Assistive Technology
The library offers assistive equipment to serve a variety of needs.
ADA Computers
These can be used by people with visual impairments, learning disabilities, reading disorders, dexterity impairments, or writing or typing difficulties.
- Joel D. Valdez Main Library has 2 ADA PCs on the 3rd floor.
- Joyner-Green Valley Branch Library and Mission Branch Library each have 1 ADA PC.
Software on ADA Computers
We do not currently offer training on the assistive technology equipment. We do have training manuals available, and can direct customers to organizations in the area that do offer training.
Other Equipment
- Magnifying glasses available at the Information desk.
- Optelec Closed Circuit Television (large screen magnifier) available at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library and the Joyner-Green Valley Branch Library
- Juliet Braille Embosser available at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library.
- Arkenstone Open Book Software plus optical character recognition scanner (converts print to speech) available at Joel D. Valdez Main Library and the Joyner-Green Valley and Mission branches.
More about Software on ADA Computers
ZoomText 9.1
ZoomText magnifies the computer screen, reads text, and describes features on the screen aloud.
- For users with low vision
- Enlarges objects on the screen such as text, images, toolbar buttons
- Works with internet, email, Word, and Windows
- Display adjusts to enlarge full screen, turn cursor into a moveable lens, or have a split screen
Using ZoomText
Click on the ZoomText icon to bring up the ZoomText window. This will increase the appearance of the screen to twice its regular size. Use the mouse to easily move the text around in the screen. Exit ZoomText to restore the normal screen appearance.
JAWS 4.5
JAWS is a screenreader that reads aloud from the internet, email, Word, and other software applications.
- For users who are blind
- Works with internet, email, Windows, and Microsoft Office
- Works with a regular keyboard
Using JAWS
Surf the web and use other applications without ever using the mouse. Some sample key commands include:
- Control + Alt + J Opens JAWS
- Alt + F + Tab Switches between open programs
- Insert + T Tells you what's on the screen
- Insert + Up 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, working 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 8.0
OPENBook scans printed material and reads text aloud.
- For users who are blind or visually impaired.
- Uses ten-key pad or standard keyboard commands.
- Users may tailor the display through magnification, special character spacing, and high-contrast color settings.
Using OPENBook
To open with the keyboard: Ctl+Alt+O. Click OK. The Copyright notice disappears after 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.
Using Dragon Naturally Speaking
- For users with difficulty typing.
- Spoken words are transcribed onto the computer screen.
- After a 10-minute training to your voice, the computer has 95% accuracy; additional training increases accuracy.
Please see our Guide for Using Dragon Naturally Speaking.
Other Resources
- Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- A list of Pima County Public Library's services for the blind and visually impaired.
- Arizona State Braille and Talking Book Library
- Provides books, magazines and other library resources in alternate formats for all Arizona residents whose visual or physical disabilities prevent the use of conventional print materials.