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Assistive Technology

 

ACCESS CENTER Classes

What might help you access a computer?

VISUAL DISABILITY

Screen reading: JAWS

• JAWS is a screen reading program that reads screen content aloud
  Designed for individuals who are blind.
• Allows the user to access all features of Windows, plus such applications as word processing, spreadsheet, database, and email
• Reads Internet web pages
• Uses its own software-based speech synthesizer; additional hardware is not required
• Complex program that provides a high level of feedback for blind users

Training: 10-20 hours

Source: Freedom Scientific
www.freedomscientific.com

Accessible keyboarding: Talking Typing Tutor for Windows

• Talking Typing Tutor is a keyboarding program that speaks keys aloud as they are typed
• Developed for blind users
• Runs in the Windows environment

Source: American Printing House for the Blind
www.aph.org

Scan/read system: Kurzweil 1000

• The Kurzweil 1000 scans and reads text aloud
• Designed for blind users and individuals with low vision, it scans printed material and displays the image onscreen
• As they hear the material read aloud, blind users can edit its content, access a dictionary, and check spelling
• Individuals with low vision can view the magnified text onscreen as it is read aloud
• Recent version allows user to keep images intact (Example: pictures, graphics)
• Users can also record the material on tape or CD
• Also reads TIFF and PDF files

Source: Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc.
www.kurzweiledu.com

Vendor: Pulse Data HumanWare, Inc.
www.humanware.com

Screen magnification: ZoomText

• ZoomText Xtra Level 2 is a screen magnification program that enlarges text and graphics on the screen for individuals with low vision
• As a screen magnifier, ZoomText offers the user magnification up to 16 times standard size, cursor enlargement, and a number of text and background colors
• ZoomText Xtra Level 2 also provides screen reading at a basic level, allowing the user to hear documents and web pages read aloud
• Software-based adaptation; requires no additional hardware components.
• A large monitor is recommended to optimize viewing of magnified text and graphics.

Source: Ai Squared
www.aisquared.com

Closed-circuit television (CCTV): Aladdin Genie

• The closed-circuit TV is a stand-alone system that allows individuals with low vision to enlarge printed material
• Users can adjust magnification and select from a variety of foreground and background colors

Source: Telesensory
www.telesensory.com

Clarity Classmate

• Clarity Classmate is a portable video magnifier that can magnify objects at close range or from a distance. Specifically, students with low vision can read, write, or view three-dimensional objects on their desktop.
• In addition, the Clarity Classmate can be used to view the white board, slide projections, and overheads from a distance. It is a portable unit that can be taken to class; assembling it and taking it down, however, is an involved process.
• Clarity Classmate can also be connected to a computer so the user can switch from reading questions in magnified view to writing responses on the computer.

Source: Clarity Solutions
www.clarityaf.com

PHYSICAL DISABILITY

Ergonomic keyboard

• An ergonomic keyboard is shaped to fit a more natural hand position.
• Designed to reduce strain on hands, wrists, and shoulders. This would therefore be appropriate for individuals with Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

Source: Most office supply sources that sell computer products

Wrist rest device: ComforTyp

Source: Typex
www.comfortpoint.com

Trackball: Kensington ExpertMouse or Kensington Orbit

• A trackball, similar to a mouse, is used to control the mouse pointer and select options in the Windows environment.
• Trackballs appear to provide greater ease of use in terms of hand strain
• Many students report trackballs offer a more intuitive way to control the mouse pointer

Source: Kensington
www.kensington.com

Electric-lift height adjustable table: K-log

• Adjusts in height from 26 – 40”.
• The control switch is located on the front; many individuals with limited hand use are able to adjust table height independently

Source: K-LOG, Inc.
www.k-log.com

Workstation with recessed monitor: NOVA workstation

• The NOVA workstation, called “the natural solution,” is designed to reduce neck strain for individuals working on a computer. Looking down at the monitor avoids having to tilt the head up and back to view monitor on top of desk.
• Desk has glass surface, with monitor positioned under it

