{"id":14,"date":"2018-01-23T19:12:20","date_gmt":"2018-01-23T19:12:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wcsu.wpengine.com\/accessability\/assistive-technology-lab\/"},"modified":"2024-06-20T12:29:21","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T12:29:21","slug":"assistive-technology-lab","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/accessability\/assistive-technology-lab\/","title":{"rendered":"Assistive Technology Lab"},"content":{"rendered":"
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AccessAbility Services (AAS) offers a collection of hardware and software that students can use at specific campus computers or loan out for a semester. This technology can aid in accessing computers via magnification and text to speech, help with note-taking, improve writing and study skills, etc. Just give the office a call at (203) 837-8225 to schedule your appointment.<\/p>\n

Hardware<\/h3>\n

Through AAS, there is some hardware that can be loaned out or used in location. The AAS office offers Smartpens to be loaned out for a semester, the only charge that will incur is if a device is lost, damaged or otherwise not returned.<\/p>\n

Smartpens<\/span><\/p>\n

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These Livescribe Echo Smartpens can record the audio of a lecture while you use the pen to write notes in a special yet normal-looking notebook. The audio recorded will have automatic timestamps synched up with your writing allowing you to easily revisit that point in the audio file simply by tapping on the words you were writing at the time! Smartpens can help all students such as those who need assistance with note taking, for instance students with ADD\/ADHD, learning disabilities, and visual impairments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

iPads<\/h4>\n
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In addition to all the well-known benefits of iPad use, iPads host a wealth of built in accessibility like screen reading, assisted touch, and other customizable interface options! Such use of iPads can help students with visual impairments and mobility challenges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

CCTV<\/h4>\n
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The Closed Captioned TV (CCTV) in the Library\u2019s Assistive Technology Lab serves as a huge video magnifier. Using the CCTV, one can see printed materials zoomed in really clearly on a TV screen. This can be helpful for those with visual impairments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Software<\/h3>\n

In AccessAbility\u2019s Assistive Technology Lab and within a multitude of computers in several locations across campus are pieces of software that anyone can use free of charge. All computers that have this software are labeled by an 8 by 11 inch sign nearby. Below is a list of locations and what software is available on those computers. Click on the links to see the categories of software and descriptions of how the technology can be used.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All in One: Text to Speech, Writing Skills, Study Skills, Overlays, etc.<\/h4>\n

These \u201call-in-one\u201d pieces of software boast several technologies in one interface! These technologies can be helpful for students looking to improve their organization and study skills, as well as those with learning disabilities, ADD\/ADHD, and visual impairments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\"KurzweilKurzweil 3000<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Reading Comprehension Support: Access to all major digital file formats, online text and printed materials. Spelling support: spell checker and integrated dictionary.<\/p>\n

Writing Support: Talking word processor, auditory spell checker, and word prediction with grammar controlled vocabulary lists.<\/p>\n

Study Skills: Multiple highlighter options, sticky notes, read-the-web.<\/p>\n

Reading support: special font to assist with visual tracking and test-taking accommodations. A single user interface with all the tools necessary for academic success.<\/p>\n

Note: Kurzweil is available on USB drives, available to loan out free of charge from AccessAbility. Like with any hardware, the only charge what will incur is if a device is lost or otherwise not returned.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"ReadRead&Write Gold<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Offers a suite of supports including reading, writing, and overlay support! Read&Write<\/span> Gold uses a hover toolbar that sits on top of all your normal windows making it super accessible and easy to use! This program is available on all computer lab computers and is available to download for all<\/i><\/b> WCSU students at: Read & Write Download<\/a><\/p>\n

Videos:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Read&Write Download Instructions for Windows<\/a><\/p>\n

Read&Write Download Instructions for Mac<\/a><\/p>\n

How to download a Word Doc from Blackboard to Read&Write<\/a><\/p>\n

How to download a PDF from Blackboard to Read&Write<\/a><\/p>\n

How to customize Read&Write settings<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"LivescribeLivescribe and Smartpens<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Livescribe software and Smartpens work as a pair! After a Smartpen records audio and the written notes, this digital data can be uploaded and synched on the Livescribe software. Once uploaded and synched, it is also possible to play specific portions of recorded audio by clicking on the uploaded digital notes from a computer! The software also organizes all notes by date and has a search function so you\u2019ll never lose that perfect line of notes again. Notes stored on Livescribe can be saved, shared, and downloaded, just like any multimedia content. This makes accessing your notes as easy as possible; this could also help lighten one\u2019s backpack! This can prove helpful for students with ADD\/ADHD, learning disabilities, visual impairments, and mobility challenges.<\/p>\n

Training Videos<\/strong><\/p>\n

Echo Smartpen Training (please note, these videos were not developed by AccessAbility Services. Some parts of the video reference people who made the videos and their locations):<\/p>\n

Using an Echo Smartpen<\/a>
\nTaking Notes<\/a>
\nUsing Echo Desktop<\/a><\/p>\n

Smartpen3 Training (please note, this video refers to items not included\/done in AccessAbility Services. This video is to show you an overview of the pen):<\/p>\n

Using a Smartpen3<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Text to Speech<\/h4>\n

Text to Speech programs will read text for you so you can just listen to them, take notes, and stay focused on those long reading assignments! This type of software is helpful for students who are auditory learners, have visual impairments, ADD\/ADHD, etc.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\"ReadRead:OutLoud<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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A simple and easy to use text reader. Read:OutLoud makes it easy to access to any book file and the Internet so that students can improve reading comprehension.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"AMISAMIS<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\n

In addition to all the well-known benefits of iPad use, iPads host a wealth of built in accessibility like screen reading, assisted touch, and other customizable interface options! Such use of iPads can help students with visual impairments and mobility challenges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"FSFS Reader<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\n

