New hands-on workshop series to educate students about assistive technology

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) has introduced a new hands-on initiative to help students explore the benefits of assistive technology. The Student Technology Assistant and Resource (STAR) Program, launched in mid-September, is a peer-led series of drop-in workshops open to all UCalgary students who may be interested. 

“There’s no need to sign up, provide documentation, or have a formal diagnosis [to attend STAR Program sessions],” says Monica Kelly, assistive services and technology advisor with SAS. “The aim is to help students explore various assistive technologies to find the tools that best support their learning styles and needs.” 

What is assistive technology? 

Assistive technology can be as simple as noise-cancelling earbuds or blue light–reducing screens, or as advanced as specialized hardware and software. The STAR Program provides access to premium tools such as: 

• Notability and Genio for note-taking 

• Natural Reader and Read&Write for text-to-speech 

• Kurzweil to support test preparation and learning 

Peer supporters are on hand to guide fellow students in trying out these tools, answering questions, and sharing strategies for using them effectively in their learning. 

Fostering a supportive, inclusive campus community 

In addition to hands-on learning, STAR helps promote healthy dialogue about accessibility on campus. Through STAR, students are encouraged to share experiences, build confidence, and normalize the use of assistive tools as part of their academic success.  “This program also promotes peer mentorship to foster relationship building and to help boost confidence when using these technologies,” Kelly says.  

 The STAR Program runs daily throughout the semester on a drop-in basis. Visit the STAR Program info page for hours and details.