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Types of Assitive Technology in Trinity College
At the Disability Service we categorise Assistive Technology, or AT as it is called, as follows:
Low Tech A.T are readily available interventions which cost little or no money
Hi Tech A.T is more specialist hardware and software
Assitive Technology you already use existing technology in an innovative way
Low Tech Assistive Technology
General Accessibility Options
Everyone can benefit from these simple adjustments that make your computer more comfortable to use.
All Windows based machines have a ease of use ccneter with loads of inbuilt accessiblity tips found be browsing to all programs/accessories/ease of use
.
Ergonomic Aids
Ergonomics is the study of ease of use and these aids can help reduce RSI and tiredness. Anyone who uses a computer, particularly Office workers can benefit from these type of aids e.g. wrist rests, anti-glare screen, ergonomic keyboards, trackerball mice, ergonomic furniture.
For more on Ergonomics and how it can help click here
Large/LCD Montiors
Large monitors are an important equipment item for visually impaired users. As mentioned above, this is particularly important if someone is using screen magnification software, as it will ensure a larger proportion of information can be viewed on screen at any one time.
Read & Write software
Read & Write is a literacy support tool designed to assist users of all ages who require extra assistance when reading or composing text.
It is designed to help computer users with reading and writing difficulties. It can read text aloud and help you construct words and sentences. It also has many other features, such as advanced spell checking and word prediction.
Read & write is installed on all computers in the public computer rooms across campus. For more info on this software click here
Mind-mapping
Everyone could use a little help organising their thoughts, be it for a term paper or the end of year financial report. Mind-mapping or brain-storming are creative techniques of getting your thoughts down quickly and then organising them. You can use paper and a pen - which is very low cost AT! or there are software packages such as Inspiration and MindGenius.
See our resources page for a free download.
Hi Tech Assistive Technology
Screen Reading Software
These applications have been designed for blind computer users to facilitate access to the the web, documents and day to day computer use. This software enables the blind person to use keyboard short cuts to read toolbars and document content. The user will need to invest a great deal of time and practice to become accustomed to its use. At Trinity we use JAWS screen reader.
Voice Dictation Software
Why type when you can speak ?
Voice dictation software can allow complete hands-free access and control of a computer. Such control requires a substantial investment of time in order to train the software to recognise the user’s voice. However it can be an incredibly enabling technology particularly for users with keyboard difficulties e.g. people with dexterity and mobility problems. When used in conjunction with a keyboard this software can help visually impaired users word-process more effectively. At Trinity we have opted for natural speech recognition called Dragon Naturally Speaking.
Screen Magnification
Screen Magnification does come as part of the Accessibility Options in Windows and MAC OS. However there is more sophisicated screen magnification software available; e.g. at Trinity we use ZoomText which come with filters such as screen reading and colour filters.
Note: people with low vision also use low level technologies such as eye glasses and lateral AT such as CCTV to enlarge books and other objects.
Loop Systems
A Loop System enables hearing aid users hear various sound sources in large rooms or reception areas, in auditoriums, offices, theatres, or other large public areas.
A loop of insulated wire is fixed around a designated listening area and is connected to a power source, an amplifier and a microphone.
Hearing aids which have the ‘T’ switch can be set at this position, thus allowing the user receive a signal, which is carried from the microphone to the amplifier and is transmitted through to the loop wire, similar to a transmitting aerial.
Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV)
CCTVs provide enlargement for paper based text and are valuable for users who wish to read handouts or use books without the need for enlargement by photocopying. Desk top and portable versions are available as are colour and black and white models.
Using CCTVs is usually important for visually impaired library users as it allows them to skim text and select relevant sections which they may wish to enlarge by photocopying later. This obviously allows much more independent research and saves considerable expense in wasted copies.
There is presently a CCTV in place for use in the assistive area of the Ussher library. If neeeded there is also a portable CCTV available for use by contacting the Assitive Technology officer.
A.T you already use
Digital Dictaphones
Students can use the digital dictaphone to record lectures, assignments and research information. Students have fuller control over the playback, they can pause and rewind much more easily than using a cassette player. This is useful for visual impaired students, those with dyslexia and learning difficulties. Digital dictaphones have the added attraction of being able to transfer recordings onto PC and even synchronise with some voice recognition software.
iPod/ smart phones
You can buy mic attachments that will turn your iPod into a digital dictaphone (see above) to record lecturers, notes etc.
SMS/Texting by Deaf Students
Deaf people are avid Texters and use Texting (SMS) to communicate with each other and non-Deaf people. Disability Service use this facility to communicate with many of our students.
Instant Messaging Programs - Google Talk
Instant Messaging Programs such as Google Talk that is part of every student mail / Myzone account. This can be used by Deaf people and non-speaking people to communicate with others. It is a much more instanteous form of communication compared to email and quicker than Texting.
