The University of Ostrava’s Centre Pyramida has expanded its support for students with special needs by offering a range of new assistive tools and equipment, made possible through the “University of Ostrava: FOR Equal Opportunities in Education” project. The initiative focuses on improving accessibility and adapting learning environments to meet individual requirements.
Among the new devices available for loan are Apple iPads with Apple Pencils, chosen for their extensive accessibility features such as VoiceOver screen reading, braille display compatibility, screen magnification, dark mode, and color filters. These tools benefit students with visual, hearing, motor, and neurodevelopmental differences, supporting tasks such as reading, writing, organization, and focus management.
The center has also introduced ergonomic seating, height-adjustable desks, high-performance computers, scanners, and software for digitizing and adapting study materials. Additional resources include braille printers, braille displays, digital magnifiers, and Roger microphones for students with hearing impairments.
Its library has been enriched with literature on inclusive education, and new dictaphones are available to assist students with attention or memory difficulties by allowing them to record and revisit lectures at their own pace.
Special educational tools, such as tactile games, simulation glasses, and braille typewriters, are used for workshops and awareness activities to promote understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Source: University of Ostrava
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