Resources
University of Massachusetts Global is committed to ensuring all students have equal access to course materials. All resources are free or low-cost and available to all students.
Accessible Education Resources
Below is additional information on free or low-cost assistive technology and studying resources and apps/software, national mental health support, resources for students at University of Massachusetts Global, and additional support for Veteran's with disabilities.
Free Low-Cost Assistive Technology Apps/Software
Assistive Technology (AT) is used by individuals with disabilities to perform functions that might otherwise present a barrier. Please see below common examples for AT software:
Audio Recording and Note-taking Support
- AudioNote: Ability to link your typed notes with audio recording.
- OneNote: Note-taking solution that includes capturing audio, importing files, organizing your notes, and more.
Closed-Captioning/Live Transcription
- Zoom: Live transcription helps capture speech in the moment with instant captions, but only the host of the meeting can enable this feature.
- Windows Live Captioning Feature: Built into Windows 11 version 22H2 and later.
- Live Captions on Mac: Available on Mac computers.
- Live Captions on iPhone: Available in some languages on more recent iPhone models.
- Live Captions on iPad: Available in some languages on more recent iPad models.
- Live Transcribe (by Google): Comes by default on Pixel phones and can be installed on other Android phones that do not have it by default.
Speech-to-Text Software
- Apple Dictation: Free for Apple devices.
- Gboard: Free mobile dictating app.
- Google Voice Typing: Dictating in Google Docs and Google Slides.
- Windows Voice Typing: Options available in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Text-to-Speech Software
- Claro ScanPen: Take photos of your printed document, select text, and have it read back to you.
- NaturalReader: Converts Microsoft Word, webpages, PDFs, and email into spoken text.
Free Low-Cost Studying Resources and Apps
- Cold Turkey: Allows you to block applications, websites, or even the entire internet for a fixed amount of time.
- Grammarly: Compose bold, clear, mistake-free writing with Grammarly’s AI powered writing assistant.
- MyHomework: Student Planner App that keeps track of classes, homework, tests, and deadlines.
- MyScript Calculator: Simply write any calculation as you would on paper. The result is automatically calculated.
- MyScript Math Pad: Handwrite equations or expressions on screen. App converts handwritten equations to digital formulas.
- Photomath: Take photos of math problems. Step-by-step explanations help you break down math problems so that you learn as you go.
- Quizlet: Flashcards - create your own or use ones already created.
- RescueTime: Helps you monitor how you are spending your time when you are on your computer - provides a report to help analyze productivity.
Mental Health Resources
- American Psychological Association: Psychology Help Center: Refer to the APA Fact Sheet Series to learn how psychologists can help. Specialists are available for confidential telephone counseling that is listed on the Crisis Hotlines and Resources page.
- BetterHelp: Talk with a licensed, professional therapist online by first answering the BetterHelp questionnaire. If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger - don't use this site. The BetterHelp resources page can provide you with immediate help instead.
- HealGrief: HealGrief provides the tools and resources to guide one’s journey with grief into a healthy personal growth—includes bereavement support resources. Please view the Local & National Support page for the contact information in your local area.
- Mental Health America: Mental Health America affiliates serve as local leaders in the support and development of consumer-run initiatives and primary prevention programs. Affiliate offices are an excellent resource for information on treatment, direct services, prescription assistance, community legal and advocacy services, and other important community services.
- Mental Health First Aid: Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues.
- Military OneSource: Military OneSource offers a wide range of individualized consultations, coaching, and non-medical counseling for many aspects of military life. Call Military OneSource at (800) 342-9647.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI provides advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. Call the NAMI Helpline at (800) 950-6264 Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST or if you are in a crisis, text 988 for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling..
- National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD): To provide assistance to all college students with disabilities and their families by responding to individuals' questions.
- National Domestic Hotline: Provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse. Contact National Domestic Hotline at (800) 799-7233 or TYY (800) 787-3224 for free, confidential help 24/7.
- OpenCounseling: OpenCounseling's mission has been to connect people with local therapists they can afford.
- Wounded Warrior Project: Serves Veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001. Provides resources on getting connected, mental wellness, physical wellness, career, and VA benefits counseling, and has a Veteran Independence program.
Resources for Students who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- AbilityFirst: Provides programs and services to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities reach their full potential throughout their lives through 24 locations across Southern California.
- American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD): AAIDD is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals and citizens concerned about intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- California Department of Developmental Services: Oversees the coordination and delivery of services to the over 350,000 Californians who have cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, autism, epilepsy, and related conditions through a network of 21 regional centers and state-operated facilities.
- CDC National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD): The mission is to promote the health of babies, children and adults and enhance the potential for full, productive living.
- The ARC: The world’s largest community-based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides an array of services and support for families and individuals and includes over 140,000 members affiliated through more than 730 state and local chapters across the nation.
Resources for Veterans with Disabilities
- College Student Veterans with Disabilities: Student veterans can learn more about getting started in college, financial aid, PTSD Resources, and more.
- Combat Wounded Veterans Career Center: Find jobs with veteran-friendly companies for Veterans or Veteran’s spouse and family. You can also learn more about Veteran-related benefits, news, military life, and discounts.
- Disabled American Veterans: Provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families. Connects veterans with meaningful employment, hosts job fairs, and provides resources they need.
- Military Health System: Responsible for providing health services through both direct and Private Sector care for uniformed service members, military retirees, and family members.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Veterans Resource Center: Has information for military personnel who are concerned for treatment resources and how to stay healthy during the transition to civilian life. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 at (800) 273-8255 and pressing 1.
- National Center for PTSD: Understand PTSD by learning about the symptoms, types of trauma, common reactions, treatment options, and more.
- Tips for Faculty and Staff: American Council on Education: The Accommodating Student Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder article discusses the definition, symptoms, cognitive difficulties, accommodating students, tips for faculty and staff, and more that is associated with TBI and PTSD.
- Wounded Warrior Project: Serves Veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001. Provides resources on getting connected, mental wellness, physical wellness, career, and VA benefits counseling, and has a Veteran Independence program.
Forms
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