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Welcome to the Disability Resource
Center
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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.
COMPUTERS AVAILABLE:
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 | - Word 2002 |
| - Access 2002 |
| - Excel 2002 |
| - Power Point 2002 |
| - Publisher 2002 |
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 9
Windows XPInternet Access
Students with visual impairments may not be able to see the computer screen well enough to use the computer productively. Support is available through:
| 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 |
| Windows XP 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). |
Conventional techniques used for input to the computer may present a barrier to persons with mobility issues. Support is available through:
| 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. |
| 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 XP 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. |
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:
| Reading Edge Scanner - See previous description. |
| 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. |
| A PC computer and scanner placed on an electrical adjustable table is located in the Learning Resource Center for access. |
| 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. |
Mike Buckley, Paraprofessional
Assistive Technology Lab
Room 821
530 225-3915
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08/25/2005 |
