Assistive Technology

The Atlantic Centre features a computer laboratory. Seven computers are available with adaptive programs that provide access to the Saint Mary's University network and the Internet. The Atlantic Centre staff provides training for adaptive software programs. Students should contact the Centre to arrange for training in a particular technology.

The lab was designed to facilitate use of computer technology by students with a variety of disabilities. Specialized workstations include both adaptive hardware and software, improving access for students with disabilities.

Blind or Low Vision

A workstation is available to students who are visually impaired. It features the JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reader which allows students who are blind to hear what is presented on the screen. A Dec-Talk (audio clip) internal synthesizer offers high quality speech allowing for auditory access to the world of modern day computing.

The Duxbury Braille Translation program converts print documents into Braille (grade I or II Braille format).

OpenBook and the HP/IV scanner with an Automatic Document Feeder permits students to listen to and save a variety of academically related materials to diskette for personal use only. Any text document can be scanned into an ARK format and then either read on screen in that format, or converted to a number of alternative formats, including MP3 files. Scanned documents can also be converted directly into Grade I or II Braille from within the program or uploaded to a Personal Notetaker such as the Braille Note or Pac Mate. The OpenBook software also has a number of features for persons with low vision such as enlargement of characters, highlighting of words, a visual cross hair, and contrast adjustment.

The Tactile Image Enhancer uses a specially designed swell paper to raise visual images. It allows blind students to have a tactile representation of graphs, images, maps, or pictures.

The workstation also contains the VersaPoint Duo Interpoint Braille Embosser which embosses on both sides of Braille paper

A second workstation exists for students with low vision. It is equipped with ZoomText Xtra , a print enlargement program with a variety of enhancements. When combined with a 21-inch monitor and the Optelec CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) system, it provides a state of the art tool for enlargement of print and computer screen text.

For those who want to try out a different accessible web browser, we have computers equipped with IBM Home Page Reader .

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

A television equipped with Closed Captioning allows students to access captioned course-related programs and videos.

Learning Disabilities

The Atlantic Centre lab features several programs that help students with reading or writing disabilities.

The Kurzweill 3000 reading software program is designed to help students with language based disabilities. Any text document can be scanned into a KESI image file and then either read on screen in that format, or converted to a number of alternative formats, including MP3 files. The program has additional features which assist with writing, studying and test taking.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking allows students to input text using their voices. Students develop an individual voice file that contains a database of how they speak and pronounce certain words. These systems can transcribe up to 150 words per minute at approximately 95-98% recognition accuracy.

Mobility Impairments

For persons using wheelchairs, or those with severe back injuries, the Atlantic Centre has outfitted two computer workstations with electrically powered adjustable tables allowing for unimpeded access. One station is also equipped with the latest in voice recognition software.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking allows students to use a computer completely hands-free using voice commands and dictation capability. Staff can assist individuals to become familiar with the use of these programs.

This page last modified Monday, 29-Aug-2011 15:22:09 ADT