Assistive technology enables students with disabilities to perform daily activities such as accessing course materials and content, navigating the web, using software and information technologies. Student Disability offers a variety of assistive technology to registered students.
Software
- Dragon Naturally Speaking is a speech recognition software that converts spoken words on a computer into text.
- Kurzweil 3000 is a robust reading software that converts text on a computer screen (i.e. documents, webpages, etc.) into speech. It also offers learning tools for writing, studying, and researching as well as the ability to convert documents into audio formats. The software is available on the OIT Software Distribution page for free and download to all students, faculty, and staff with a valid UTK NetID and password.
- Kurzweil 1000 is a reading software designed for individuals who are blind or with low vision. It offers a variety of natural voices in multiple languages and accurate optical character recognition software.
- JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a screen reading software for Microsoft Windows that allows individuals who are blind or have significant visual disabilities to use and navigate a computer without a mouse.
- Read & Write Gold is a comprehensive reading, writing, and literacy software designed for students with learning disorders and for English-language learners. The software is available on the OIT Software Distribution page for free and download to all students, faculty, and staff with a valid UTK NetID and password.
- ZoomText is a screen magnification software that enlarges and enhances everything on a computer screen. The software has enhancement features that allow the user to adjust the color, contrast, and brightness.
Equipment
- CCTV is a magnifying device. It is equipped with a camera mounted on a stand that displays items placed on the tray.
- Braille Note Touch is an adaptive computer designed specifically for individuals with visual disabilities. The device 32-cell refreshable Braille display is equipped with a Braille keyboard, and features a speech synthesizer for auditory feedback.
- Livescribe Pen – Digitizes notes as you write them, via a camera built into the pen, while simultaneously recording audio.
- Ubiduo is a portable, wireless device that facilitates communication between a person who is Deaf or Hard of hearing with someone who is hearing. The device is equipped with a keyboard and screen to display the conversation.
- Talking calculator reads aloud keystrokes, calculations, and results on the screen. The keys are also equipped with large print numbers and symbols.
- Transformer HD is a portable video magnifier that is compatible with windows and Mac computers. The device can magnify print materials as well as items on the board.
- Pocketalker amplifies sounds closest to the listener while reducing background noise.
Assistive Technology Lab
The Assistive Technology (AT) Lab is available to all UTK students although priority is given to students registered with Student Disability Services. The AT Lab is located on the ground floor of Blount Hall, Room 008 and generally opens Monday-Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM. Space availability is subject to change. The lab is equipped with the following:
- Eight (8) computer stations with adjustable desks
- Large print keyboards with multiple backlights
- OCR Scanner
- JAWS
- Kurzweil 1000 & 3000
- Read and Write Gold
- ZoomText