Accessible Media Services

Mission Statement

The mission of Accessible Media Services (AMS) is to support students with disabilities, the university, and its community in fostering equal access to print and digital materials for use in all learning environments. AMS provides leadership, education and resources on best practices for creating fully accessible materials to members of the campus community and beyond.

What does AMS do? Watch this video to learn more!

Services

Accessible Media Services provides the following services for students with documented disabilities as well as for departments upon requests.

Text Conversion

Alternative Media Production

Alternate Media Production, also known as Text-Conversion, provides print materials in converted formats such as Word, EPub, PDF, and audio to qualified students of the University of Illinois. In accordance with federal law, as agents of the University, all instructors are required to make all classroom materials available to students with disabilities at the same time that it is made available to all other students.

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is used to describe devices and services that lessen or remove barriers faced by persons with disabilities. Although the term is contemporary, the use of assistive technology is not new. For centuries, individuals with disabilities have used a variety of assistive devices to help them overcome demands in the environment. Assistive technology can be simple to quite complex in nature.  Many types of assistive technology are available on computers to assist in reading information, keyboarding, etc. DRES assists students by having technology on hand for them to try out. DRES also provides training to help students become more effective and efficient in their use of assistive technology.

Audio Description

Audio Description

Audio Description provides description of visual content for videos to students who are blind or have low vision. In accordance with federal law, ALL INSTRUCTORS (as agents of the University) are required to make all classroom materials available to students with disabilities at the same time that it is made available to all other students.

Closed Captioning

Closed Captioning

Accessible Media Services (AMS) provides closed captioning and transcript services to students and campus. In accordance with federal law, ALL INSTRUCTORS  (as agents of the University) are required to make all classroom materials available to students with disabilities at the same time that it is made available to all other students.

Accessibility Trainings

Accessibility Training

Find Asyncronous Canvas training as well as webinars about accessibility features/how-tos.

Employment

If you are a University student or currently hold a Bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible to work in Accessible Media Services.  Working in AMS allows for a flexible schedule, with a required minimum 10 hours per week (must work 5 of the hours Mon – 5:00pm Fri). Starting wage – $13.00. Students may work in the office or remotely. 

Contacting AMS

AMS is located in Rooms 85 and 86, located in the basement of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES). They may be reached via email at dres-accessible-media@illinois.edu.

Staff
  • Ann J. Fredricksen, MS/LIS, Coordinator of Accessible Media Services
  • Christy L. Blew, MS, CCT, MS/LIS Disability Specialist, Alternate Media Production
  • Velviet Adams, AMS Office Support Specialist
  • Alex Cordain, AMS Office Support Specialist
  • Aaron Stickney, AMS/TAC Office Support Associate
  • Misty Martin, AMS Office Support Associate