What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology - is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.-IDEA 2004

Below is a list of Assistive Technology available for checkout or demonstration in the Student Disability Resource Center. Feel free to contact our office for further information.

JAWS
JAWS is a screen reader software program that makes personal computers accessible to students who are blind or visually impaired by using text-to-speech technology. JAWS also incorporates modified keyboard functions to allow students access to programs not generally accessible through standard Windows controls. Available on laptop for check out as available.

Zoom-Text
Using Zoom-Text, individuals with visual impairments are able to adjust the magnification of their computer screen to view any computer program, even the internet. Zoom-Text also acts as a screen reader with text-to-speech technology, can adjust font intensity and screen color contrast, and features different types of visible pointers and cursors.

Dragon Naturally Speaking
Dragon Naturally Speaking is a speech recognition software package developed and sold by Nuance Communications for Windows personal computers. Dragon uses a speech-to-text technology.

Kurzweil 3000
Kurzweil 3000 is an assistive technology, text to speech, learning tool that supports the concept of Universal Design for Learning with a suite of powerful reading, writing, test-taking, and study skill tools that makes curriculum accessible to all students.

Livescribe Smartpen
The Livescribe Smartpen computer pen equipped with a camera, microphone and speakers, as the note taker writes, the pen records an audio of the meeting and synchronizes the writing and sound.

• Capture everything you write, draw, speak or hear
• Find the information you captured in seconds
• Share your notes, drawings or recorded audio with anyone
• The power of a computer in a pen

Contact the Student Disability Resource Center for equipment check out or demonstration.