Library Services
Disability Services - Assistive Technology Room
The Assistive Technology Room is located at the Main Library on the 3rd floor.
On this page:
Workstation A
For people with visual impairments. Workstation A is equipped with:
Workstation B
For people with learning disabilities, reading disorders, dexterity impairments, writing or typing difficulties. Workstation B is equipped with:
ZoomText, Level I
This simple assistive device is invaluable for persons with severe visual impairment. It magnifies the screen appearance, reads text, and describes features on the screen out loud.
- For users with low vision
- Enlarges everything on the screen - text, images, toolbar buttons, etc.
- Works with Internet, email, Word, and other Windows products
- Can adjust display to enlarge full screen, turn cursor into a moveable lens, or have a split screen
How to use ZoomText
Clicking on the ZoomText icon will bring up the ZoomText window and magnify the screen appearance by a factor of x2, the default setting. Naturally, it is impossible to view all of the screen at one time in this mode, but the user will quickly get used to using the mouse to move the visible part of the screen. Exiting ZoomText restores normal screen appearance.
JAWS
JAWS is a screenreader for people who are blind. It reads aloud from the Internet, email, Word, and other software applications.
- For users who are blind
- Allows users to navigate the Internet, listen to their email, do word processing, etc.
- People use keystrokes rather the mouse
- Works with any Windows program
- Works with a regular keyboard
- Training manual available on cassette
How to use JAWS
Users can surf the web and use other applications without ever using the mouse. There are a wide array of keyboard commands that control the cursor, open a menu, etc. Some sample key commands include:
Keyboard Commands
- Control + Alt + J opens JAWS
- Alt + F + Tab allows you to move between programs that are running.
- Insert + T used while Jaws is on tells you what's on the screen.
- Insert + Up Arrow reads the current line.
Learning to use JAWS
The library does not offer in-depth JAWS training. People needing training should make use of one of the resources below:
- Free Online Tutorial
- Designed for a sighted tutor to teach a blind user to use JAWS with Windows programs. Provides a basic overview plus details about keyboard commands, JAWS screen reading commands, how to switch between applications, work with windows and dialog boxes, and much more.
- One-on-One Training from SAAVI
- The Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired (SAAVI) offers a comprehensive JAWS training course at their location at 3767 E. Grant Rd. There is a fee for this course, though there are some programs available that offset the fee in some circumstances. Call 795-1331 or visit their web sitefor more information.
- Training for Students or Veterans
- If you are a student at Pima Community College, the University of Arizona, the Arizona School for the Deaf or Blind, or one of the public schools, you will be eligible for their JAWS training resources. The VA hospital also offers JAWS training for veterans.
OPENBook
Print scanner/reader
- For people who are blind or visually impaired
- Can be operated with ten-key pad or standard keyboard commands
- Users may tailor the visual display through magnification, special character spacing, and high contrast color settings
How to use OPENBook
To open without mouse: Ctl/Alt/O. Click OK (Copyright notice disappears in 10 seconds).
Duxbury
Duxbury converts text from other programs to Braille, and outputs to the Braille embosser/printer.
- For people who are blind
- Converts from other programs to Braille
- Outputs to the Braille embosser
WYNN Wizard
Word processor, print scanner/reader
- For people with learning disabilities, low vision and other disabilities
- Reads scanned text, Internets sites, or documents on disk
- Highlights each word as it is spoken
- Pages retain original layout, or toggle to a text-only display
- Built-in dictionaries
- Word Prediction - users get help in writing with word suggestions
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Dragon Naturally Speaking is a dictation program that also allows the user to operate the computer using voice commands. The student who has difficulty typing and manually using the computer will benefit the most from Dragon. It requires some training for the program to recognize the user’s speech, but the advantages gained more than compensate for the initial time investment.
- This program eliminates the need to type
- Allows users to operate the computer using their voice
- You can speak at the same pace as most of your conversations and your spoken words are transcribed onto the computer screen
- A 10-minute investment in training your voice to the computer will give you 95% accuracy, and additional training increases accuracy
How to use Dragon Naturally Speaking
Please see our Guide for Using Dragon Naturally Speaking.
Other Resources in the Assistive Technology Room
- Motorized adjustable tables
- CCTV print magnifier in our Periodicals room
- Braille embosser
Training on the Assistive Technology Equipment
We do not presently offer training on the assistive technology equipment. Our staff is in the process of being trained, and we have not yet developed proficiency. We have training manuals available, and will direct customers to organizations in the area that offer training.
This equipment was purchased with federal funding from a Library Services and Technology Act grant.