Bartle Library Adaptive Technology Room

SSD and the Glenn G. Bartle Library maintain a small computer lab in the Adaptive Technology Room, on the 3rd floor of the main library. Students interested in accessing this lab must meet with the SSD Director or Learning Disabilities Specialist to obtain key borrowing authorization. The two computers located in the lab support the following assistive software programs:

Kurzweil 3000
The premier reading/writing software for students with learning difficulties like Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder, etc. Kurzweil 3000 highlights the line being read in one color and the word it is reading out loud in a contrasting color to help the user maintain focus. Should you want to mark a passage for special attention, study skills tools allow you to highlight the passage in the color of your choice. Lecture notes important to a particular section? The sticky note tool splits the screen and allows notes to be integrated with textbook material.
Use other tools to improve your phonetic pronunciation of words, improve your spelling, increase your vocabulary, even increase your reading speed. With Kurzweil 3000 you are finally in control of your reading.

Dragon Naturally Speaking
Voice-activated software that allows the user to dictate into almost any windows-based application quickly and accurately. Without ever clicking your mouse, you can edit a document, control applications and manage your desktop – all through the sound of your voice. Use Dragon with Microsoft Office Suite, emails, IM’s and chats online.

Inspiration
Use graphics to represent the flow of your thoughts. Brainstorm, web, diagram, concept map, and organize your thoughts visually then, with the click of a button, see the linear outline appear before your eyes. Make creating and organizing those papers you write each semester less stressful and let the computer create the outline from which the paper will flow.

Zoomtext Xtra
The most advanced fully-integrated screen magnifier paired with a screen reader – designed specifically for the computer user with low vision. All Windows operating systems are supported for smooth compatibility. 2X-16X magnification with 8 different zoom windows for full and partial screen enlargement. Smooth panning and color filtering improve readability. Supports JAVA and interfaces with Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional version.

Kurzweil 1000
Reading software that makes printed or electronic text accessible to those who are blind or visually impaired. Read a book or online Internet material with ease. Study tools such as bookmarks, skimming, summarization and outline-creation help every student become an independent learner.

Additional Adaptive Computing Resources in the University Libraries

Zoomtext Xtra and Kurzweil 3000 Read-only software are available on selected computers in the Glenn G Bartle Library Reference Area, the Reserve Room and the Science Library. Each computer is marked by signage stating usage "Priority for persons with Disabilities" and listing the adaptive software available at that particular station. Questions related to priority access or technical use of the programs may be directed to the librarians in those areas or to the Adaptive Technology Manager in SSD.

Public Computing Pods
Computing Services has installed Dragon Naturally Speaking and Zoomtext Xtra in the Group Computing Areas in the Engineering Building South Pod, the Academic A Computing Lab, and the Hinman College Library. These computers are available for use by any Binghamton University student. Please contact SSD (777-2686) for assistance learning to use the adaptive technology.

Assistive Devices
SSD has a Loan Closet of assistive devices including:

• variable speed tape recorders for accessing taped texts,

• two Alpha Smart note taking devices,

• a Palm Pilot with keyboard,

• several portable Phonic Ear assistive listening units

• a Franklin Speller allowing the user to input phonetically and hear the correct spelling,

• and a DataLink Timex watch to help with time management and organization.

In addition, the Educational Communications office loans receivers compatible with assistive listening systems available in selected theaters and lecture halls.
 

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