Disability Services

Assistive Technology

In addition to our other services offered, the Office of Library Services for Persons with Disabilities also provides a large number or assistive technology devices for use by our patrons. We also provide training and support during office hours, M-F 8:00-4:30.

Hardware
Software
Other Devices

 
Hardware

• Assistive Learning Devices (ALDs):  Transmitter/receiver that assists persons with hearing impairments
• Braille Printer:  Prints Braille material from a computer
• Headphones:  Used with programs (e.g. screen readers) and devices that read material to a student with visual impairments
• Large Monitors:  Facilitates computer use by individuals with visual impairments by allowing for more continuous display of magnified material without excess scrolling.
• Scanners:  Computer peripheral used to create digital images of print materials to be processed by the computer. The image is manipulated so that individuals with disabilities can access it.
  

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Software

Dragon Naturally Speaking

Software program that uses voice recognition technologies allowing users with visual impairments and mobility to control a computer and enter data without touching the keyboard or the mouse
Typing is the main function, but the user can also perform some formatting and control certain aspects of the computer

Duxberry Braille

Windows application used for creating, editing and producing Braille documents
Text can be imported and converted to Braille from a variety of standard file types (e.g., .TXT, .WRI and .DOC)

Inspiration Pro

Software program acting as a visual learning tool that assists individuals with learning disabilities
Helps to develop ideas and organize the thought process

Jaws

Software program that uses synthesized speech technology to speak the information being displayed on a computer monitor for individuals with visual, learning, and other impairments
Allows a visually impaired user to navigate a graphical interface using voice output and sound cues
Can understand HTML tags and read the information correctly
Combines Web reading and browsing.

Kurzweil 3000

Aids individuals with visual, learning, reading disabilities by reading scanned or electronic text aloud using human sounding synthetic speech
Users see the printed material on the screen and hear the text.
Omni Page

Scanning application used to acquire and process digital images of print materials
Uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) processing to convert graphical characters into text
The text may then be read using synthesized speech technology

Read and Write

Screen reader application that helps people with disabilities such as dyslexia
Integrates with almost all windows applications 

ZoomText

Screen magnification application for use on Windows based computers
Can also read text aloud with integration of other products

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Other Devices

Adjustable Desks

Allow for wheelchair access and accommodation of people with back problems by using electrically adjustable height work surfaces
Workstations are usually oversized for easier access

Audio/Tape Player

Allow for the taping of lectures and also materials be read out loud

Brailler

A typewriter with Braille keys

CCTV

Close-circuit monitor and camera system provides access to print and other materials by increasing their size, contrast (viewing dark type on a light background or light type on a dark background), brightness, and focus
Built-in controls are available for image size, focus and a variety of both black/white and color video modes
Helpful for people with visual impairments
Users can change print contrast

Speech Calculator

A talking calculator for individuals who are blind or have visual impairments

Tactile Image Enhancer

Takes a hand-drawn or printed picture from a computer and raises the lines to create a tactile image
Benefits people who are blind or have other visual impairments

Wheelchair

For use by individuals who have a hard time moving through the library

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Are there are any other assistive technology devices that you are interested in? Or do you have any questions? If so, please contact our department.