The Closed Captioned TV (CCTV) in the Library\u2019s Assistive Technology Lab serves as a huge video magnifier. Using the CCTV, one can see printed materials zoomed in really clearly on a TV screen. This can be helpful for those with visual impairments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"NaturalNatural Reader<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\n

Reads the text on screen in a natural sounding voice. This easy to use software can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and emails into spoken words. NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAV for mobile devices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Speech to Text<\/h4>\n

Speech to Text is useful for anyone looking to type hands free. This is helpful for several types of students including those with mobility challenges and those who feel they think better out loud and\/or are auditory learners. The rule of thumb with this type of technology is if you\u2019re not sure if it would be helpful, try it out! What do you have to lose?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\"DragonDragon<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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The user can speak and when the speaker pauses, this program transcribes the words into the active window at the location of the cursor, like on a Word document. The software has three primary areas of functionality: dictation, text-to-speech and command input. The user is able to dictate and have speech transcribed as written text, have a document synthesized as an audio stream, or issue commands that are recognized as such by the program.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Screen Reader<\/h4>\n

Screen readers are powerful pieces of software that give students who are blind and visually impaired access to computers. Screen readers read the entirety of a screen\u2019s content and gives special keyboard shortcuts so a user can navigate the screen with out a mouse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\"JAWSJAWS<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Being one of the most powerful screen readers on the market, JAWS gives the user a unique set of intelligent tools for navigating and accessing Web pages, and all<\/em> screen content.<\/p>\n

With a refreshable Braille display like Freedom Scientific’s Focus, JAWS also provides Braille output in addition to, or instead of, speech. An array of versatile features and customizable options lets you tailor JAWS for your individual needs and preferences.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

OCR<\/h4>\n

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a powerful technology that can read text even when the text is within an image. Normally this type of text is not selectable with a mouse cursor and thus not recognized as text by a computer; but OCR has the ability to read this text! By using OCR, students with visual impairments can turn text within images into readable text that can then be accessed and read by screen readers and text to speech software! OCR is pivotal in helping users make digital content that is accessible to all users.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\"ReadReadiris Pro 12<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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A powerful OCR software designed to convert all your paper documents, images or PDF into editable and searchable digital text (Word, Excel, PDF, Txt, etc.) in just a click. It recognizes more than 130 languages including Asian languages and Arabic. Also works in conjunction with the IRIScan, a portable scanner!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"OpenOpenBook<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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OpenBook is an OCR software that utilizes both Nuance OmniPage and ABBYY FineReader OCR engines to bring you the most accurate text recognition available. You also can choose between two leading text-to-speech software synthesizers: RealSpeak Solo (natural, human-sounding voices) or Eloquence (efficient synthesized speech that often is preferred for editing and document skimming).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Magnification<\/h4>\n

Screen magnifiers are useful for students with visual impairments or those who feel their screen is just too small or too far away to use comfortably. This type of software usually has customizable features that create ease of use for all types of users!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\"MagicMAGic<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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MAGic\u2019s high-definition text delivers smooth, crisp letters for all fonts, even at the highest magnification. MAGic features 46 magnification levels from 1x to 36x. Built-in training tools, text and audio training, talking installation, online help, and context-sensitive help work together to make MAGic extremely easy to learn and use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"ZoomZoomText<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Very similar to MAGic and it just as easy to learn about and use. Magnifies everything on the computer screen up to 36 times to enhance readability. Also reads text on the screen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"SssOverlay<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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This software allows users to tint their screen to a color of their choosing. This can prove helpful for students with visual impairments and\/or those who experience eye strain from prolonged computer use.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Word Predication<\/h4>\n

This type of software is great for students with learning disabilities related to writing or those who feel they would benefit from a robust word prediction software while they type papers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\"WordWordQ<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Predicts unfinished typed words and will also read the word back to you, all based on customized settings matched to your goal vocabulary level and vocabulary lists. Word Q works with email, word processors, the internet, etc. WordQ enables auditory proofreading so a user can hear how they have written a sentence or passage. Reading & writing out loud is a proven way to improve your proofreading skills.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Software Locations<\/h4>\n

Assistive Technology Lab: Haas Library 406<\/b><\/h5>\n
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  • Read & Write Gold<\/li>\n
  • Kurzweil 3000<\/li>\n
  • Livescribe and Smartphones<\/li>\n
  • MAGic<\/li>\n
  • ZoomText<\/li>\n
  • Read:OutLoud<\/li>\n
  • Readiris Pro 12<\/li>\n
  • AMIS<\/li>\n
  • Natural Reader<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    AccessAbility Service’s Exam Room: Haas Library 411<\/strong><\/h5>\n
      \n
    • JAWS<\/li>\n
    • Read & Write Gold<\/li>\n
    • Livescribe and Smartpens<\/li>\n
    • MAGic<\/li>\n
    • ZoomText<\/li>\n
    • Dragon<\/li>\n
    • WordQ<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      Library Assistive Technology Room, Computer in the corner<\/strong><\/h5>\n
        \n
      • JAWS<\/li>\n
      • Read & Write Gold<\/li>\n
      • Kurzweil 3000<\/li>\n
      • ZoomText<\/li>\n
      • OpenBook<\/li>\n
      • Natural Reader<\/li>\n
      • ssOverlay<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        Library Assistive Technology Room, Computer near the door<\/strong><\/h5>\n
          \n
        • JAWS<\/li>\n
        • Read & Write Gold<\/li>\n
        • MAGic<\/li>\n
        • ZoomText<\/li>\n
        • FS Reader<\/li>\n
        • Dragon<\/li>\n
        • Natural Reader<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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