Udel+Library

Low Tech options:

I was surprised to see a tape recorder in the AT office at the library. You would think that those types of devices are no longer used. Tape recorders can be equipped with raised symbols on the buttons for accessibility to students with visual impairments.

Alphasmart - I have used this in my regular ed classroom for students with cognitive disabilities. Often when the students are participating in writing workshop, some of the students would rather use this device to keep track of their drafts. They are portable and easy to use. I like the digital display to assist those with hearing impairments. You can tyoe, download, edit, and print. Very easy!

Pictures in a Flash - this device can create raised images or text on specific paper. Here is a website where you can find more information on this product. http://www.quantech.com.au/products/quantum_products/tactile/piaf.htm

Perkins Brailler - this device has keys for producing braille dots on paper. The student that we were introduced to today said she would rather read braille than listen to speech on the computer. This device would probably be used by her frequently for word processing. Here are brief discriptions of several Braille devices and AT. http://www.quantech.com.au/products/other_products/braille/other_braille.htm#braillbook

High tech options:

Close circuit TV - this piece of equipment was the first of its kind that the library had aquired. It can be used to enlarge text on the screen, adjust the size, background, color, and contrast.

Zoom Text - this program on the computer has the same use as the close circuit TV. You can magnify the text on the screen. Here is a link that will give you a some brief info. on Zoom Text. http://www.quantech.com.au/products/other_products/low_vision/zoomtext.htm

Kurzwell 3000 - This device can be used for scanning print and reading the text on the print. I thought that the scanning procedure was pretty easy to use, because the device will reposition the text so that it is easy to view by the user. It as many different highlighting options, syllable breakdown, and dictionary usage, in order for the user to understand the text easier. Teachers can also make tests for students in order to personalize the information to the curriculum.

Kurzwell 1000 - this device has similar capabilities as the 3000 without the highlighting techniques. It also has a voice change option for the user to locate a speech reader that is easy to listen to.

Braille Option on Computer - can translate words into braille and print out the text on specific paper or it has a keyboard that contains braille dots that will raise according to the text.

Pac mate - this device is similar to the one described above, except it is a little more compact and portable. If a computer is accessible to JAWS, the Pac mate will kook up to it very quickly. An individual could use this device for word documents as well as emails. (Made by Freedom Scientific - same maker of JAWS) For more information on the Pac mate: http://www.quantech.com.au/products/other_products/braille/PDAs/PAC_MateBX.htm