Last modified: Jul 29, 2005
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Adaptive Technology Workstations

Funded by Omnibus: Priority is given to currently registered WSU students, faculty, and staff—community members may be asked to vacate and return later if a WSU affiliate needs to use the station.

New! Try our multimedia tutorial--Adaptive Technology Workstations: A Librarian's Guide to the Basics created by Fusako Ito, Whitney Winberg & Bosede Akinmusuru. Note: you must allow ActiveX on your web browser.

The Adaptive Technology Workstations in the Libraries provide equipment to improve access to library and computing resources. Each workstation provides:

- access for blind users via speech output
- screen magnification for users with low vision
- alternatives to the standard keyboard and mouse
- use of speech recognition software to assist in writing
- accessories to make computer use more comfortable

Use of the Library Adaptive Tech Workstations is currently on a first-come, first-served basis only for users with the need for adaptive technology. Please go to the nearest service desk to obtain the logon and additional assistive input devices for this workstation.

Lab/Library staff can provide basic minimal assistance in use of the adaptive technology components:

- Boot up, start and close programs.

- Provide basic information and directions in using the programs.

- Provide basic help with any of the equipment (raise and lower the table, scanner, microphone, etc.) or the software.

Please note: Staff cannot provide extensive training or tutoring in the use of the various applications, but can direct users to tutorials within the software and make sure the user is able to work with both equipment and software. Please plan to bring your own assistant if you require continued or advanced support.

For general information about academic accomodations for students with disabilities on campus, please contact Educational Accessibility Services (EAS) located in room 1600 Undergraduate Library (http://www.eas.wayne.edu/). We highly encourage any student with a disability seeking academic accommodations to first make an appointment with a specialist from EAS. (This may require registration with the EAS office.)

Community members in need of further assistance can be directed to the Frederick Douglass Branch of the Detroit Public Library which houses the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (http://www.detroitpubliclibrary.org/lbph/LBPH_index.htm).

The following technology is available at the Library Adaptive Tech Workstations:

Access for Users with Mobility/Orthopedic Impairments

Alternative Input

Tracker 2000(http://www.madentec.com/products/comaccess/tracker/tracker.html)
Tracker allows the user to smoothly move the cursor on the computer simply by moving his or her head. Tracker 2000 sits on top of the computer and tracks a tiny reflective 'dot' worn on the forehead or glasses. Tracker 2000 converts the user's head movement into computer mouse movement.

ScreenDoor (http://www.madentec.com/products/comaccess/screendoors/about.html)
The user can point and click with Tracker, then use ScreenDoors 2000 to type. Instead of pushing keys on a real keyboard, the users simply points and clicks on a picture of a keyboard on the computer screen. ScreenDoors 2000 acts just like the real keyboard typing directly into any application. Text entry is simplified by word prediction.

Magic Cursor (http://www.madentec.com/products/comaccess/magiccursor/magiccursor.html)
People using a headpointer like Tracker who have difficulty using a standard mouse to supply mouse clicking functions can use Magic Cursor. It performs all the mouse button functions automatically through alternative means, such as dwelling or gesturing. Instead of clicking the mouse button, the user simply dwells over the item to select. After a preset amount of time, MagicCursor automatically performs the click.

Buddy Button is an alternative to the Magic Cursor for users with some movement. It can be used in conjunction with Tracker 2000.

IntelliKeys (http://www.intellitools.com/products/IntelliKeys/home.php)
Enlarged keyboard enables users with physical, visual, or cognitive disabilities to easily type, enter numbers, navigate on-screen displays, and execute menu commands. View an IntelliKeys demo here (requires Flash).

Mini keyboard (http://www.tashinc.com/catalog/ca_usb_mini.html)
Small, sensitive keyboard for users with limited range of motion.

Kensington trackball (http://www.kensington.com/html/1436.html)
Another alternative cursor-control device.

Voice Input
Dragon NaturallySpeaking (http://www.scansoft.com/naturallyspeaking/)
Software for operating the computer by voice and converting speech to text. Click for the Dragon Quick Reference Guide (PDF-requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Furniture
Powered, adjustable computer table.

 

Access for Users with Visually Impairment

ZoomText Xtra Level 2 (http://www.aisquared.com/Products/ZoomText8_mag/Z8Mag.htm)
Software for screen magnification, includes limited speech output and text-to-speech capability. Click for the ZoomText Quick Reference Guide (PDF -requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).

JAWS for Windows (http://www.freedomscientific.com/fs_products/software_jaws.asp) Screen reading software that allows a visually impaired user to navigate the computer using voice output and sound cues; will "read aloud" webpages and text in addition to computer activities. Click for the Starting Jaws MP3 audio. Other Tutorials for Jaws (in MP3 audio or text format).

Scan and View (http://www.premier-programming.com/SNV/ScanNView.htm)
Magnification software, the user can scan documents and magnify them up to 24 times similar to CCTV (closed-circuit TV). View a video on how to use Scan and View.

 

Access for Users with Learning Disabilities

WordQ software (http://www.wordq.com/)
Word prediction and speech output software; reads existing or scanned text aloud which helps in writing, reading, and editing.

 

Other equipment
Microtek scanners with automatic document feeders for scanning multiple pages