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Blind and Low Vision Services

Accessibility and Disability Services (ADS) provides a range of accommodations to support students who are blind or have low vision, helping ensure equal access to course materials and campus resources. Examples of these accommodations are listed below.

For general questions about ADS accommodations, contact ADS at 801-957-4659 or email ADS@slcc.edu. For questions about approved assistive technology or alternative format accommodations, contact the Assistive Technology Lab at 801-957-5000.

New to Accessibility & Disability Services? Fill out the ADS Student Accommodation Application and a member of ADS will contact you to schedule an informational meeting with an Accessibility Advisor.

Assistive Technology

Accessibility & Disability Services (ADS) offers a variety of assistive technology tools to support students who are blind or have low vision. Students with approved accommodations can check out these devices at no cost to help ensure equal access to course materials and campus resources.

Aira.io Visual Interpreting Service

SLCC provides free unlimited access to Aira.io visual interpreting service on campus, on the SLCC.edu website, and SLCC Canvas. Just download the Aira Explorer app, log in, and use your phone's camera to connect with a trained Aira agent.

Links to Download Aira App

Signing up for an Aira Guest Account

  • Step 1: Download the Aira Explorer app to your smartphone.
  • Step 2: Open the app, enter your mobile number and select the "Get Started” button.
  • Step 3: We'll send you a text with a temporary, four-digit Aira code. Enter the code in the app to verify your mobile number.
  • Step 4: You're now ready to connect with an Aira agent.

Screen Reader Accessible Campus Map Navigation

Salt Lake Community College is now a proud partner with MazeMap, an accessible wayfinding map application that aids all SLCC community members in finding classes & rooms, avoiding obstacles & construction, and text or text-to-speech navigation using a smartphone or computer! On the top banner of SLCC.edu where you find "MySLCC," select the tab "Maps," and MazeMap will present an interactive map that 3D models each building for all of our campuses. These maps include the location of accessible entrances, elevators, and how to navigate to those areas. In addition, there is a screen reader mode that lists the content in text only, a high-contrast mode for low-vision and colorblindness, and an option to "avoid obstacles and barriers" for people who use wheelchairs and/or other mobility aids. Make sure to turn on location services on your phone or computer so the app can provide the navigation features listed above.

If you have trouble with using the app or if you find unmarked/incorrectly marked locations, please reach out to Ken Perko at KPerko@slcc.edu.

CCTVs and Magnification Devices

DaVinci Pro CCTVs are available for open use at the Taylorsville Redwood, South City, and Jordan campus libraries. List of SLCC Library Locations and Hours.

Students with an approved accommodation through ADS may also be eligible to check out portable CCTVs and hand magnifiers at no cost.

Braille Displays

For students that prefer reading in braille, a braille display can provide a flexible and portable way to access digital content. These devices use refreshable braille cells to present text in real-time, working alongside screen readers to convert on-screen information into braille. Braille displays can be used with documents, websites, and apps, and they connect to computers, tablets, or phones via Bluetooth or USB.

Audio Descriptions for Videos

Accessibility and Disability Services (ADS) collaborates with faculty and staff to provide audio-described versions of video content upon request. These descriptions support access to SLCC course materials, events, and activities for students who are blind or have low vision.

Accessible Textbook and Handout Formats

Accessibility and Disability Services (ADS) can provide accessible versions of textbooks and course handouts for eligible students. Current ADS students approved for this accommodation can request accessible book formats through the Alternative Textbook Request Form. If you would like to request an accessible version of a course handout, please email the ADS Assistive Technology Coordinator at Jamie.Bird@slcc.edu. Below are some examples of accessible alternative formats offered by ADS.

Word Format

Screen-reader accessible Word documents can be provided for textbooks and handouts. These formats are compatible with screen readers and devices like the Victor Reader Stream, allowing students to access content in a way that meets their individual needs.

Victor Reader Stream

Accessibility and Disability Services (ADS) can help convert students’ course textbooks and handouts into accessible Word document formats and upload them to their Victor Reader Stream.

Students can also connect their Victor Reader Stream to Bookshare, a digital library offering thousands of accessible book titles in formats like audio, braille, and large print. To get started, apply for an Individual Bookshare Membership for unlimited access to their collection.

Braille

Accessibility & Disability Services (ADS) provides course materials in braille for students with approved accommodations. Braille formats are available for textbooks, handouts, exams, and other instructional content to ensure access to essential information in a format that meets the student's needs.

Braille Displays

Braille displays are available for checkout at no cost through ADS accommodations. These portable devices provide a convenient way to access digital content in braille while on the go.

Embossed Braille

Accessibility and Disability Services (ADS) can provide course materials in embossed paper braille format upon request. This service requires advance notice, as production can take time and may need to be outsourced depending on the volume and complexity of the materials.

Students are encouraged to submit requests as early as possible to avoid delays.

Tactile Graphics

Accessibility and Disability Services (ADS) can provide tactile graphics to support access to visual course materials such as diagrams, charts, maps, and illustrations. These graphics are produced using braille embossing or swell form (also known as thermoforming), which creates raised lines and textures that can be felt by touch.

Tactile graphics are created based on the content and complexity of the original material, and production may require additional time. Students are encouraged to request tactile graphics as early as possible to ensure timely access to course content.

Reader Scribe

Accessibility & Disability Services (ADS) provides trained readers and scribes to support students in accessing course materials during both classroom instruction and exams. Readers assist by reading aloud as requested, while scribes write or type exactly what the student dictates. This service helps ensure access to academic content without altering course standards. To maintain this accommodation, students are expected to communicate clearly, arrive on time for scheduled classes or exams, and follow ADS guidelines.

For additional questions, please call the ADS main office at 801-957-4659 or email ADS@slcc.edu.