Students: Access to assistive technology at home

We are all learning to adapt to new circumstances of studying at home, participating in virtual meetings, and participating in virtual classrooms. The following resources and assistive technologies have been temporarily been made free of charge and accessible for home use during this time.

Team and video conferencing software

In a short amount of time, students, faculty and staff are having to learn new tools and technologies to manage with the transition to online learning. Below are a few tips regarding the accessibility features of a few of these technologies, to support the transition:

Accessibility features of WebEx

WebEx has recently launched some enhanced accessibility features for users. Open the items below to learn about enabling accessibility features.

Accessibility features of Zoom

Instructors: Accessibility during COVID-19

Exams

The SAS Exam Centre staff are available Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, by phone 204-474-6213 and email sasexams@umanitoba.ca (all campuses) and sasbc@umanitoba.ca (Bannatyne campus).

SAS staff are on call for urgent situations during evenings and weekends. Please email sasexams@umanitoba.ca and we will call you back. Please remember to send your phone number if you would like a call back.

We are in the process of contacting students and instructors about upcoming booked final exams to find out the exam format. The SAS Exam Centre staff can provide instructions about adding extended time accommodations to UMLearn tests. We are available through online, email or phone to assist in creating alternate format exams with instructors.

Classroom support staff (ASL-English Interpreters, Transcriptionists, Notetakers, Academic Attendants) are available to support students with alternate format coursework. Students should be able to contact their staff directly. For any challenges, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator directly. The student’s Accessibility Coordinator is found at the bottom of the letter of accommodation.

Accessibility Coordinators and the Assistive Technologist are available by phone, email, or online appointment, please contact an Accessibility Coordinator directly, the general office by phone 204-474-7423 or email student_accessibility@umanitoba.ca. The office is available for phone and email inquiries Monday-Friday between 8:30am - 4:30pm.

Each student we work with has specific accommodation plans available to instructors through the SAS scheduler. We encourage you to consult with us if you have any questions regarding accessibility accommodation requests.

Below are some helpful links to assist you in creating accessible course content:

We are in this together!

We are happy to help instructors during this challenging time.  Please reach out to our office if you need assistance with a student’s accommodation(s).  Be sure to continue watching the University of Manitoba’s website for direct information and our latest updates.  We wish you a safe and healthy exam season and summer session!