Source: Michael’s Business Furnishings, Inc.
www.michaels2213310.com

• The AlphaSmart 3000,described as a portable computer companion, can be used for a wide range of purposes. Students might use it to take notes in class, write impressions during a field trip, or journal while riding the bus.
• Lightweight: 2-lb keyboard that runs on three AA batteries
• Accessible: keyboard can be configured for single-hand use; also offers sticky keys and key repeat options for individuals with limited hand use
• Easy to use: no disks, cables, or programs to load
• Transferring data: connects to any computer (PC or Mac) or prints directly
• Versatile: Because its data is incorporated into the open application on the computer, users can write papers, make outlines, or create input for spreadsheets and databases, among other uses.

Source: AlphaSmart
www.alphasmart.com  

Speech recognition: Dragon NaturallySpeaking·

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a large-vocabulary speech recognition program that allows users to do the following by voice:
  • dictate text
  • control a computer
  • hear text on screen read back aloud
  • play back recording of user’s dictation
• Understands continuous speech
• Users can dictate up to 80+ words per minute
• Primary users:
  • individuals with moderate to severe physical disabilities that impair keyboard access
  • persons with repetitive strain injur
• Complex program that requires:
  • consistent speech production
  • strong cognitive ability in attention and memory
  • patience

Training: 6-12+ hours

Source: ScanSoft

www.scansoft.com

Vendor: Nexus Solutions, Inc.
www.nexussolution.com

COGNITIVE DISABILITIES

Scan/read system: Kurzweil 3000

• The Kurzweil 3000 scans printed material and reads it aloud
• Designed for postsecondary students with reading difficultie
• Enlarges text to some degree
• Displays exact text—including graphics—on computer monitor
• Reads the Internet, depending on how accessible website may be
• Allows student to write and:
  • hear writing read back aloud
  • hear choices in spell checker
  • use word prediction

Source: Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc.
www.kurzweiledu.com

Vendor: Pulse Data HumanWare, Inc.
www.humanware.com

Visual idea organizer: Inspiration

• Inspiration provides “visual thinking tools” to help students develop ideas and organize thinking
• Useful for students with organizational deficits
• User brainstorms and organizes ideas in a concept map structure
• Converts graphic concept map to outline view for writing

Source: Inspiration Software, Inc.
www.inspiration.com

Auditory feedback: Read & Write

• Read & Write works with any Windows-based application (Example: Microsoft Word)
• Its toolbar “floats” on top of any open application
• Designed for individuals with reading or writing difficulty
• Reads a student’s writing aloud
• Reads choices in spelling check
• Provides talking dictionary and audible definitions of homophones
• Offers word prediction

Source: TextHELP
www.texthelp.com

Vendor: Pulse Data HumanWare, Inc.
www.humanware.com

Cognitive software for attention, organization, memory

• A wide selection of software is used in conjunction with CSCI 206: Cognitive Assistance for Cognitive Skills I
• Examples include:
  • Parrot software (e.g., Chunking)
  • Learning Fundamentals (e.g., Stoplight)
  • Sunburst Software (e.g., Memory Castle)

Cognitive software for sequencing, categorization, reasoning, problem solving

• A wide selection of software is used in conjunction with CSCI 207: Cognitive Assistance for Cognitive Skills II
• Examples include:
  • Parrot software (e.g., Category Discrimination and Reasoning)
  • Tom Snyder Productions (e.g., Decisions, Decisions)
  • Sunburst (e.g., Building Perspective)
  • Critical Thinking Press (e.g., ThinkAnalogy)

COMMUNICATION DISABILITY

FM listening system: Telex

• The ACCESS Center has a Telex FM Listening System
• Designed for individuals with hearing loss; also helpful for students with attention difficulties
• Instructor wears a wireless transmitter with a microphone
• Instructor’s speech is transmitted via FM signal to three speakers throughout the CARLO Center
• Delivers a clear signal to all students, regardless of instructor location and orientation (e.g., with back toward class when writing on whiteboard)
• Note: Individual Telex systems are available for loan from DSPS for students with this specified as an educational accommodation.

Source: Telex Communications
www.telex.com