Notetaking Assistance


Notetaking services are academic accommodations to provide access to course lectures for students whose documented disability affects their ability to take notes. Emory Students interested in receiving accommodations through The Department of Accessibility Services (DAS) must first attend a Welcome Meeting to discuss academic barriers regarding notetaking. 

The Notetaking Technology Accommodation is the primary way for removing the barriers regarding taking notes. Emory University offers Digital Notetaking Tools that are alternatives to pen and paper notes. They allow students to retain more information and organize their notes in ways to further learning. The student may use other technologies of their choosing to capture lectures including their own laptop computer or other recording hardware/software.  

Notetaking Technology Provided by DAS

  • Glean is a Chrome and mobile device-based notetaking app that lets students attach audio to their notes, organize them, and even create transcriptions. Glean allows students to slow down or speed up the playback speed, create tasks, and sync up their notes with course slides (provided the student has access to their slides ahead of class time).  
  • If you or your instructor still has questions or concerns with recordings, please have them contact DAS.   

Access to PowerPoint or Instructor Notes

  • Individuals who are eligible for access to materials prior to class are responsible for discussing what form of notes or materials may be available with their instructor. At the professor’s discretion, students may access these materials during office hours, electronically, or via hard copies. Instructors are not required to create notes/PowerPoint slides/outlines, and they may not be always be available prior to class.

Other Note-taking Assistance Options

  • When notetaking technology does not provide the needed access, students may need to schedule an additional accommodations meeting with the Department of Accessibility Services to explore additional options to ensure that you have access to the lecture content you need. Depending on the requirements and availability of volunteers, a peer note-taker may be recruited and hired by DAS. However, if a peer note-taker cannot be secured in a timely manner, we will explore other options with you and your professor.