Assistive Technology

The Office of Disability Services offers a wide variety of Assistive Technology which allows for independence and accessibility.

Upon meeting with a DS counselor, a student’s need for assistive technology in regards to their documented disability will be explored.

While previous training for many of the following technologies is not needed, there are some that require past experience and knowledge. If training is needed, students should contact their community resources for assistance.

If assistive technology is needed for personal use, including homework, it is the student's responsibly to obtain their own software.

The following Assistive Technology is available through the Office of Disability Services and its use will be dependent upon the specific needs of students:

TIGER 4.0:Braille translator for Microsoft Office. It converts screen fonts to Braille directly in MS Office documents.
JAWS 9.0 :The most popular screen reader worldwide, JAWS® for Windows® works with PCs to provide access to software applications and the Internet.
ZOOMTEXT 9.1: Magnifier enlarges and enhances everything on the computer screen.                                                                                MAGic 11.0:MAGic is a screen magnification system equipped with "reader" capability.
CCTV’s: A closed-circuit television (CCTV) system uses a stand-mounted or hand-held video camera to project a magnified image onto a video monitor or a television (TV) screen.                                             Onyx Deskset 17”:A portable CCTV for both distance and close up viewing with an attached 17” flat panel monitor and convenient rolling case.                                                                                                    SenseView Portable Magnifier:The Portable SenseView CCTV is the world's smallest portable CCTV, and is packed with features.
PAC MATE QX420 :The PAC Mate is a personal data assistant with a QWERTY keyboard feature and an integrated unit with 20 cells of Braille (QX420).
PC MATE:A camera for both distance and close up viewing with          USB interface makes the Clarity PCMate the ultimate portable video magnifier for use with laptops or desktops in the classroom.
Braille N’ Speak: The Braille 'n Speak combines speech with a standard Perkins-style keyboard.
Scientific Notebook 5.5: Scientific notebook will convert math computations into an HTML format, making translation to Braille or for a screen reader more accessible.                                                            Math Talk: Math Talk when used in conjunction with Dragon                 Naturally Speaking and Scientific Notebook enables individuals to create documents with math symbols, equations, and graphs.
Talking Calculators: Basic and Scientific versions.
Kurzweil 1000 11.0: Screen reader for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

Victor Readers: (works with RFB&D audio books on disc)
Victor Reader is a computer application/disc player for reading digital audio books. It is a MP3 player with DAISY functionality.
Kurzweil 3000 10.0: Kurzweil 3000TM is the comprehensive reading, writing and learning software solution for individuals with learning difficulties.
Mini Digital Recorders: These “tape free” small recorders allow students to record lectures. Recorders are available for loan to eligible students. These can be checked out on a semester basis.
ABBYY Fine Reader: ABBYY FineReader is Optical Character Recognition software that can be used to convert scanned material into text that can be read out loud by file reading programs. High Speed Scanners: These assist in the text conversion process. Scanners make it possible for books to be scanned and to be prepared for electronic conversion for students with various disabilities.

Smart Classroom FM Systems: All "smart" classrooms are equipped with FM systems. If approved, the Office of Disability Services will issue the eligible student a receiver. Pocket Talker: A small microphone picks up speech, which is amplified and sent to a hearing aid-compatible earphone. It amplifies sounds and voices in your immediate environment.
Phonic Ear Personal FM system: The Easy Listener personal FM system consists of a simple body-worn transmitter and receiver.
Amplified Stethoscope, E- Scope : The E-Scope electronic stethoscope provides the user with clear, amplified heart or breath sounds.E-Scope belt-clip model stethoscope with headphones may be worn with or without hearing aids.

ERICA: The ERICA system empowers people with disabilities with hands-free communication and computer access. After a quick calibration, users have complete control over the system with their eye.
DRAGON 10.0: Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional 9.5 enables individuals to create documents by speaking.
Track Ball mouse:A Track ball mouse has a roller ball mounted on a larger computer mouse base, suitable for use by people who cannot use a mouse but have enough dexterity to manipulate a small ball.
Head Pointer: The adjustable head pointer is a pointer that fastens on the head with a plastic head band, and projects out over the user's forehead. The head band and the length and angle of the pointer rod are all adjustable. Head pointers allow hands-free use of a computer.
Large Keyboard:These are standard size computer keyboards with very large keys. The keys are 1-inch squares, 4 times bigger than the keys on standard computer keyboards.
Ergonomic Keyboard: The ergonomic design allows hands and wrists to be held in more comfortable position
Reacher: This simple device allows items placed on shelves to be obtained independently.

Assistive Technology on Campus There are several locations on campus, other than the Disability Services office, where assistive technology can be accessed by students registered with DS who have been approved for use.

Computer Labs

Some assistive technology is provided in the campus computer labs for registered students who have a documented need.

JAWS, Zoomtext, and MaGic can be a part of a student’s campus software through their Novell login once that need is identified and approved.

Atkins Library

There is an assistive technology lab located on the first floor in room 101C. All individual rooms within Atkins require reservations. Room 101C is bookable through the Information Desk on the 1st floor. Students will need to stop by this desk or call 704 687-2030 to reserve the room.

The following technology is located in Atkins:                                                                                                                        JAWS 9.0
Kurzweil 1000 & 3000
CCTV                                                                                                          (CCTV's are available in 2 locations in the library: Room 101C and on the second floor near the Course Reserves desk.)
Dragon Naturally Speaking 10.0
Zoomtext                                                                                               MAGic 11.0

For more information on library accessibility, please visit the Atkins website.

IMPORTANT: Students experiencing difficulty with accessing shelved books or resources can request assistance from a librarian. Students can visit the online library catalog and once the book information is found, it can be printed and given to a librarian for further assistance. Barnard Computer Lab

JAWS is available in the first floor computer labs, 108 and 109b. Adjustable tables are available in rooms 101, 103, 105, and 109b.

Center for Academic Excellence

A CCTV and Zoomtext are available in 330 Fretwell.

University Career Center

JAWS and Zoomtext is available in the computer lab in 150 Atkins.

Language Resource Center in the College of Education

JAWS, Zoomtext, and a CCTV is available in room 434 in the College of Education.