Student Handbook
Accommodations and Services for Students with Disabilities
Academic Accommodations: Assistive Technology
Website Accessibility
The University of Connecticut (UConn) has implemented the LIFT Text Transcoder software in an effort to efficiently convert webpages with images, style, color and text into text-only sites. These text-only websites ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities viewing a UConn webpage and may be accessed by clicking on the “Text-Only” link on a UConn webpage. This option also assists users who access UConn webpages via cell phones, PDAs or other portable electronic devices.
Technology Located at the Center for Students with Disabilities
The University of Connecticut Center for Students with Disabilities maintains a wide variety of assistive technology to help students access materials in alternate formats. Assistive computers and other equipment are located at both the Center and the Homer Babbidge Library (on the first floor near the Information Desk). Students interested in utilizing the equipment should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities at 486-2020 for an introductory session. The assistive technology is available for use by any student with a disability who has completed an orientation to the equipment and the rules regarding its proper use.
- Hardware and Software Available on CSD Assistive Technology PC's
American Printing House for the Blind - Handi-Cassette 4-track Tape Recorders/Players
http://www.aph.org/catalogs/cat_html/products06-07.html#handi_cassette
These tape recorders were designed to provide optimum record and playback capability using prerecorded textbooks or blank cassettes. Features include:
- Digital Pitch Control (DPC): Increase or decrease rate of listening without unpleasant change in voice pitch
- Play and record on 2 or 4 tracks. Play and record at 1 7/8 inches per second or 15/16 ips (Talking Book speed)
- Built in mono speaker and microphone
- Stereo playback through included headphones
- Tactile symbols on controls and touch checking of tape movement
- Power: wall outlet or included rechargeable batteries or regular AA batteries
Aladdin Ambassador - http://www.telesensory.com
With its award winning OCR scanning technology, this reading machine produces highly accurate readings from text-to-speech. It uses the DECtalk speech synthesis software and a 1.08 gigabyte hard drive to store over 60,000 pages of text. A tape recorder can also be attached to make recordings. Aladdin Companion CCTV - http://www.telesensory.com
This is a light-weight, portable 9-inch black-and-white CCTV for use at the Center or easily moveable to other locations as necessary. -
Aladdin Rainbow Color CCTV - http://www.telesensory.com/products2-1-6.html
This CCTV is a 14-inch monitor with a 13.3-inch diagonal viewing area. It will magnify standard, 10-point newspaper print to over 3-inches tall with various background and foreground color options.
Phonic Ear Solaris Binaural Precision Hearing System - http://www.phonicear.com
This system consists of a wireless transmitter and receiver, each with 40-channel built-in dial-selectable FM channels. The speaker wears the transmitter, which sends the sound through an FM radio frequency to the handset. The receiver amplifies the sound and sends it directly to the listener's ear through ear-mics connected to the listener's earmolds (transducers may be used as well). The Solaris Binaural can also be connected to personal hearing aids or a variety of other listening options. Phonic Ear Toteable Sound Field System - http://www.phonicear.com
This personal listening system consists of a FM transmitter that sends the desired speech or other auditory signal to the FM receiver, which is used by the listener. The signal is then amplified and sent to the listener's ear. Since it is wireless, it can be used indoors and outdoors. It is especially useful in noisy areas or where there is a large distance from the speaker to the listener. QuickPADS with infrared receivers - http://www.quickpad.com
The QuickPAD is a portable keyboard that functions as a word processor. It can be used for notetaking in class or any other place a student may need to write. The files can be stored in ten separate folders for security (up to 70 pages of text). The information is then transferred to a computer to be inserted into a current document or to be printed. Some other functions include: spell check dictionary, typing tutor, and calculator.
ReadPlease - http://www.readplease.com
ReadPlease is a text-to-speech program allowing almost any text to be read aloud on a computer. Running only on Microsoft Windows-based computers, the free version of ReadPlease enables users to cut and paste text into the program for listening. The free version comes with four distinct voices and two slidebars: one controls the size of the font and the other controls the reading speed. The Plus version (available for purchase from ReadPlease) gives users many more options, including AT&T Natural Voices. Victor Reader VIBE (Daisy CD Player) - http://www.humanware.ca/web/en/p_DP_VR_Vibe.asp
Victor Reader VIBE is both a sophisticated digital talking book player and an audio and MP3 CD player that you will want to take with you everywhere. Its advanced functionalities allow you to read highly structured books such as school manuals and reference books as well as novels and magazines.
Features:
- Consumer's electronics for the visually impaired and dyslexic
- Accessible with embossed tactile markings: tactile zones and markings for easy recognition of controls.
- Standard CD player: also plays audio and MP3 CDs.
- Advanced functionalities: Go to page, Bookmarks and Speed control with pitch compensation.
- The most compact Daisy player in the world: Light weight 275 grams and dimensions 29 x 148 x 138 mm
- Supports all Daisy navigation levels: Quickly go to chapter, section, page, paragraph, and so on.
- All inclusive package: Earphones, power adapter, carrying case and rechargeable batteries
- Simple firmware upgrade via CD
ViewPlus Tiger Max Embosser - http://www.viewplus.com/products/braille-embossers/max-embosser/
Tiger embossers are the only embossers that allow creating and embossing of Braille directly from mainstream Windows(r) software like MS Office(r), as well as from traditional Braille-making software like Duxbury and Megadots. The Tiger Max Embosser can emboss Braille and graphics together on regular paper. Users can create graphics like they would for an ink printer using familiar Windows(r) software. Braille production is just one use for the Tiger Max; also get amazing graphics straight from Windows, and emboss math graphics from mainstream software.
Key Features:
- Braille:
- 60 characters per second (4 pages of braille per minute - 11.5 by 11 size)
- Interpoint & Intergraphix (2 pass process even allows you to mix graphics and interpoint text)
- Graphics:
- 20 dots per inch resolution
- Automatic conversion of colored and shaded images to 3-D tactile graphics
- Compatible Braille software:
- Duxbury & Megadots & Braille hardware
- Microsoft Office(r) (also for graphics)
- Includes ViewPlus(r) Braille translator for converting text to Braille directly in Windows(r)
Williams Sound Personal FM Listening Systems - http://www.williamssound.com/productlist.aspx
Students who are deaf or hearing impaired may also require an assistive listening device in the classroom. The most common device is a personal FM System where the speaker or class faculty member wears a microphone and the student wears an amplification unit. Students may borrow an FM System from the Center on an as-needed basis. Students are requested to fill out an equipment loan agreement form and work out the terms with the Director. Please contact the CSD for more information.
These wireless systems use transmitters and receivers to allow hearing in difficult listening situations:
- The Transmitter is a battery-powered belt pack used with a microphone (included) to convert sound into an FM signal;
- The Receiver is also battery-powered and is used with an earphone (also included) to hear the radio signal sent by the transmitter;
- Also has a T-switch capacity with a neckloop (included).
For equipment located at the Homer Babbidge Library, please use the following link: http://www.lib.uconn.edu/using/LSPD/lsdhp.htm.
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