Students expect frictionless accommodations, accessible course media, and transparent support pathways.
Avg accommodation processing time: 7 days
What this page helps you do
- Request and renew accommodations through the DRC without guessing the right language.
- Get captioned media, accessible notes, and readable documents for your courses.
- Report barriers in buildings, buses, websites, or apps and know what to expect next.
Top tasks
| Task | Steps | Primary Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Request or renew accommodations | Gather documentation → Submit via DRC portal → Meet Access Consultant → Share letters with instructors. | DRC Portal |
| Get captioned media | Check Panopto captions → Request edits via instructor or UCATT form → Escalate urgent needs. | Panopto, UCATT Multimedia |
| Report a barrier | Document issue (URL/location) → Submit Access Report form → Receive follow-up within 2 business days. | Access Report, accessibility@arizona.edu |
Impactful principles & tools
Accessibility shouldn’t feel like extra work for students. Use this guided checklist to know what “good” looks like and what to request from faculty and staff. Each item maps back to the WCAG 2.2 AA highlights.
- Web pages must keep focus visible and unobstructed (SC 2.4.11/2.4.13) so you never lose your place.
- Buttons, menus, and drag interactions need keyboard alternatives (SC 2.1.1, 2.5.7).
- All course images, charts, and infographics require meaningful alternative text per WebAIM guidance.
When you find issues, include evidence from the tools campus teams use:
- Accessibility Insights FastPass (Edge/Chrome) for quick WCAG checks.
- WebAIM WAVE browser extension for headings, contrast, and form labels.
- DubBot campus scans (request via accessibility@arizona.edu) for recurring issues on college sites.
Attach screenshots or exported reports when submitting an Access Report.
Ask instructors to run Microsoft Accessibility Checker before sharing Word, PowerPoint, or Excel files. For PDFs, request tagged versions following the Adobe remediation guide so reading order and labels make sense on screen readers.
If you receive slides without alt text or captions, reference the Document & Media hub when requesting fixes.
Guidance
Official accommodation processes, documentation submission, and Access Consultant appointments are managed by the Disability Resource Center. For the most accurate, up-to-date procedures and to register or renew services, go directly to the DRC student portal: https://drc.arizona.edu/students/connect-drc.
Use the caption toggle in Panopto and Zoom recordings. If captions are inaccurate, request edits through your instructor or the UCATT Multimedia team.
- For live classes, request CART/ASL via the DRC form at least 5 business days prior.
- Download transcripts when available for studying offline.
- Report inaccessible platforms (e.g., textbook tools) via the Access Report form.
Use the Campus Accessibility map to scout routes, seating, and parking. When events lack interpreters or captions, notify organizers and DRC.
Need immediate help? Contact 520-621-3268.
Tools & contacts
DRC Student Portal
Submit documentation, schedule appointments, download accommodation letters.
UCATT Student Help Center
Guides for Panopto, Zoom, D2L, VoiceThread, and other academic tools.
Assistive technologies to support
Students use a mix of screen readers and magnifiers. Build and test experiences with the following tools and coordinate licenses via the DRC:
- JAWS for Windows and NVDA for desktop coursework, quizzes, and administrative systems.
- VoiceOver on macOS/iOS and TalkBack on Android for Brightspace, Panopto, and campus apps.
- Fusion (JAWS + ZoomText) and standalone ZoomText for low-vision access at 200%+ magnification.
See Assistive Technology Coverage for full expectations and training links.
DRC assistive technology resources
The DRC maintains an extensive catalog of tools you can download, request, or test. Highlights below are paraphrased from the Assistive Technology for Students page so you can get started quickly.
- Speechify Premium (free with @arizona.edu) – activate via incognito browser, then use the web app, Chrome extension, desktop app, or iOS/Android for natural voices and playlist-style reading.
- Microsoft Edge Read Aloud & Immersive Reader – open textbooks in Edge, select the “A” icon to hear content, change speed, or highlight text.
- Arizona Ally – convert Brightspace files into audio (MP3), HTML, EPUB, BeeLine Reader, or selectable-text PDFs.
- Additional readers: Balabolka, Central Access Reader, NaturalReader, Capti Voice, Adobe Read Out Loud, and Voice Dream mobile apps.
- Live captions – JamWorks, Just Press Record, Maestra, Chrome Live Caption, Apple Live Caption (Mac/iPhone), and Microsoft Live Captions (Windows 11) offer automated speech-to-text.
