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Assistive Technology

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal special education law, provides the following legal definition of an assistive technology device: "any item, piece of equipment, or product system... that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." Under IDEA, assistive technology devices can be used in the educational setting to provide a variety of accommodations or adaptations for people with disabilities.

The term assistive technology encompasses a broad range of devices from "low tech" (e.g., paper stabilizers, talking calculators) to "high tech" (e.g., computer software, braille readers).

Software

DSS offers an array of technology including: Screen readers, talk-to-text programs, screen magnifiers and software geared toward students with learning disabilities. View more details.

The lastest Microsoft and Macintosh operating systems come with simpler versions of these more advanced programs. Many students find these programs more than sufficient to meet their needs.

There are also many free plug-ins, programs, and trials offers available to download online or available here at DSS. Here are a few examples, including links:

• Wordtalk
  Wordtalk is a free plug-in which can help people with reading difficulties. It will dictate the text from document and will highlight it as it goes. It contains a talking dictionary to help decide which word spelling is most appropriate. It sits neatly in your toolbar and is highly configurable, allowing you to adjust the highlight colors, the voice and the speed of the speech.
• Audacity
  Audacity is a free, easy-to-use audio editor and recorder. It can be used to: record live audio, convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs, edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files, cut, copy, splice or mix sounds together and change the speed or pitch of a recording.
• Inspiration
  Inspiration, which is a visual learning program used to create graphic organizers and expand topics into writing by using integrated diagram and outline tools, offers a free 30-day trial on their website.
• Kurzweil 3000
  Kurzweil 3000 incorporates reading, word processing, and learning software into one single program.  The software can access many different formats including printed, electronic, and web resources. When used as a reader, Kurzweil reads text aloud in clear, humanlike, synthetic speech while visually highlighting the words. Eligable students can pick up a free 30-day trial here at DSS.
  

If you would like to suggest another program, plug-in, or trial to add to this list, please email our coordinator at dss@brown.edu.

Computer Stations

DSS maintains three computers in two libraries for student use. Here is a list and summary of software and peripherals available on these computers.

Other Equipment

• Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
  Or RFB&D, is a national non-profit organization that provides audio books in both CD and tape formats. For more information, visit the RFB&D website.
• Closed-Circuit Television
  Or a CCTV system, uses a stand-mounted video camera to project a magnified image onto a television screen. This device is located in room 327 of the Rockerfeller Library. Please contact DSS at dss@brown.edu for access to this room.