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.

• 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 email Susan Hayya, call at (814) 865-0284, or fax at (814) 863-1102.

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