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Assistive Computer Technology

 

 

 

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What IS Assistive Computer Technology? (ACT)

  • ACT can help a user compensate for a disability.
  • It is combination of software and hardware tools.
  • It provides equal access to computer resources for persons with disabilities.
  • It provides alternatives to the basic ways in which a person interacts with a computer.
  • ACT can help someone see the screen, understand what’s on the screen, or provide alternatives to mouse and keyboard input.

Hardware Accommodations


  • Large monitors
  • Scanners
  • Adjustable tables
  

Assistive Technology Software

JAWS
Jaws is a screen-reader program, generally considered to be the industry standard, both professionally and educationally. It is used primarily by people who are blind or have low-vision disabilities.

Navigation is controlled by keyboard commands. Output is produced by speech synthesizer (audibly) or refreshable Braille display (written language). This program allows in-depth access to the Windows operating system and software run on the platform.

JAWS can also be used to browse the Internet. The Section 508 standards and WAI Guidelines are designed to create a Web site that can be more readily accessed and read by screen-readers like Jaws.

For more information about JAWS:
JAWS overview
Screen Reader Simulation

ZoomText
ZoomText is a screen magnification program that can increase type and images to a comfortable reading level. This program is aimed at increasing the ease of computer usage for people with low vision.

For more information on ZoomText:
Ai Squared

Kurzweil 3000
Kurzweil 3000 is used by those with learning disabilities or reading difficulties. It is also beneficial to students for whom English is a second language.

The program scans, reads, and writes. Individual pages from a book are imported via scanner into the program (or an etext file may be opened) and the text is read aloud to the listener, highlighting text as it goes. The primary purpose of Kurzweil 3000 is to help increase reading comprehension. Additional features include the ability to look up words in an electronic dictionary, take notes, and create outlines.

For more information about Kurzweil 3000:
Kurzweil 3000 Overview
Kurzweil 3000 Tutorial

Kurzweil 1000
Kurzweil 1000 is scanning and reading software that makes printed or electronic text accessible to people who are blind or have limited vision. It is the direct descendent of the first reading machine for the blind invented by Ray Kurzweil in 1976.

For more information about Kurzweil 1000:
Kurzweil 1000 Overview

Inspiration
Inspiration is designed for brainstorming or "mind-mapping." It uses a graphical interface to help see relationships between ideas and organize thoughts in logical patterns.

For more information about Inspiration, and to download a free trial copy:
Inspiration Overview

Dragon Naturally Speaking
Dragon Naturally Speaking (DNS) turns speech into text. It is used by people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other Repetative Strain Injuries (RSI). The technology has come a long way. We are currently using version 7, which can be trained to do basic dictation in less than an hour.

For more information about Dragon Naturally Speaking:
Scansoft


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Sacramento City College
3835 Freeport Boulevard · Sacramento, California 95822
This page was last updated: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 1:46:07 PM