Accessible Technology and Learning Center (ATLC)
Summary
The ATLC is a unique resource facility supporting the students, staff and faculty who have disabilities at California State University, Los Angeles. The center offers several services which help those who are disabled with their educational pursuits and in their work. The center provides ample physical accessibility along with state of the art technologies that help individuals to overcome their functional limitations.
The Center is located at the Palmer Building, Library South, in room 1080 on the first floor under the main staircase. The center provides twelve open workstations, one training workstation and the office for the Adaptive Technology Coordinator. Call us at 323-343-3138 if you have any questions.
Technologies
The Accessible Technology Program offers technologies for students with disabilities at locations all over campus. The public computing labs all have licensed copies of Jaws, Magic and Kurzweil 3000 installed as does the ATLC facility. The library computers also have the same set of software for students to use.
Many locations offer cctv equipment for the visually impaired. Students are able to scan materials they need in all the public labs and the ATLC. voice activated computing is also in place for those needing hands-free typing. Plus wheelchair accessible tables are in place in all the public computing labs on campus.
Training
Training is provided in three ways at the Accessible Technology Learning Center. Student Assistants are in the lab to help students learn how to use a variety of standardized software applications including Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Tutorial training for those using assistive technology is arranged by contacting the Adaptive Technology Coordinator at 323-343-3138. Students who are eligible for Waiv or Trio DSSS program are able to arrange training on an appointment only basis through OSD by calling 323-343-3140.
Lastly, training workshops are offered periodically in the lab. With twelve computers, the workshops are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Technology Access
CSULA is implementing the ATI, Accessible Technology Initiative, as sponsored by the Cal State University system Chancellor's Office. This initiative is promoting access to instructional materials and web pages. The ATLC is used for testing of these materials on a limited basis, to help the university develop better procedures and policies related to information and computer access.
Furthermore, the ATLC is also involved in insuring access for all staff, faculty and students to information and computer technology. The university has implemented many of the Center's ideas for universal access and design. This includes the installation of a screenreader, enlargement solution and a reading software which are licensed off a central server for all public computing facilities.
Student, Staff and Faculty Assessments
Students are provided assessment for the use of adaptive technologies after they have received the accommodation of adaptive technology from their counselor. Once verification is made, then they may schedule an appointment with the Adaptive Technology Coordinator at the ATLC.
Assessment is necessary to determine what available equipment will help to meet the individual's needs for assistive technology to overcome limitations that their functional limitations may cause. Reports, detailing the reasons why the equipment is necessary, are generated for sponsoring agencies such as the State Department of Rehabilitation. These reports can help individuals secure the equipment they need for their personal use.
Staff and faculty may apply for funding through the Human Resources Department. Written reports are provided to help justify the need for assistive technology to help staff and faculty to keep working productively.
Evaluations are scheduled on a first-come, first- served basis to those needing this service. During busy periods, the Adaptive Technology Coordinator may two weeks or longer to complete a report after the evaluation is completed.
ATLC Lab Hours
The lab is open from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 6 pm. Fridays, the lab is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Hours are subject to change related to the Library's schedule. The lab is not open during quarter breaks, weekends or holidays.