San Francisco State University's Disability Programs and Resource Center is a place where students with a wide range of disabilities can receive support and accommodations to help them succeed on campus. One of the ways the DPRC accomplishes this is by providing a variety of tools to accommodate the learning experience of people with physical or other limitations.
From screen readers to digital pens, DPRC can address the various challenges students face. DPRC's Assistive Technology department is equipped with a variety of tools, gadgets, and training programs to help every student achieve their goals.
Screen Reader
Some students may have difficulty reading on a computer, tablet, or phone screen. Screen readers are one of the most common technologies used in assistive technology departments.
Assistive technology comes in many forms. One that springs to mind is Braille, which, according to DPRC disability expert Kenny Adams, is still in use but is becoming increasingly rare.
- Jaws
This is a screen reader software that reads aloud every word, button, and function on the screen of your Windows-based PC. The price of this software ranges from $90 per year to $1,475 for a lifetime license. - NVDA
This is another screen reader software for Windows, but it is free to use. - Kurzweil 3000
This is a screen reader software with several other applications. This application has tools that allow you to scan and code with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and other features. It is available for PC, Mac, iOS and Android.
Enlargement Technology
Other technologies offered by the DPRC include several different types of magnification technology, which allows users to enlarge physical and digital media to view and interact with various course materials. Adams said the DPRC has CCTV (closed circuit television) and portable magnifying glasses.
- Surveillance camera
These come in a few different formats: there are larger ones that plug into a wall and have a sliding table and screen so users can view all the materials, as well as smaller and portable versions. - Zoom Text
It's a screen magnification program with a few more features than other software out there – think of it like the Magnifier that comes with Windows and iOS.
Special Devices
Some devices are specialised to meet the needs of people with low vision or information retention issues. Some of these devices utilise voice recordings and require special considerations.
- Braille Device
These devices, such as BrailleNotes, are small computers with easy-to-read displays that show information to users in Braille. - Smart Pen
These devices come with a specialized notebook that allows users to jot down notes about their pen strokes and the page they write on, as well as record audio, allowing users to tap the pen to replay that part of the lecture and refer back to that moment in time. DPRC also provides video tutorials on its website. - Digital Recorder
These are simple recording devices similar to a smartphone, allowing you to refer to the lecture later if you forget to take notes.
“There's still sensitivity to recording, and some professors are still a little unhappy about it, and we'll work with them, but of course it says that if it's a class where you're talking about personal issues or whatever, you have to turn the recording off,” Adams said.
DPRC serves a diverse population, each with their own unique circumstances and needs. This technology is just one part of the services we provide to students, from accommodations to specialized training and a variety of other services. Every student with a disability has the right to receive assistance.