Assistive Technologies

Assistive Technologies (AT), are technology tools, hardware, software (high-tech, low-tech, or "no-tech" tools), that can enhance or improve one's ability to perform tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to complete.

The Computer Accessibility Lab houses a variety of technologies, hardware, and software tools that support students' unique learning styles, preferences, and needs.

Available AT includes:

Text-to-Speech Software: Customizable options enhance learning, reading, writing, and support retention of information

Speech Recognition Software: Transcribes dictated or spoken content. Speech Recognition tools enable users with mobility impairments, or those who have difficulty using the keyboard and mouse, due to conditions such as arthritis or RSI (Repetitive Stress Injury), create documents, use email, or other computer applications

Screen-Readers and Magnification Software and Tools: Enable students who are blind or visually-impaired, access and interact with computer applications and online content

Note-taking Technologies and Strategies Workshops: Note-taking strategies and related technologies can support student learning and retention. Training includes technology tools and apps such as Glean, Otter.ai, LiveScribe Smartpen, Notability, and OneNote.

Customizable Computer Options: Specialized keyboards, & mice are available to accommodate students' unique access and learning needs

Students' learning and access needs are supported with training on a variety of technology tools in the Computer Accessibility Lab (CAL).

Reading, Writing, & Learning Tools

Microsoft Immersive Reader

Microsoft's Immersive Reader: A tool with built-in Text-to-Speech features to support reading and comprehension for readers of all levels. Features include: Customizing font style, text and page color contrast, line-spacing, and speech rate.

Kurzweil

Kurzweil: A personalized reading support tool that uses a number of innovative reading supports that use Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Natural Language Processing, including adaptive vocabulary games, contextual translation, language detection, etc.

Balabolka

Balabolka: Text-to-Speech & customize able reading, convert-to-audio features

Inspiration

Inspiration: Visual thinking supports learning and retention of information. Some common visual learning strategies include creating graphic organizers, diagramming, mind mapping, outlining and more.

Central Access Reader

Central Access Reader (CAR): A free, open source, text-to- speech application designed specifically for students with print-related disabilities. CAR reads Word Docs and pasted text using the voice installed on your computer. CAR has an intuitive interface and many customizable features.

Mobility Impairments

Dragon Naturally Speaking

Dragon Naturally Speaking: Voice-recognition software transcribes dictation through spoken voice commands

Ergonomic Adaptations

Alternative Input devices: specialized computer mice, keyboards

Adjustable desk, tables and chairs

Vision Impairments

Screen Readers

NVDA

JAWS

Narrator

ZoomText

Kurzweil 1000: (scan/read software for visual impairments)

Central Access Reader

Central Access Reader (CAR): A free, open source, text-to- speech application designed specifically for students with print-related disabilities. CAR reads Word Docs and pasted text using the voice installed on your computer. CAR has an intuitive interface and many customizable features.

Screen Magnifiers

Magnifier

OptelecColor CCTV

Math Software

MathType

MathType: A powerful interactive equation editor for Windows and Macintosh that lets you create mathematical notation for word processing, web pages, desktop publishing, presentations, elearning, and for TeX, LaTeX, and MathML documents.

Microsoft Math add-in for MS Word

This free add-in makes it easy to create graphs, perform calculations, and solve for variables with equations created in Word.

MathTypeIt

MathTypeIt: Insert mathematical symbols into email messages and other target documents.

Central Access Reader

Central Access Reader: Read math and logic equations

Desmos

Desmos: Free Online Graphing Calculator

Note-Taking Software

Explore various note-taking strategies and apps such as:

Genio

Genio (Formerly Glean) : Capture, annotate, and review customize able note-taking options

OneNote

OneNote: Type, write or draw with the free form feel of pen to paper. Search and clip from the web to picture ideas. Access your notes anywhere, on any device or platform.

Assistive Technologies