Inclusion in the online teaching environment

5. Assistive technologies

Although most educational institutions have access to various assistive technologies, their use in practice often remains limited. Tools such as screen readers (e.g. NVDA, JAWS), text-to-speech (TTS), software magnifiers, large-character keyboards and contrast settings are technically available, but many teachers and students do not know how to use them or even that they exist.

The reason for this often lies in the lack of education and system integration. It is necessary to include information about assistive technologies in introductory courses, technical support and advisory services, and integrate the equipment and tools themselves into virtual and physical learning environments. It is also crucial that assistive technologies are not reserved only for “registered users with disabilities” but become a universal resource for everyone who wants to use them, including students with temporary difficulties.

A shining example of the development of assistive technologies and digital tools for this purpose at the University of Zagreb is Laboratory for Assistive Technologies and Assisted Communication at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb. If you want to learn more about assistive technologies, be sure to read the publication "Assistive Technology in the 21st Century — Applications and Perspectives " created as part of the "Platform 50+" project implemented by the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zagreb.