- Note taking apps – OneNote, JamWorks, Notability, Genio (Glean/Sonocent), Evernote + Penultimate provide synced audio/text capture. UA recommends alternatives to Otter.ai because of data policies.
- Voice input – Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Office 365 Dictate, Quillsoft WordQ, and built-in Apple/Microsoft dictation support hands-free writing.
- Magnification – ZoomText (free home license with UA email), Microsoft Magnifier, macOS Vision tools, and Fusion (JAWS + ZoomText) for combined speech/magnification.
- Screen readers – JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack, Microsoft Narrator, and Fusion provide full-page reading; UA students can request sponsored JAWS/Fusion licenses.
- Readability aids – BeeLine Reader overlays, SS Overlay color filters, and concept-mapping apps (C-Map, XMind, Gliffy) support focus and organization.
- Braille & EPUB – Duxbury Braille Translator, RoboBraille for quick conversions, and Thorium Reader for EPUB files.
- Microsoft toolkit – Ease of Access settings, Immersive Reader in Teams/OneNote, Edge Read Aloud, and color filters tutorials.
- Apple accessibility – macOS/iOS accessibility overview, literacy tools, Voice Control/Dictation, and Live Caption guides.
- Campus services – UA Library Accessibility Services, 24/7 IT Support, THINK TANK workshops, OSCR labs, and UITS student resources can help install or troubleshoot devices.
- Aira – on-demand visual interpretation via trained agents; UA partners can request passes for campus navigation.
- Be My Eyes – volunteers and enterprise partners provide visual assistance calls, including Specialized Help for tech support.
- AppleVis – community-driven guides, app directories, and podcasts focused on VoiceOver users across iOS, macOS, and watchOS.
- National Federation of the Blind (NFB) – advocacy, scholarships, tech resources, and local chapters for networking.
- American Council of the Blind (ACB) – community events, podcasts, and advocacy updates covering low-vision tools.
- American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) – research, policy briefs, and the AFB CareerConnect mentoring network.
- DO-IT Center (University of Washington) – postsecondary accessibility playbooks, AccessSTEM/AccessComputing communities, and mentoring programs.
- CAST & AEM Center – Accessible Educational Materials guidance for digital textbooks, STEM content, and assistive technology selection.
- National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD) – DREAM student network, resource clearinghouse, and the Campus Disability Resource Database.
- HEATH Resource Center – transition guides, financial aid info, and disability support directories tailored to college students.
- EDUCAUSE IT Accessibility Community Group – higher-ed IT professionals sharing procurement, policy, and tooling practices.
- Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) – conference sessions and webinars focused on campus disability services and instructional design.
- National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes – guidance on interpreting, captioning, and inclusive campus climate for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
- CSUN Assistive Technology Conference – annual U.S. event showcasing education-focused AT research, vendor demos, and recorded sessions.
- Arizona Technology Access Program (AZTAP) – statewide assistive technology demonstrations, device loans, and training with strong ties to schools and universities.
- VRATE Conference – annual Phoenix-based assistive technology conference connecting students, educators, and disability professionals across Arizona.
If you need help selecting or installing any tool, email accessibility@arizona.edu or call 520-621-3268. The DRC tech team can schedule demos, provide training, and coordinate equipment loans.
Training & community
- Access Peer Network – student-led tips on self-advocacy and accessible tech.
- UCATT workshops – how to use Panopto transcripts and accessible study tools.
- Leadership & service – join the Accessibility Advisory Board to share feedback.
Feedback
Use the Access Report or email accessibility@arizona.edu with suggestions. We respond within two business days.
Last reviewed: 2026-01-05 · Next review: 2026-02-20 · Owner: DRC + Accessibility Team
Next steps for students
- If you need accommodations: Log in to the DRC student portal and review your letters for this term.
- If a course or tool is not accessible: Submit an Access Report with screenshots or examples.
- If you're not sure where to start: Email accessibility@arizona.edu and describe what you're trying to do in your own words.
Sharing barriers and questions will not get you or anyone else in trouble—it helps Arizona fix issues and improve access for more students.
Student resources
Related guides you may need
Your situation may overlap with these roles:
For Parents
If you are supporting a student, the Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the official resource for accommodations, parental involvement guidance, and privacy (FERPA) questions. Parents should contact DRC directly for official processes and next steps.
Working with Faculty
Understand what faculty are asked to do when implementing accommodations.