Computer ByBy Sarit Kayuraphan 49 3 15939 21 Rounnacahi Ampaipoka 49 3 15487 21 Aids Disables.

Computer

By

Sarit Kayuraphan 49 3 15939 21

Rounnacahi Ampaipoka 49 3 15487 21

Aids

Disables

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies With features from voice

recognition to Braille translation, a cluster of new equipment on the second floor of Meyer Library has been added to the list of accommodating facilities for disabled students on campus.

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies The area, called the Assistive

Computer Technology Center, offers various high-tech equipment to help students with disabilities conduct research, browse the Web or complete other schoolwork.

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies "The goal is to provide access to

adaptive and assistive technology for students on campus with special needs," said Academic Technology Manager Olivia Williamson.

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies The center was set up by an

academic technology specialist, Darren Luvaas, who recently left Stanford to establish an Internet startup. It took almost half a year to complete.

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies Currently about 100 students are

using one or more of the assistive technologies available at the center, according to Williamson.

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies There is a voice recognition system

which allows students to dictate their essays or reports instead of typing. Some voice recognition systems also allow students to control the computer operation itself.

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies The center also has equipment that

is useful for students with vision difficulties or learning disabilities who may have trouble processing written documents.

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies "If students are unable to read on a

normal Web page, we have [programs] that can read the text off the screen or magnify the screen," Williamson said. "Also, you can scan in a text and the computer will read it out loud."

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies Along with software, the center

contains a variety of hardware to accommodate students with disabilities. Keyboards are just one of the many devices in the center that have been modified for special use.

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies Some of the most popular

technological features at the center are the Braille translators, according to Williamson. One machine can scan in a written text and print out a Braille translation. Another machine can translate the words straight from the screen.

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies Even with all of these options,

Williamson said there are still several technologies the center does not have.

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies "We don't have everything in the

market," she said. "But we try to have a broad range of technology to accommodate people with disabilities."

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies Most of the computers in use at the

center are PCs, because much of the funding for the initiative came from a grant from Intel Corp.

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies "Our current center was established

through a grant from Intel which provided us with the initial computing equipment," Williamson said. "The [Disability Resources Center] and Dean of Students offices provide the funding for software and other services."

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies According to Williamson, Stanford

has always had these kinds of machines to accommodate disabled students, but only had "three or four." It was difficult for students to use the machines whenever they wanted to.

C omputerA idsA ssistD isabledS tudents’S tudies The new center has made using

these kinds of machines much more convenient for the people who need them the most.

BLIND

Assorted Aids AT Computer System Braille Displays Braille Keyboard Braille Printers Braille Production Braille Translation Braille Training

Conversion Note Takers & Writers Reading & Scanning Scanning Systems Screen Reading Software Tactile Graphics Voice Systems

Braille Keyboard

Braille Keyboard

Braille Displays

LOW VISION

Computers for Low Vision

Calculators that Talk CCTVs Keyboards - Vision Enhan

ced Eye Shades Lighting for Low Vision Magnifiers for Low

Vision Screen Magnification Soft

ware Voice Dictation Software

Keyboards - Vision Enhanced

ERGONOMICS

Assorted Ergo Helps Ergo Arm Support Ergo Desks Keyboards Keyboard Trays Laptop Solutions Monitor Arms Mouse(s) Number Pads Touch Monitors

Ergo

COMMUNICATION AIDS

Discover Switch Augmentative Communic

ation Aids Head-Eye Mouse Keyboards | Mouse Learning Disabilities Note Takers Voice Amplification Headsets

CONSULTING

Work Place Assessments Assistive Technology