Computing Aids

The Library provides a Dell Optiplex GX 620 computer equipped for priority use by our patrons with disabilities and/or impairments. This PC is located in room POY 137. It provides text to speech translations and image magnification tools. It is important to note that while certain programs allow keystroke operation of the computer and software, the supplied computer cannot be operated based on speech.

Software

JAWS 11 Screen Reading Software: JAWS software enables the user to read different parts of the screen, including Internet Browsers and common desktop publishing software. In addition to this functionality, JAWS also has a variety of keystroke combinations that can be used to control both the JAWS software as well as portions of the operating system. A powerful tool, when used in combination with Omnipage a user can take sections of a book into a readable format for the computer.

OmniPage 17: Omnipage allows the easy reading of scanned materials, by automatically calculating what is an image and what is text. The text is OCR scanned for screen readers, and the image is automatically saved as a separate image file.

Zoomtext Xtra 7.0 Level Two: A screen magnification program, Zoomtext can display on-screen in magnifications up to 64 times. Level Two allows text to speech as well as screen magnification. The left-hand screen displays a magified version of the right-hand screen, which is set to standard resolution.

Read & Write Gold: Helps students with dictionary words through an audible dictionary, and also reads the screen (converts text to speech). Can be set to help readers or writers, depending on the assignment.

Web Browsers & Student Use Software: All standard software found in the Library Information Commons is also loaded standard on the machine, including MS Office, SPSS and library specific tools.