To aid in creating an even playing field, the DSS Office offers various forms of assistive technology for students registered with our office. This may include screen readers, screen magnifiers, and voice-to-text programs. These programs are purchased by the university and available on public computers for students to use. Students interested in using any of these programs should contact the DSS Office for more information on where they may be accessed. Although they cannot be installed on a student's personal computer, students are able to purchase these programs on their own.
Below please find more information on some of the various assistive technology programs that the university provides.
Kurzweil 3000
Kurzweil 3000 is a highly developed text to speech software utility that creates new learning opportunities by allowing a user to read along with a natural-sounding voice. The program reads directly from a scanned document so the user is able to read from the real text rather than reading from a Word document or a simple text document.
In addition, Kurzweil 3000 offers a dynamic text highlighting feature that allows users to organize thoughts and highlight main points in real time and a writing component that provides the user with a number of different options to take the stress out of the writing process.
- Please click here for additional training on how to use Kurzweil 3000.
- Please click here to request a Kurzweil 3000 trial CD for PC and Mac users.
ZoomText
ZoomText is a screen magnifier program for Microsoft Windows designed for visually-impaired individuals. The program allows one to see and hear everything on the computer screen as well as provide access to applications, documents, email and the Internet. ZoomText has dual monitor support and is capable of magnifying the screen up to 36 times. Color controls help improve the clarity of the screen and mouse pointers can be resized.
Please click here for additional training on how to use ZoomText.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a speech recognition program for students who need assistance with typing papers or completing work for class. It is helpful for students who have limited physical mobility, students who have Dyslexia or a learning disability, and students who are slower at typing or processing. Dragon has three primary functions: dictation, text-to-speech, and command input. Dragon is able to have speech transcribed as written text and have a document synthesized as an audio stream.
Please click here for additional training on how to use Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
JAWS
JAWS is a screen reader for individuals with limited or no visibility. Its purpose is to make Microsoft Windows accessible to blind and visually impaired users. It accomplishes this by providing the user with access to the information displayed on the screen via text-to-speech or by means of Braille display and allows for comprehensive keyboard interaction with the computer.
Please click here for additional training on how to use JAWS.