Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Accessible Ed & Disability Resources

Equipment loans

PCC has a variety of equipment available to students on a term-by-term basis. Current students can borrow much of this equipment from the library with ease. We also offer specialized equipment loans (for items such as laptops) that need approval.

General Equipment Loans

Current students can check out the following items from the library without prior approval. We also offer more Specialized Loans.

Contact any of our offices to schedule individual or group equipment training.

AlphaSmarts

These lightweight units have a full keyboard and the ability to save multiple documents or spreadsheets. They run on rechargeable AA batteries and go several days on a single charge. You can send files to computers or printers via USB.

Check availability:

Keyboards

There are a wide range of keyboards available for use. The library can put them in classroom locations upon request. Examples include curved ergonomic split keyboards, large print high-contrast keyboards, and compact keyboards.

Check availability:

Mouse options

There are a variety of alternate input options available.

Check availability:

Amplification

There are a variety of tools available used to amplify a speaker’s voice. FM systems have two parts – the speaker wears a microphone and transmitter, and the student wears headphones and a receiver. The library also has self contained units, microphones, and other specialized devices.

Check availability:

Magnification and display aids

The library has low-tech magnification tools such as magnifying sheets and glasses, as well as higher tech hand-held devices that use a camera and light to magnify.

Check availability:

Calculators and dictionaries

The library has Franklin spellers and talking calculators for both basic arithmetic and scientific functions.

Check availability:

Microphones

The library has headset microphones and goose-neck table-top units that connect with USB.

Check availability:

Players and Recorders

The library has cassette or digital recorders and players, as well as other specialized DAISY book format devices.

Check availability:

Ergonomic supports

The library has adjustable angle reading desks, articulating arms, and gel keyboard or mouse pad rests.

Check availability:

Specialized Loans

We loan specialized equipment on a term-by-term basis, approval needed. These loans let students try different approaches, and are not meant for ongoing personal use. The goal is for students to find what works and make their own plan for ongoing access.

Laptops

These are typically loaded with specialized software.

Specialized magnification options

Our office provides options such as the LVI Magnilink video magnifier, CCTV units, and high-resolution cameras.

Livescribe

Livescribe smart pens and dot paper create multimedia notes. We provide Echo pens and 3D recording earbuds on a “try it before you buy it” basis, limited to a single term.

PCC Bookstores also sell Livescribes and supplies. You can use financial aid. We offer Livescribe training for students, faculty, and staff.

iPads and Android tablets

We loan iPads and Android tablets to students who experience specific vision impacts and need a portable CCTV option, zoom, or text to speech. Loaners are prioritized for those with both alternate format and direct classroom needs.

Make a request

Learn about getting started with Accessible Ed & Disability Resources and making accommodation requests on the accommodation process page.