Adaptive Technology for Vision Impairments

The Adaptive Technology Center serves students, faculty, and staff with disabilities, specializing in tools to assist with reading, writing, studying, and information access. Whether you have one or a combination of disabilities, we are here to help you. This page presents a list of the technologies available to assist with vision impairments. Click on any item for more details, including an overview, assistive materials, and company information.

You can also learn more about other technologies we offer by visiting pages specific to hearing, learning, or mobility impairments.

Technology for Vision Impairments: Software

JAWS for Windows

JAWS is a comprehensive screen reading program that helps low vision or blind users complete tasks such as browsing the web, sending and reading e-mail, utilizing spreadsheets, and accessing databases...

Kurzweil 1000

Kurzweil 1000 is scanning/reading software that makes printed or electronic text accessible to blind and low vision people. The application turns text into synthesized speech and does much more...

Studio Recorder

Studio Recorder makes it possible to record, edit, and produce spoken word audio documents in an efficient manner. It also includes features that aid in the production of Digital Talking Books...

ZoomText

ZoomText is a program that magnifies the computer screen for visually impaired users. This program also has the ability to speak to the user as he/she works...

Technology for Vision Impairments: Hardware

Braille Devices

The ATC offers a variety of Braille Hardware including printers, embossers, readers, portable displays, and note-taking devices.

Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs)

Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) are available at the ATC for video magnification of print and other materials. Users can place a book, image, or text underneath a camera or lens and the magnified image is rendered on a video screen.

Headsets

The ATC provides a variety of headsets. Headphones provide privacy, which helps students concentrate on audio text, while the attached microphone allows for hands-free use of voice recognition software...

Laptop Computers

Qualifying students can check out laptops equipped with adaptive software from the ATC throughout the school year. The ATC uses the Dell Latitude D600 with the Windows XP Professional operating system...

Large Monitors

20 inch monitors are standard in the ATC, providing more room for enlarged text and graphics if needed.

Magnabrite Magnifier

The Magnabrite is a solid acrylic 4x light-gathering magnifier. It intensifies the light that passes through it, making the magnified subject clearer and nearly four times brighter.

Scanners

Flat-bed scanners are available for student use in the ATC. In addition the ATC staff uses high speed scanners and optical character recognition (OCR) software to convert print materials in to electronic text which can be read by the computer...

Tactile Image Enhancer

A Tactile Image Enhancer creates an upraised impression of an image on specially made paper, allowing people with visual difficulties to feel the contours of the image...

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