Adaptive and Assistive Technology

JAWS for Windows is a powerful accessibility solution that reads information on your screen using synthesized speech.

JAWS provides many useful commands that make it easier to use programs, edit documents, and read web pages.

With a refreshable Braille display, JAWS can also provide Braille output in addition to, or instead of, speech.

An array of versatile features and customizable options lets you tailor JAWS for your individual needs and preferences.

For more information about this software, see the JAWS website.

ZoomText Magnifier is an advanced screen magnification program that enlarges and enhances everything on the computer screen. It makes your computer monitor easier to see and use.

The full range of magnification levels for this software is up to 36x.

Other levels include:

• 1x to 8x in steps of 1
• 10x to16x in steps of 2
• 20x to 36x in steps of 4
• fractional powers of 1.25x, 1.5x, 1.75x and 2.5x.

See the ZoomText Magnifier website for more information

The MyReader II video magnifier is an auto-reader for individuals with low vision.

This hardware allows you to see images of book or magazine pages as well as rearrange the text onscreen. Custom settings allow you to choose how you prefer the text to appear, and easier for you to read.

See the myReaderII website for more information.

Large print keyboards with over-sized, bold print keys make keyboarding easier if you have low vision or mobility challenges.

There are large print keyboards in library work stations.

Voice recognition software, also known as speech to text software, allows you to use your own voice instead of typing on a keyboard.

Voice recognition may be used to:

• dictate text into the computer - it's a quicker way of writing on a computer if you find it difficult to use a keyboard
• give commands to the computer such as opening application programs, pulling down menus, or saving work

With the right software a computer can turn text into a spoken voice.

Known as text-to-speech, or sometimes TTS, this tool is very helpful if you have reading difficulties. TTS helps you access the written word on your own as well as develop your reading skills.

Text from web pages, documents, e-mail or other files can be read aloud using text to speech technology. Users can select the voice they prefer to hear when text is being read.

Read&Write GOLD is a flexible literacy software solution that helps with reading, writing, studying and research.

This program integrates familiar applications such as Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer and Adobe Reader, giving you access to features for reading, writing, and research support within those everyday programs.

See the Read&Write Gold website for more information about its features.

Kurzweil 3000 is an assistive technology, text to speech, learning tool with a suite of powerful reading, writing, test taking, and study skill tools that makes curriculum accessible to everyone.

This technology appropriate if you have a learning disability such as dyslexia, or if you struggle with reading comprehension. This software also features dual highlighting of on-screen text, which improves reading performance by highlighting a sentence, line or phrase in one color and each word in another color as it is read aloud.

For more information, see the Kurzweil Educational Systems website.