Introduction

As increasing numbers of people with disabilities pursue educational opportunities that require computer use, accessibility of computing facilities becomes even more critical. The key is simply equal access. Everyone who needs to use your lab should be able to do so comfortably.

To make labs accessible, SBCC employs the principles of universal design. Universal design means that, rather than designing your facility for the average user, you design it for people with a broad range of abilities.
We consider all our potential users, including those with disabilities.

We work to make sure that staff are trained to support people with disabilities and have a plan in place to respond to specific requests in a timely manner. With these key issues in mind, you can make your lab accessible to everyone.
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Instructional Computing Labs on Campus

Instructional Computing labs on campus have at least two access computer workstations, which have standard assistive technology software for student use.

• Assistive technology is matched to student educational limitations.
• Placement of assistive technology is determined by the tasks that need to be accessed by the student.
• Students are trained to use this software in the DSPS lab.
• Students are asked to adhere to individual department procedures and lab times for computer usage.
• Students can be referred back to DSPS to establish additional reasonable technology accommodations and training.
• Students are asked to report workstation problems to individual department lab techs.
• If problem persists and is assistive technology related, collaboration takes place with DSPS campus lab technical support and IRD tech staff.

Examples of Accessible Labs

If a student needs further help with adaptive hardware or software, please contact Laurie Vasquez, Assistive Technology Specialist ext. 2529

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Disabled Student Programs and Services
Assistive Technology Center

The following is a description of adaptive technology available in the Assistive Technology Center or in campus labs where appropriate.

Accessibility Options (Win 95/98/NT)
The Accessibility Options are found in the Windows 95/98/NT Control Panel which is accessed through Settings on the Start menu. The Accessibility Options are included in the default Windows 95/98/NT installation.

Kurzweil 3000
The Kurzweil 3000 is a computer-based reading system that converts printed material into speech. Users can hear printed words spoken aloud as they read them on the computer screen. In addition to reading documents, users can use dictionary and phonetic spelling tools to enhance their reading. Scanned pages appear on the screen as they appear in the original material. As the Kurzweil 3000 reads, it highlights each word and its context. The reading voice, background/foreground colors, and text size are easily adjustable.

Kurzweil 1000
The Kurzweil 1000 is a computer-based reading system that converts printed material into speech. Users navigate through their documents by using the optional keypad that comes with it or by using the numeric keypad on a full size keyboard. In addition to reading documents, users can use dictionary and spelling tools to enhance their reading. Kurzweil 1000 documents can also be managed from the keypad.
The Kurzweil 1000 now supports Braille output as well as print text. This option resides in the Print dialog box. The capability of reading multiple page TIFF files has also been incorporated into version 4.0.

JAWS
JAWS for Windows is a screen reader, designed for users who are blind. They use the numeric keypad for its basic screen reading functions.

Zoomtext
ZoomText Xtra comes in two levels. Level 1 is a screen magnifier. Level 2 offers a fully integrated magnifier and screen reader, designed specifically for the low-vision computer user. Another innovative feature of ZoomText Xtra is its document reading module, called DocReader. DocReader is a full-screen environment for reading text from any Windows application. DocReader automatically reads through complete documents, including web pages and email.

Dragon Naturally Speaking
Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a speaker dependent, continuous speech recognition system. The active vocabulary size is 30,000 words with a 230,000-word dictionary which allows for accurate word prediction and spelling. Text can be dictated at around one hundred words per minute. The system accommodates multiple voice profiles per computer.

Inspiration
Inspiration is a powerful visual learning tool that inspires students to organize their thinking. Students use Inspiration's Diagram view to dynamically create and modify concept maps, webs, and other graphical organizers. The integrated Outline view enables students to quickly prioritize and rearrange ideas, helping them create clear, concise writing.
Inspiration helps the user visually develop and organize ideas

Read and Write

http://www.texthelp.com/readwrite.php?section=product

http://www.dyslexic.com/thelp.htm

Epson Scanners
Streamlines the process of scanning for students who need to scan their textbooks in order to have it read back to them.

Closed Circuit T.V.
http://www.lowvisionproducts.com/prods1.htm

AlphaSmart Portable Keyboards
Enables users to type, edit and electronically store text without having to be at a computer. The text can then be transferred to any computer for formatting or directly to a printer. It's portability allow students to use it anywhere and anytime. It includes a full size keyboard and a four-line text display, weighs two pounds and runs on 3 AA batteries for 200-500 hours. It stores approximately 100 pages of single-spaced text, allows the user to cut, copy and paste and has a 70,000 word spell checker.

MacIntosh Access

http://www.apple.com/disability/

http://www.trace.wisc.edu/world/computer_access/mac/macshare.html

…and much more !