sentence structure, and style.
• Whether you’re writing for business, sending an email, or completing a school assignment - Ginger will be there to make sure your text is clear and is of the highest caliber.

Learn more about Ginger

Mindly: Software and Mobile App Available on: Mac, Android, and iOS devices

Mindly is a mind-mapping program that allows you to easily organize your thoughts in an effective way that helps you focus and develop your ideas further.

• Capture your ideas. Create quick summaries. Plan your projects.
• With you all the time, on all different devices.

Learn more about Mindly

Canva: Software and Mobile App Available on: Online, Android, and iOS Devices

Canva is an easy-to-use graphic design tool that allows you to organize your ideas through mind mapping and other features. 

• Data visualization made easy.
• Made to fast-track your workflow.

Learn more about Canva

Federal disability law defines a person with a disability as an individual who has a physical or mental impairment that significantly restricts one or more major life activities. These activities may include, but are not limited to, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, walking, communicating, reading, learning, or concentrating.

An accommodation is the modification, adjustment, or elimination of a barrier to a program or service to enable an individual with a disability to participate equally. Examples of accommodations include flexibility with deadlines, extended time for test taking, conversion of documents to alternative formats, and real-time captioning.

No. To ensure that SAIC is following best practices and ensuring equal access under the law, students should be referred to the DLRC before accommodations are provided. Accommodations should not be provided on an informal basis. The DLRC will help the student use established procedures for requesting disability services and fully explore all other barriers that might impact their ability to participate in the SAIC experience fully.

SAIC is committed to ensuring that students' accommodations are effectively met. Instructors play a crucial role in this process. It is their responsibility to ensure that courses are accessible to all enrolled students and that the approved accommodations of students in the course(s) are implemented. While the DLRC provides resources to assist with alternative format text, communication access services, notetaking, and exam proctoring, instructors are primarily responsible for implementing accommodations when given timely notice from the student. If you have any questions or concerns about implementing DLRC-approved accommodations in your course, please contact the DLRC.

Students have the right to keep information about their disability private, but some may decide to share details. Once a student shares this information, faculty must keep it confidential. If a student discloses a disability but does not provide an accommodation letter from the Disability and Learning Resource Center, they should be directed to the DLRC.

The discussion should revolve around ensuring equal access in the classroom. Some questions to consider include:

• Do you have any specific class participation, attendance, or test-taking needs?
• What are some ways to ensure that you are able to take part in the course fully?
• What accommodations have worked well for you in other courses?

Faculty should refrain from asking about the specific details of a student's disability or requesting disability documentation or proof of a disability. If you need more information beyond what is stated in the Accommodation Letter, please reach out to the DLRC.

Faculty should work with the DLRC to explore options that meet the student's needs while maintaining the course's core requirements.