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.
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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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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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.