Assistive Technology
Disability Services offers a wide variety of assistive technology which allows for independence and accessibility. Upon meeting with the student, the DS counselor will explore the student’s assistive technology needs. While prior training for many of the following technologies is not needed, there are some that require past experience and knowledge. If assistive technology is needed for personal use, including homework, it is the student’s responsibly to obtain their own technology and software.
The following assistive technology is available through Disability Services and its use will be dependent upon the specific needs of students:
- Phoenix: A Braille embosser that uses Duxbury and Firebird software to translate text and graphics, respectively, into tactile format. Materials must be in a Word document in order for them to be Braille embossed.
- JAWS: The most popular screen reader worldwide, JAWS® for Windows® works with PCs to provide access to software applications and the Internet.
- MAGic*: MAGic is a screen magnification system equipped with “reader” capability.
- CCTV: A closed-circuit television (CCTV) system uses a stand-mounted or hand-held video camera to project a magnified image onto a video monitor or a television (TV) screen.
- Onyx Deskset 17”: A portable CCTV for both distance and close up viewing with an attached 17” flat panel monitor and convenient rolling case.
- SenseView Portable Magnifier: The Portable SenseView CCTV is the world’s smallest portable CCTV, and is packed with features.
- Braille N’ Speak: The Braille ‘n Speak combines speech with a standard Perkins-style keyboard.
- Scientific Notebook 5.5: Scientific notebook will convert math computations into an HTML format, making translation to Braille or for a screen reader more accessible.
- Math Talk: Math Talk when used in conjunction with Dragon Naturally Speaking and Scientific Notebook enables individuals to create documents with math symbols, equations, and graphs.
- Talking Calculators: Basic and Scientific versions.
- Digital Recorders: These “tape free” small recorders allow students to record lectures. Recorders are available for loan to eligible students. These can be checked out on a semester basis.
- Smart Classroom FM Systems: All “smart” classrooms are equipped with FM systems. If approved, the Office of Disability Services will issue the eligible student a receiver.
- Phonic Ear Personal FM system: The Easy Listener personal FM system consists of a simple body-worn transmitter and receiver.
- DRAGON: Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional enables individuals to create documents by speaking.
- Track Ball mouse: A Track ball mouse has a roller ball mounted on a larger computer mouse base, suitable for use by people who cannot use a mouse but have enough dexterity to manipulate a small ball.
- Head Pointer: The adjustable head pointer is a pointer that fastens on the head with a plastic head band, and projects out over the user’s forehead. The head band and the length and angle of the pointer rod are all adjustable. Head pointers allow hands-free use of a computer.
- Large Keyboard: These are standard size computer keyboards with very large keys. The keys are 1-inch squares, 4 times bigger than the keys on standard computer keyboards.
- Ergonomic Keyboard: The ergonomic design allows hands and wrists to be held in more comfortable position
- Read&Write Gold: Is powerful software that highlights and reads the screen. This software is available for all students to download to their laptops for home use. The link is Read&Write Gold. Please give this software several hours to download.
* MAGic is not currently compatible with All-in-One (AIO) computers. AIO computers are one unit with no computer case. When launching MAGic on an AIO computer, the screen goes dark and what appears is only the mouse pointer. IT Services and the vendor of MAGic are aware of the issue and working on a resolution. If you encounter any issues, please let us know. Contact: khaleel.eksheir@uncc.edu