Accessible Technology

Students with disabilities may use the computers in the labs located throughout the campus, many of which are equipped with adaptive software with screen reading and voice activation capabilities. OARS does not provide prescriptive devices, devices of a personal nature or personal attendant care. Any equipment loaned by OARS to a student and not returned will result in a hold being placed on the student’s record.

• Computers located in the student labs, including those with adaptive software, are accessible with the student’s university assigned identification number and password.
• Any questions regarding the availability or use of available adaptive equipment should be referred to OARS.

Software for Students

Screen Readers

JAWS is a screen reader, a software program for visually impaired users. Its purpose is to make personal computers using Microsoft Windows accessible to blind and visually impaired users. It accomplishes this by providing the user with access to the information displayed on the screen via text-to-speech or by means of Braille display and allows for more comprehensive keyboard interaction with the computer.

Face-to-Face Communication Device

UbiDuo3 provides an accessibility solution that eliminates communication barriers between deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people.

Note Taking, Text-To-Speech, Recording

Glean is a transcription service that allows you to capture everything from class, building useful knowledge without missing any important information.

LiveScribe Echo Smart Pen allows you to record everything you hear, say, and write, while adding your audio recordings to your notes.

LiveScribe Symphony Smart Pen connects to the Bluetooth on your phone or tablet to display written notes as you write them. Just as the Echo smartpen, it allows you to record everything you hear, say, and write, while adding your audio recordings to your notes.

OTTER.Ai. Recording and Transcription Software: Record & Playback (0.5x, 1x, 2x), Transcribe in Real Time, Identify Speakers, Generate Summary Keywords & Word Cloud, Search by Keywords, Edit, Highlight, Comment, Add Image, Share & Collaborate with Groups, Organize with Folders, Export Audio & Text (TXT), Sync Zoom Cloud Recordings

ScanMarker Air & ScanMarker Reader– transform printed material into electronic text in seconds with this “wireless digital highlighter” Use for reading, translation to another language or notetaking. Connect to ScanMarkers using your phone, tablet or computer.

Read&Write is an easy-to-use, intuitive toolbar add-on for PCs and Macs that supports students with reading, writing, studying, and research. Read&Write is available for all students on the Software for Students. Read&Write seamlessly integrates with Microsoft applications, PDFs, e-mail, the Internet, and other software. With over 20 tools available, you can:

• Hear text read aloud to improve reading comprehension, with a choice of natural voices.
• Understand unfamiliar words with text and picture dictionaries.
• Highlight and copy text from documents and web pages to create study guides, outlines or complete assignments.
• Supports writing skills with word prediction.
• Turn text from documents and web pages into MP3 sound files for listening on the move.
• Check writing mistakes with proofreading tools.

RELAXATION DEVICES

Sensate– Listen to soothing music and take relaxing breaths to decrease feelings of anxiety. Use before an exams/quiz, presentation or interview. Sensate your key to calm.

Screen Magnifiers

ZoomText is a screen magnifier with a built-in screen reader. It also has options to customize the monitor’s color scheme and mouse pointers to best suit the user.