Assistive Technology

The Access and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to providing support to students with the help of assistive technology. Assistive technology is any product, device, or equipment used to maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

The Center has several computers with a variety of specialized software and hardware. Some assistive technology products can also be loaned out. Students can make arrangements for assistive technology to be available in areas where students are working. For more information, contact the assistive technology specialist at 847.635.2656.

Examples of the assistive technology available to students include:  

Hardware

CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television)
Projects a magnified image onto a video monitor or a television (TV) screen.

• SmartView 360
  Provides a camera to see across a room, enlarge any text/magnifying through a monitor or a television screen.
• SmartView Synergy SI Magnifier
  Offers a wider field of vision to easily display a document’s full width.

Scanner/Book Reader
Scans, converts images to PDF, and reads text.

• Intel Reader
  Reads scanned materials that are saved on the computer.
• Plustek Bookreader
  Integrates high-speed scanning and accurate text-to-speech capabilities.

Note-taking Tools

• Livescribe Echo Smartpen
  Records and plays back everything written and heard.

Auditory Aid

• Motiva Personal FM System
  For classroom amplication and recording.
  
  

Software

Literacy Software
Helps students complete reading, writing, research assignments, and tests.

• Kurzweil 3000
  Reads text aloud to students from digital and print formats. Scans documents in color and black/white.
• Read & Write 9 GOLD
  Lliteracy software solution that allows students to complete reading, writing, and research assignments, as well as take notes
• WYNN
  Transforms printed text into spoken word to help with reading, comprehension and writing.

Accessibility Software
Magnifies computer window, reads digital text aloud.

• ZoomText
  Magnifies/enlarges the screen to provide a better view for reading and provides a text reader application.
• JAWS Screenreader
  Allows students who are blind or have low vision to read the computer screen by converting text to speech.

Speech to Text

• Dragon-Naturally Speaking
  Turns talk into text, transcribing up to 160 words a minute. Creates documents, email, completes forms.

Duxbury Braille Translator/Braille Conversion
Converts digital text to braille for printing. Enables blind and visually impaired to read and write.

Service - CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation)
Provides students who are deaf or hard of hearing instant translation of what is being said into visual display to be read.

For more information, contact:
Laura Pristera
Assistive Technology Specialist
847.635.2656
Des Plaines, Room 2400
Skokie, Room A135.