Assistive Technology and Transcription

I am responsible for offering support and a range of services to the Brantford Campus students registered with Accessible Learning.

As the transcriptionist, I organize and process all transcription/alternate format requests from students. I also coordinate, with exam staff, any formatting requirements in preparation for examinations written with the Accessible Learning Centre.

As the assistive technologist, I make recommendations for student assistive technology use and purchase based on their academic accommodation plan and offer as needed training and problem-solving support for effective equipment use.

In the learning strategist role, I work with students in individual appointments and small groups, teaching educational strategies and skills development in areas including: study strategies, executive functioning, time management skills, memory techniques, note-taking strategies, reading strategies, critical thinking, exam and test preparation, presentation skills, memory aid training, writing support and coping skills.

The goal in all of these roles is to help the student develop to his/her full learning potential.

I started as the transcription and assistive technology administrator with Laurier in Fall of 2017 and then assumed the learning strategist role the following spring.

I graduated from Laurier with a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Studies and a minor in Psychology in 2009. I completed Applied Learning Disability Studies Plus Combined Concentration in Learning Strategies and Assistive Technology at Cambrian College in 2018. I am currently working towards completing my Master of Education in the field of Student Affairs at Laurier.

I am responsible for ordering and production of alternate format materials. This includes electronic texts for use with Kurzweil, enlarged text, and Braille text.

I started at Laurier in January 2003.

I support students individually through assessment, advocacy, training and technical support. To arrange technical accommodations, I collaborate with other ALC staff, faculty, staff in other departments, vendors and service providers.

I research and track developments in hardware and software that impact students with disabilities. Participation with other staff to forecast and plan technology needs, along with awareness and training to increase accessibility across campus are also part of my role.

I started at Laurier in 2002. Prior to coming to Laurier I worked in vocational rehabilitation and career planning for 15 years. I did my undergraduate degree at Laurier in Psychology. My post-grad work includes: Diploma from McMacster in Computer Systems; AT Certification from Cambrian College; MA in Integrated Education Studies Athabasca University.