At DSS, we are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. This page provides information on the range of support services and tools available to help students with disabilities access course materials and participate fully in academic life.
Note Taking
Genio Software
Genio (formerly known as Glean) is an intuitive educational platform that helps students by recording audio, syncing instructional materials, and generating organized lesson outlines. It enables students to better capture, organize, and review their notes and class resources.
Students that receive this accommodation are also provided The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass, which includes:
- Seven short modules that cover key note taking skills and strategies
- Lessons on how to prepare for class, what to do during class, and how to study from notes afterwards
- Encouragement for you to think about your learning through self reflection
SmartPen
SmartPen is an audio note-taking program that allows students to write hard-copy notes while also taking audio recordings. Students use a specialized rechargeable pen and set of notebooks in order to organize their information by both written notes and audio simultaneously.
Students that receive this accommodation are provided with:
- SmartPen, charger, and pen cap
- LiveScribe Notebook
- Specialized notebooks, comes in 1- or 3-subject
- DSS provides the first notebook, all others are to be purchased by the student through Livescribe
- SmartPen Ink
- Usually lasts for a whole semester
- DSS provides the first ink cartridge, all others are to be purchased by the student through Livescribe
- If ink runs out within the first few weeks, DSS will replace it
Students that receive this accommodation will also be provided with in-person training by a DSS staff member or Learning Skills Advisor.
Accessible Formats
Getting Started
DSS can provide alternative formats to ensure equal access to course materials for registered students. These formats include Braille and eText software for reading, audio output, and enlargement.
What can be converted?
Textbooks, handouts, exams, quizzes, research papers, Brightspace documents, etc.
Application Process
- Request alternative formats as a part of your accommodations.
- Complete the alternative format request form with the book title, author, edition, and ISBN.
- Submit a proof of purchase to DSS for all necessary materials (you can forward an electronic receipt to CUA-AltFormats@cua.edu). If proof of purchase is not included, your request will be cancelled.
- Send a copy of your syllabus for each class to help us schedule delivery.
- Be patient – we aim to convert materials within two weeks, but demand is higher at the start of the semester.
What can I do to make this process easy?
- Get your book list to us early! Contact your professor to obtain a list of required texts for your course. Feel free to submit partial lists— no need to wait until you have your full booklist.
- Keep us in the loop! If you are dropping a class or no longer need a document converted, let us know as soon as possible.
- Problem with a text? Let us know, and we can work with you to make sure your documents are correct to help you succeed.
Assistive Technology
Assistive Listening Device (ALD)
Those that are hard of hearing may require an assistive listening device. In most cases, unless there is an audio system in the room that has a built in ALD, the instructor will be required to wear a small device with a microphone so that the student can hear. It will be important for the instructor to repeat any comments from other members of the class.
Closed Captioned Videos
Those that are Deaf or hard of hearing will need to have all videos shown in class shown with captioning. If the copy being shown is not captioned, please contact DSS to determine what needs to be done to have the video captioned or to look for alternative solutions prior to the time of the class.
DSS Loan Agreement
Any DSS student that is loaned Note-Taking or Assistive Technology will be required to sign a Loan Agreement.
This agreement includes a specific return date. If the item(s) are not returned in a timely manner or return in a broken state beyond repair, the student will be responsible for the cost of the equipment.
In these instances, students are first reminded 3 times to return the equipment. If the equipment is not returned or returned in a broken state beyond repair, DSS will provide instructions to the student on how to repay the equipment amount owed through Cardinal Cash on their Cardinal Card with the Dean of Students. If the student does not pay the fine, a hold will be placed on their Cardinal Station account.
Updated July 2025