Computer ByBy Sarit Kayuraphan Rounnacahi Ampaipoka Aids Disables

Computer Aids Assist Disabled Students’ Studies 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.

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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.

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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.

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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.

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S tudents’ S tudies Currently about 100 students are using one or more of the assistive technologies available at the center, according to Williamson.

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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.

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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.

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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."

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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.

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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.

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S tudents’ S tudies Even with all of these options, Williamson said there are still several technologies the center does not have.

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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."

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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.

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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."

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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.

Computer Aids Assist Disabled S 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 Displays

LOW VISION Computers for Low Vision Calculators that Talk CCTVs Keyboards - Vision Enhanced Eye Shades Lighting for Low Vision Magnifiers for Low Vision Screen Magnification Software 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 Communication Aids Head-Eye Mouse Keyboards | Mouse Learning Disabilities Note Takers Voice Amplification Headsets

CONSULTING Work Place Assessments Assistive Technology