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The Assistive Technology Lab
The Assistive Technology Lab provides access to computer
technology for students with a variety of physical and learning disabilities. This
is accomplished through the application of specially designed hardware and software.
The Lab provides support, technology, and training that creates equal access and
integration by students into the world of technology. The Lab is located in the 800
Building, Room 821. The normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday,
9:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
10 IBM Compatible PCs Dell Optiplex
Microsoft Office Professional 2000
- - Word 2000
- - Access 2000
- - Excel 2000
- - Power Point 2000
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 9
Windows 98
Internet Access
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Students with visual impairments may not be able to see the computer screen
well enough to use the computer productively. Support is available through:
Hardware Support
- CCTV - This camera-like piece of equipment enlarges hard copies of
material to a student's proportional need.
- Reading Edge Scanner - This stand alone scanner converts clean, hard
copies of text to either synthesized speech to be placed to tape, or into ASCII to be
places on disk and transferred to the computer for use with a screen reader or placement
into Braille translation program.
- Braille Embosser - This piece of hardware "prints" Braille
onto specialized paper.
- Pictures in a Flash (PIAF) - This machine, in combination with a
specialized paper, can convert dark line drawings of items such as chemical equations, Ven
Diagrams, math equations, simplified maps, etc. into raised line drawing from for tactile
interpretation.
- Alternative Lighting
- Braille and Large Print Keyboards
Software Support
- Windows '95 Accessibility Options - This support in windows '95 allows
students to change the appearance of the screen to fit their individual visual needs.
The Display Properties/Appearance section of the control panel also allows for
screen customization.
- JAWS (Job Access with Speech) for Windows - This software program
functions as a screen reader for the computer. Moreover, this program
"reads" in a synthesized voice, all text and keyboard commands, allowing total
access to students who are blind. This software also "reads" all text
on the Internet, allowing Internet access to available on-line materials. This
software has a generous learning curve and students are encouraged to train on this
program before needing to use it in the classroom setting.
- Zoom Text - A PC text magnification program.
- Close View (Mac) - A MAC text magnification program.
- Outspoken (MAC) - This is a screen reader that reads all text on the
computer screen. Again training on this software is needed in order to be at ease in
using it for computer access.
- Braille Output - Duxbury (MAC) and Mega Dots
(PC) are Braille translation programs allowing the transfer of text into Braille,
or Braille key entry into text. This is used by students in the word processing
arena and is also used in the translation of classroom materials/tests into Braille for
student use. Braille translation can be in Grade 1, Grade 2, Spanish or Nemeth Code
(math).
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Conventional techniques used for input to the computer may present a
barrier to persons with mobility issues. Support is available through:
Hardware Support
Intelikeys - This is an alternative access keyboard
with a light membranous cover that allows access to someone using a very light touch.
Various "keyboard" configurations are available.
Kensington Trackball - Programmable trackball.
This has the ability to have several entry keys set to do various tasks, such as double
click, click and drag, etc.
Joy Stick to Mouse - Another alternative access device
that allows the student with limited mobility to use a joy stick in place of a mouse.
This works well in conjunction with an on-screen keyboard.
Ergonomic Keyboard/Wrist Support - An alternative
keyboard/wrist support for use with students who may have repetitive strain injury, etc.
Ergonomic Arm Supports - These "arms" attach
to the desk and support the student's arms and reduce stress on the back and shoulders.
Software Support
WiVik 1.2 and WiVik Enhancement - These software
programs present an "on-screen" keyboard with word predictor allowing a student
with limited mobility to enter text suing any pointing device that works like a mouse.
These programs work in conjunction with alternative access devices such as a
trackball or joy stick.
Handiword - this is an intelligent word prediction and
abbreviation expansion program. This assists the student with limited mobility to
increase input speed and also assists with spelling difficulties by displaying it's
"prediction pick list" on the monitor.
Windows '95 Accessibility Options - This
"on-board" option is found in the Control Panel and allows for various keyboard
modifications. sound and visual cues.
Dragon Dictate and Dragon Naturally Speaking - This
voice recognition program allows the used to operate the computer in a total
"hands-off" manner. The program, it must be noted, takes a good deal of
training time a student to achieve access/use.
Omni (Kurzweil) 1000 - A fully functioning reading
system for students who are blind. Combines accurate optical character recognition
(OCR) and synthetic speech. This system is used as access to text and, once text is
scanned, can speak text, spell and define words, adjust speaking volume and speed, etc.
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Students with learning disabilities will find that using all support functions
of the word processing program, such as spell and grammar checkers, and thesaurus, will
provide a great foundation for writing. Also available for support are:
Hardware Support
- Reading Edge Scanner - See previous description.
Software Support
- Handiword - Word prediction and abbreviation expansion (see previous
description).
- Customized Screen Colors - Available through Windows '95 Display
Properties/Appearance of the Control Panel.
- TextHELP! - This is a vocabulary support package which talks, types,
checks spelling, corrects mistakes, magnifies, etc. Highly recommended for persons
with dyslexia. Assists students in not only writing their text, but proof-reading.
- Omni (Kurzweil) 3000 - A reading system for students with learning
disabilities. Once text is scanned an on-scanned the screen displays an on-screen
version of any printed material. Students can read along, take notes, and highlight
the spoken words. Language tools like a dictionary, thesaurus, and phonetic spelling
tool provide additional support.
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Hardware Support
Software Support
The accessible station is equipped with the following software support.
Use of the Kurzweil 1000, or 3000 is available through software training.
Job Access With Speech - JAWS-See description above.
May be used in connection with the Internet and library on-line services.
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For information and access to services please contact:
Michael Buckley, Paraprofessional
Assistive Technology Lab
Room 2004
530 242-7833
Send Mail to Michael Buckley |
