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University of Wyoming

Assistive Technology

 

Visual Impairments
 

Auditory systems are available to make print materials accessible for persons who are blind or visually impaired, such as speech synthesizers combined with screen reading software programs.  JAWS or Kurzweil offer this assistance, with the help of scanners, to use speech as a primary method of feedback. 

Enlargement software such as Zoom Text and enlargement hardware such as Aladdin Genie Pro are used to increase the size of the printed word.  Split screen functions allow two forms of information to be displayed on the computer monitor at one time: material displayed on the Aladdin Genie Pro plus a computer file. 

The CarryMate is a portable video magnifier that allows students to magnify the chalk/marker board in class, slideshow presentations given by a professor, and a notebook that the student may be taking notes on.  The AMIgo is more portable than the CarryMate and provides the same functionality (but to a smaller extent).

Braille is available through the use of a Perkins Brailler and a Blazie Braille Printer.

Learning Disabilities
 

Auditory systems can also be used to provide access to print mediums for persons with learning disabilities.  Synthesized speech programs such as JAWS or Kurzweil reinforce visual cues that may be confusing for a person with a visual-perceptual learning disability.  These screen reading software programs can be used in conjunction with visual cues to increase comprehension and understanding.   Individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) may also benefit from the use synthesized speech when reviewing written materials. 

Grammar checking software is available to proof documents and to improve writing skills. 

Individuals with learning disabilities that affect written expression may benefit from using Dragon Naturally Speaking, a voice recognition program that allows the user to tell the computer what to write.  Dragon takes advantage of oral skills, rather than written expression.  MathTalk uses Dragon Naturally Speaking to complete mathematical expressions through voice commands.

Mind mapping software - Inspiration - assists the individual when organizing thoughts into a cohesive outline or diagram, which may become a draft for a well constructed paper.


Physical and Mobility Impairments
 

Hand Function Disabilities
Dragon Naturally Speaking was originally developed for individuals with hand limitations.  It uses auditory input from the user which reduces keyboard use to a minimum.  The newer version of Dragon Naturally Speaking (8) is easier to learn and adapts more readily to natural speech than in prior versions.  The Alpha Smart Pro and Dana portable devices consist of a standard keyboard and small screen.  You can type notes using the keyboard (on AlphaSmart and Dana)or by writing with the Dana stylus directly onto the screen (Dana only).  It's easy to use and can be very handy for taking class notes.  Cables are available to download files to your computer or printer.

Chemical Sensitivities
The Montgomery Technology Center environment is designed to accommodate persons with chemical sensitivities, providing a chemical free atmosphere though additional filtering systems.

The MTC is centrally located, providing a quiet place to study, review, or to check e-mail.  Feel free to stop by the MTC in room 7 of Coe Library during regular business hours for a tour or for one-on-one training

Also, there are other computer labs on campus that have AT available for student use.  Please go to http://microlab.uwyo.edu/labs/software.asp to find out what AT software is available in the University computer labs, and go to http://microlab.uwyo.edu/labs/hardware.asp to find out about what AT hardware is available around campus and where it is located.  The following AT and AT programs are available:

    Aladdin Genie Pro
    Dragon Naturally Speaking 8
    Inspiration versions 7.5 & 8
    Jaws 8.0
    Kurzweil 1000 & 3000
    ZoomText 9.1

If you have any questions, please contact the MTC coordinator, located in Coe Library, Room 6.

Return to MTC Homepage