Providing Assistive Technology and Alternate Media in Community Colleges: A Case Study

While required by federal and state law, full access at the community college level for students with assistive technology (AT) and alternate media needs presents multiple challenges. Programs must be carefully planned to not only instruct students in assistive technologies which will enable them to access instructional materials, but entire campuses and college systems must work as cohesive units in order to create access for all students. One example of a community college AT and alternate media plan will be presented, with discussion regarding technological limitations and future directions. California community colleges provide a useful case study, as recent changes in the law and campus practices have led to widespread adoption of assistive technologies and principles of universal access.