Accessibility resources

Webinars and presentations

Learning strategies video series

Accessibility Services hosted a 6-video series with an academic strategist Deanna Fidelak of My Learning Coach. These 6 sessions were very informative, and the PowerPoint slides useful as learning tools.

These webinar recordings are on the Accessibility Services YouTube channel:

• Learning Strategies for Online Learning Playlist

PDF of the slides of YouTube presentation are downloadable:

• Session 1 Self-Management
• Session 2 Organization and Time Management
• Session 3 Notetaking
• Session 4 Test Prep and Performance
• Session 5 Reading Strategies
• Session 6 Writing Strategies

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Software and resources

TextHELP software for AU students and staff

Read and Write, Equatio, and a limited version of OrbitNote are available to AU staff and students by activating the trial product with your AU e-mail address. This software is purchased by Accessibility Services to facilitate universal design, reading, writing, math expression, and note taking.

Here is a sample of instructions on how to activate your TextHELP product.

TextHELP resources

• Texthelp Information Packet for Higher Education
• 16 Problems Read&Write is Solving for Universities and Colleges
• 5 minute Read&Write video
• 5 minute Equatio video
• OrbitNote video playlist

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AUSU resources

Be aware of student resources that may be beneficial to your learning journey including emergency bursaries, LinkedIn Learning tutorials, group webinars, and more.

AUSU provides all members with FREE access to LinkedIn Learning! Just sign up using your @learn.athabascau.ca email address for your free account. Learn more about AUSU and the various programs and supports students have.

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AUGSA resources

The AU Graduate Student Association resources can also be explored on their website.

AU Even if you are hundreds of miles from the nearest town, your AU university campus is right there. AU students have completed courses and degrees while travelling abroad, stationed in remote arctic outposts, serving overseas with the Canadian Forces or humanitarian groups, and competing as professional, Olympic Paralympic athletes. All courses are digitized and are delivered through a learning management system (Moodle) and can be accessed via a web browser. Most assistive technologies work with the LMS, and AU endeavours to ensure all courses and services are accessible.

We continue to develop AU's capabilities to offer all course materials in an accessible format. Accessibility Services has made several strides since its start in 1998 when it was called Access to Students with Disabilities. In 2020 our name was changed to Accessibility Services. We believe that it accurately reflects what we do.

Accessibility and universal design principles are reflected in the Athabasca University Strategic Plans. We look forward to working with you and university team members to create the most accessible online post-secondary environment.

• AU’s ICT Accessibility Checklist

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Volunteer for the A Team.

If you want to be more active in making AU an accessible place online and in person, join our A-Team of volunteers.

This may involve.

• Testing AU digital platforms for accessibility according to WCAG web content accessibility guidelines
• Evaluating a proposed event space by completing our Barrier Free Events checklist
• Participate on a discussion panel about accessibility and/or universal design.

A-Team members typically:

• Are volunteers who want to advance accessibility for people with disabilities
• Own and are experienced users of assistive technology
• Know and can help others understand accessibility concepts and evaluation criteria

Please complete this A-Team Volunteer Registration form, a member of Accessibility Services will be in touch to discuss upcoming projects and opportunities that currently exist.