Assistive Technology

Dedicated hardware, software and equipment are located in the Library to support accessibility.

Assistive Technology Area

Closed-circuit color camera system, which magnifies text and other visual material for viewing on the Merlin monitor.
Merlin VGA Users Manual (PDF)

OpenBook is installed on one computer in this area.
The computer has a scanner that converts printed or graphic-based text into an electronic text format that can then be converted to audio using text-to-speech software.
A set of headphones is attached so that you may listen to the audio output.
Open Book Quick Start Guide (PDF)

ZoomText: Magnifier & Reader enables users to view their computer screen with enlarged text and/or customized colors and the read aloud the text selected on the screen.
A set of headphones is attached so you can then listen to the audio output.
The ZoomText workstation is also equipped with a ZoomText Keyboard.

The following software is available on all computers in the Library:

JAWS: Screen Reading Software

The JAWS screen reader reads aloud the computer screen and enables users to use keystroke commands to navigate and access web pages and all screen content. Headphones checked out from the Library Services Desk or personal headphones can be attached to the computer so that you may listen to the audio output. JAWS for Windows Quick Start Guide
Read & Write Gold 12: Literacy Support Software

The Read & Write Gold toolbar provides word prediction, advanced spell checking and dictionary functions for use with programs such as Microsoft Word. Read & Write Gold Beginners Guide
ZoomText: Screen Magnifier

Computer screen magnification and screen color customization software so that Internet and other computer images can be viewed and accessed more easily. ZoomText Documentation Downloads

This equipment is available for check out at the Library Services desk on the main floor.