Disability Resources
Technology and Disability Home
Assistive technology is available through the DSS Assistive Technology Lab and at AT stations in the Library and Main Lab.
The use of AT is open to all students who would benefit from using assistive/adaptive software or hardware. The AT Lab in Academic Support Programs is open during normal business hours. The AT stations in the Library and Main Lab are available any hours that those offices are open.
Training
Training is available in the use of various AT programs or environment adaptions. Please see the Learning Opportunities page for a schedule of current sessions available, or contact the AT Specialist to schedule a tutoring session.
Software
The lab and AT stations have the following unique Assistive Technology software. To learn more about how to use any of these programs, contact the Assistive Technology Specialist.
- Premier Literacy Suite: This software suite has a number of tools that are useful to many students, but were specifically designed for students with low vision or learning disabilities. For more information, check out the Premier Suite page. The suite is currently installed on all SOU lab computers and most faculty/staff computers. In addition, SOU students can download the entire suite for free until November 21st. Email Shawn Foster for your access code.
- Dragon Naturally Speaking
- Dragon is a speech-to-text program. For students with physical disabilities that make typing difficult, Dragon operates your keyboard for you. It is not, however, a “quick fix” – you need to invest time in it to get it to work properly for you.
- To purchase Dragon for your computer, contact the Bookstore for special pricing.
- Kurzweil3000
- Kurzweil has several capabilities and works for students of varying disabilities. It has a text-to-speech function that will read text aloud to you. This is great when working with e-text or textbook information you scan yourself.
- Kurzweil also has some fantastic studying capabilities, especially helpful for students with learning disabilities. You can highlight, add notes, and extract specific information for studying.
- In Summer 2008, Kurzweil will be updated to a network edition, allowing access from all student computers on campus.
- ZoomText
- ZoomText, installed on all SOU campus computers, enlarges the screen for students with visual disabilities. It also has limited screen-reading functions, primarily for menu and dialog box text.
- JAWS
- JAWS is a full-function screen reader. For students with visual disabilities, you can hear what is on any section of the screen, including both text and program functions.
- Inspiration
- Inspiration does a great job of organizing ideas, especially helpful for students with learning disabilities.
- Victor ReaderSoft
- Victor ReaderSoft is specifically designed to read alternate-format texts. It offers a way to navigate through textbooks and get to the section you really want read to you. Helpful to students with visual disabilities, learning disabilities, or mobility disabilities.
- To purchase a copy of Victor ReaderSoft or other Digital Talking Books software for yourself, go to RFB&D (Readings for the Blind and Dyslexic). If you are using RFB&D AudioPlus books as alternate text, you must purchase from RFB&D or the books will not open!
Other Resources
- Looking for keyboard shortcuts for your favorite programs? Check out this great table from InftyReader that lists keystrokes for over 230 commonly used applications.
