Assistive Technology (AT)

 

The following assistive technology is available for use at Central Piedmont Community College. The list is in two sections; software and hardware. To locate this assistive technology on campus, contact the Disability Services office at 704-330-6556 or email harriet.johnson@cpcc.edu.

 

Software

Dragon NaturallySpeaking – this software allows the user to create and edit documents and E-mail, fill out forms and streamline workflow – all by speaking! Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional version is section 508 certified, and offers complete hands-free use of the PC for users with disabilities.

www.nuance.com

 

JAWS^® for Windows^® - the most popular screen reader worldwide works with your PC to provide access to today’s software applications and the Internet. With its internal software speech synthesizer and the computer’s sound card, information from the screen is read aloud, providing technology to access a wide variety of information, education and job related applications. JAWS also outputs to refreshable braille displays, providing unmatched braille support of any screen reader on the market.

www.freedomscientific.com

  

Kurzweil 3000 - is the premier reading, writing, and learning software for students with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, or other learning difficulties, including physical impairments or language learning needs. The software can access virtually any information, whether it is printed, electronic, or on the Web. Because Kurzweil 3000 is also content independent, teachers in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges alike use it to help students succeed in the classroom regardless of curriculum or lesson plan.

www.kurzweiledu.com

 

ZoomText Magnifier/Reader -The world's best magnification and reading software for the vision impaired. Whether you're surfing the web, creating a document or mailing your friends, ZoomText lets you see, hear and use all of your applications easier than ever.

www.aisquared.com

 

Hardware 

 

Amigo Portable Magnifier – this slim, light, and portable magnifier enables people with low vision to see objects on the go. The battery-operated system incorporates a 6.5” viewing screen with tilting capabilities for optimal viewing.

www.enhancedvision.com

 

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) – are devices composed of a microphone, transmitter component, receiver, and an earmold. This system amplifies only the sound source picked up by the microphone.ALDs are used by people with all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound.

 

Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) - A closed-circuit television (CCTV) system uses a stand-mounted video camera to project a magnified image onto a video monitor or a television (TV) screen. A CCTV includes the following basic features: video camera with zoom lens; monitor or television (attached camera or external); provide enlarged image of material under camera; magnification range of 2X to 60X+; switchable polarity (black text/white background or white text/black background); controls for focus, magnification, brightness, contrast; X-Y viewing table for easy material movement.

Interpretype®, also known as an ITY™, is an interactive communication system that provides a means of communicating without using speech. It was originally designed as a tool to connect the non-signing hearing community with the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Speech disabled community. Interpretype® consists of a pre-programmed laptop style computer device which has the ability to send and display typed messages to other ITY™ devices or a computer. Once you log on, you have the ability to have a conversation by simply reading and typing. Each Interpretype® device is configured to communicate directly with any Windows PC utilizing Interpretype® software.            www.interpretype.com                                                                   

 Trackball – a trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball housed in a socket containing sensors to detect rotation of the ball. The user rolls the ball with the thumb, fingers, or the palm of the hand to move a cursor.

 

Vertical Mouse – this patented shape supports your hand in a fully upright handshake position that eliminates forearm twisting. The grip is the same as a standard mouse, just turned sideways.

www.evoluent.com