Assistive Technology

Alternative Format

Many students are unable to read standard textbooks due to disabilities such as low vision, blindness, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, or other disabilities that affect vision, tracking, or the processing of visual information. These students can use textbooks that have been converted to other formats, such as large print, Braille, audio text, or electronic text. Conversion of textbooks and other course-related material is performed by members of the Text Conversion team at the CSD.

Conversion is a time-consuming and labor-intensive job. For most formats, the original book must follow this process:

1. Scan the text.
2. Converted the scanned image to a computer document.
3. Proofread and edit the document to correct scanning errors.
4. Retype any special characters that the scanner could not recognize (math, scientific notation, diacritics in foreign languages, etc.).
5. Describe and/or redraw images.
6. Save the file and output it to a usable format: large print, embossed Braille, tactile graphic, synthesized voice file, or other specialized format.
7. Deliver the finished product to the student in time for it to be read before it is due in class.

A few texts are converted to tape instead of to a computer-based format; these books must be read verbatim, with no extraneous noise or slips of the tongue, by readers with good voices and knowledge of the subject matter. For each hour of finished tape, a reader will usually spend at least two hours in the recording and editing process.

The Text Conversion team is composed of highly trained personnel who bring many talents to the CSD.

Adapted Technology

Adapted computer technology is available in most general access labs on campus as well as some academic department labs. The adaptive technology is generally standardized across campus and in most cases includes the following:

• JAWS This software enables students to hear the text read when it appears on the screen of the computer. For example, a student can hear e-mail messages, word processed documents, etc.
• OPENBOOK This text-to-speech software works in conjunction with a flatbed scanner to transfer text from printed documents to the computer screen where it can be enlarged, edited, and/or read aloud.
• ZOOMTEXT This software enlarges text such as e-mail and documents created by the student or those that have been scanned and transferred to the computer screen.
• DRAGON NATURALLY SPEAKING This voice-recognition software allows students to type, dictate, and edit documents using voice instead of the keyboard.

SUGGESTIONS FOR USERS

• Students must furnish their own headphones when needed.
• Personal equipment used in residence halls can be linked to the university system when requested. This must be discussed with the Residence Life staff when making room arrangements and when registering with the CSD staff.
• Personal equipment is the student’s responsibility. This includes such items as tape recorders, Braille N' Speak units or Type N' Speak systems.