Assistive Technology at Student Access Services

Student Access Services (SAS) provides students with access to Assistive Technology (AT) that can help them learn material, complete assignments, and study more effectively. As an office, we have equipment to create e-books in PDF and Microsoft Word format for students who have been approved to receive "books in alternate format" as an accommodation. Below, you will find a list of some of the AT products that our office has available for SAS-registered students who are eligible to receive AT products as per appropriate disability documentation. All Mac users should have Microsoft Word on their computers to request books in alternate format from SAS.

Student Access Services (SAS) provides students with access to Assistive Technology (AT) that can help them learn material, complete assignments, and study more effectively. As an office, we have equipment to create e-books in PDF and Microsoft Word format for students who have been approved to receive "books in alternate format" as an accommodation. Below, you will find a list of some of the AT products that our office has available for SAS-registered students who are eligible to receive AT products as per appropriate disability documentation. All Mac users should have Microsoft Word on their computers to request books in alternate format from SAS.

This screen reading software is provided for students with disabilities related to reading and processing. Electronic versions of academic books can be read to students using this software. Kurzweil 3000 also has "Read the Web" options and allows students to organize reading materials in ways that help them study more effectively. We have versions of Kurzweil 3000 for both PC and Mac computers.

This is screen reading software for students who are blind. This software can read anything on a computer screen as long as there are no images or symbols (like in a PDF). A student must learn the keystroke commands on either a laptop or desktop o master the use of this amazing technology. For exams, all documents should be given to a Services for Student Access Services (SAS) coordinator in Microsoft Word format.

This is a Braille typewriter. The Braille is embossed onto Braille paper.

This software works with our high-speed scanner to create PDF files from scanned pages of books, files, etc.

Software provides speech to text transcription and translation applications using artificial intelligence. It shows captions for live speakers, and generates written transcriptions of the speeches.

Housing Accommodations

If you are requesting any housing accommodation (ie. Medical Single) for an upcoming semester, please fill out the application for servicesa self-disclosure form, and send us documentation of your disability if you are not already registered with SAS. The Office of Residence Life offers a variety of living environments that accommodate many different lifestyle needs. The University is committed to providing reasonable housing accommodations to students who require them due to a disability, including the accommodation of a single room where medically necessary. Please contact SAS@hofstra.edu for further instruction on requesting housing accommodations.

Timeline for Housing Accommodations

New students should submit all documentation to SAS at the time they submit their deposit to the University, which is typically May 1. Returning students who are requesting housing accommodations for the first time or are renewing their request should submit documentation by the "homesteading deadline" in the room selection process. These deadlines are established to give the University sufficient time to review requests and for consideration to be given before the housing assignment.
 
Please note that learning to share space and connecting with others is an essential part of living in a residential community. Requests for special housing accommodations based on preferences, as opposed to need, will be declined as disability accommodations. For example, a student diagnosed with a disability seeking a single room to serve as a distraction-free, undisturbed place to study represents a preference, but not a necessity.

Medical Single Room Placement Application

A recommendation from Student Access Services for the accommodation of a single room requires an updated student request each year, unless waived by SAS. You may be asked for updated medical documentation from your treating provider.

Documentation must include all of the following:

  1. Diagnosis of condition
  2. Nature of related symptoms, severity of symptoms
  3. Length of time you have been symptomatic
  4. How your symptoms functionally prevent you from living with a roommate
  5. History of related hospitalizations, if applicable
  6. A specific recommendation that it is your treating physician’s professional opinion that an accommodation of a single room placement is required to accommodate your disability; even though this may increase isolation.
  7. Verification from the practitioner of ongoing treatment for your disability (dependent upon diagnosis)

The SAS team will review submitted documentation to determine whether you are eligible to receive a single room accommodation recommendation. Please be sure to include your contact information on the documentation form so that SAS may contact you to discuss your request when it is reviewed for eligibility. If you are eligible, a recommendation will be made to the Director of Residential Operations for you to receive the accommodation.

The Director of Residential Operations is not advised of your diagnosis. It is entirely your choice to share or not share this information. All room assignments are subject to availability.

SAS complies with federal and state disability laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1978, and the Fair Housing Act, that prohibit discrimination and require that universities ensure equal access for qualified persons with disabilities to educational programs, services, and activities, including residential facilities. Please complete the medical single form to assist SAS in determining appropriate and reasonable disability accommodations.

Resources & Forms

  • Academic Coaching Program PDF
  • Foreign Language Substitution Form DOC
  • Guidelines for Attendance Modification Accommodations DOC
  • Testing Accommodations/Sign-up Form Fillable DOC | Printable DOC