Computer-based Assistive Technology: FAQ #1

What computer-based assistive technology does the library provide?

SFPL provides hardware and software that can make online information and print materials easily accessible to persons who are blind, have learning differences (such as dyslexia and attention deficit disorder [ADD]), have low vision, or have disabilities that affect their mobility or dexterity.

Patrons can magnify the computer screen, have the contents of a computer screen read aloud, scan in materials to be read aloud or printed out, and use voice commands for word processing.

The following list describes SFPL’s computer-based technology in more detail:

MAGNIFICATION

This software was designed specifically for users with low vision:

• ZoomText Xtra magnifies text. Print size, color, font style and background color can be adjusted by the individual user.

SCREEN TO SPEECH

This software was developed for users who are blind or have low vision:

• JAWS enables users to hear text that appears on the computer screen, whether from the online catalog, the Internet or documents created in Microsoft Word or Excel.

TEXT TO SPEECH

This software was developed specifically for people with reading disabilities:

• Kurzweil 3000 scans print material (including text & pictures), converts text to speech, highlights the text and reads it out loud. This computer program has the ability to read from a graphical Internet browser and includes a built-in dictionary with pronunciations.
  
  
• Read & Write (formerly known as textHELP!) speaks text as it is being typed, performs real-time spell checking, can suggest phonetically close spellings, will automatically correct words and provides automatic word prediction. Can be used with Kurzweil 3000 or WYNN.
  
  
• WYNN (What You Need Now) scans print material, converts text to speech, highlights the text and reads it out loud.

This software was developed primarily for people who are blind, have low vision, or have learning differences:

• Open Book (Ruby edition) converts -- into speech -- information that has been scanned into the computer. As the computer reads aloud, information is highlighted word-by-word on the screen.
  
  
• VERA (Very Easy Reading Appliance) operates as a stand-alone reading machine. Printed material (English only) is scanned in and then read aloud.

VOICE RECOGNITION

Dragon NaturallySpeaking was developed for users unable to effectively use a keyboard:

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking allows users to enter commands or dictate text by speaking into a microphone. Before learning to use Dragon NaturallySpeaking, users must know how to use Microsoft Windows and any Windows-based program (for example Word or Excel) they will be using.
  
  

VISUAL THINKING/THOUGHT ORGANIZATION

• Inspiration aids the user in creating visual diagrams which reveal thought patterns, relationships and themes. Used as a tool for planning and organizing thoughts.